How-Tos

• Sno-Seal Instructions
• Leather Care for Ice Skates from Sno-Seal
• Figure Skate Boot Care from Riedell
• How to Iron on Appliques from Sue's
• Figure Skate Blade Care Basics
• Figure Skate Boot/Blade Break In

Wear guards! If you absolutely don't have guards, walk on your toe picks - only on rubber mats or carpet. Never walk on wood or cement without guards.

Remove excess snow! Immediately when you step off the ice BEFORE putting on your guards. Wet blades left in guards for more than 20 minutes will rust.

Dry blades! Before putting your skates in your bag, wipe them down with a heavy cotton towel AND blade AND mounting surface.

Use Soakers! Always use soakers for protection from nicks and to absorb extra moisture.

Additional tips to keep your blades in top condition:

1. Remove skates from your bag when you get home and also remove the soakers. Our arenas are very cold, as the skates/blades warm, condensation will occur on the metal blades. This also allows the leather to dry and helps prevent rotting around the screws.
2. Check guards and soakers periodically for rust or dirt. Wash, rinse and dry well.
3. DURING THE SUMMER - REMOVE SKATES FROM YOUR BAG AND REMOVE THE SOAKERS. Coat the blades with Vaseline or WD-40 during your off-season. This will keep moisture out. Humidity during the summer months will cause rust even inside your soakers!
4. Snow seal skates once a year as per the instructions on the container. Make sure the skates are dry first - allow at least 12 hours from your last skate. You don't want to seal in moisture!
5. Do not kick the boards or walk on the threshold onto the ice surface.
6. Check screws periodically to make sure they are tight. Carry a screwdriver in your skate bag.
7. Only take figure skates to a reputable FIGURE SKATE sharpener. One sharpening by and unskilled technician can ruin blades. Keep in mind, Hockey skate sharpening is completely different from figure skating.