Whether you’re skiing or doing any other kind of winter sport, wax can be a real pain to clean off your skis. After every run, you have to stop, dig out your ski gear, and peel off that pesky wax that built up during the day. Sometimes, it sticks so tightly to the ski that you have to leave it there and mark it for the mechanics to remove when you’re back at home. Besides, that black stuff you scrape off is often full of grit and small rocks that end up causing you lots of problems down the line.
Now, if you’re reading this and thinking, โYeah, sure, I’ll give it a try,โ let’s take a look at how to remove kick wax from cross country skis.
Table of Contents
Waxing 101
You might be familiar with waxing, the process of removing hair with wax.
Most people wax their eyebrows and sometimes their legs as well. The technique is the same as hair removal and it’s actually considered a form of self-expression. If you’re not into waxing, it’s a great way to experiment with different textures and see how they feel on your skin. You might even try waxing your knuckles or the insides of your elbows. Although it can be somewhat painful, the process is a lot of fun and it can feel great to let loose and express yourself.
Waxing On Skis
As we discussed above, wax is a pain to remove from your skis. The main issue is that once you have it on there, it’s stuck and there’s no real easy way to get it off. When it comes to waxing on skis, you need to follow a few simple steps to prevent any accidents or complications. First of all, do it when the weather is between 20หF and 30หF. Doing it at temperatures below 20หF and above 30หF can cause the wax to either melt or harden, making it much more difficult to remove. Secondly, only use petroleum jelly (also known as Jelly Wax) and not traditional wax on your ski equipment. Third, ensure that your ski waxing kit is in good condition and has all the necessary tools and appliances. In the event that you do have an accident during waxing, be sure to clean it immediately with soap and water to reduce the risk of skin infections. Finally, when traveling abroad, make sure to bring your own equipment specialists to help out with the process. Hiring a professional to do it for you can get very pricey and it’s difficult to fully trust someone else to take care of your safety and well-being while on your hols.
How To Remove Kick Wax From Cross Country Skis
Now that you’re equipped with basic knowledge about waxing, it’s time to learn how to remove it from your cross country skis. First of all, if you’re using a traditional wax, you’ll need to melt it with heat. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to do this called โwaxing in the snow.โ Simply take your ski mask off and hold it over the exposed area of skin (the area where your ski boots meet the ground). Next, grab a hold of a ski with your right hand and insert the middle finger of your left hand into the wax that’s attached to it. Move your finger in a small circle and you’ll start to see the wax begin to melt. Once the wax is thin enough, take your finger out and start moving it along the surface of your ski. You’ll notice that the wax begins to peel off as you move your finger. Now, if you have a lot of wax buildup, repeat the process until you’ve completely removed it. Remember, the more you work at it, the easier it will be to remove. If you’re doing this on fresh wax, you might have to go over it a few times before you begin to see the effect.
The Final Step
When you’re done removing the wax, you need to make sure that you wipe down your ski equipment with a dry cloth to remove any excess oils and dirt that have settled while the wax was melting. Finally, store your skis in a cool, clean place when they’re not in use to keep them in good condition. This way, they’re ready to go for when the next season comes around.
Of course, this is just a basic overview of how to remove kick wax from cross country skis. Depending on your ski preferences and lifestyle, there are many more methods you can use. For instance, you can try using a snow scraper or an ice scraper on the surface of the wax to break it up. You can also try rubbing the area between your thumb and forefinger or using a brush to remove the wax. Of course, try different methods and see what works best for you. You might also want to try putting petroleum jelly on the area where the boot meets the ski to make it easier to remove after each run. Whatever works best for you, just make sure that you’re consistent and that you have everything you need before you begin.