How To Remove Storage Wax From Skis? [Answered!]


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I love my ski gear. I enjoy every aspect of the winter sport, especially since I live in a place where it snows a lot. My friends and I have been playing in the snow for as long as I can remember, and the thrill of sliding down a slope just never gets old. Unfortunately, the winter sport is not without its downfalls. One of the most aggravating things is having to remove wax from the ski equipment every day before hitting the slopes again. Let’s explore how to remove storage wax from skis.

Wax On, Wax Off

Before we start, it’s important to note that most ski waxes are designed to be reusable. After all, it would be wasteful to throw away a wax cartridge after just a few days of use. So even though it’s no secret that ski waxes are there to make your life a little simpler during the winter sport, it’s also important to remember that it’s not necessarily evil (or bad, for that matter). Simply put, some people are just more comfortable having things done for them, especially when it comes to skincare, so it’s important to not feel as if you’re being judged when choosing to remove or not to remove your wax.

All You Need Is Water

It’s important to bear in mind that the best way to remove wax from skis is with water. This is because most ski waxes are hydrophobic, which basically means that they are attracted to moisture. If you’ve used paraffin wax before, you will know what I mean when I say that hydrophobic waxes make for the best melting point. The reason behind this is that once the wax is melted, it is much less likely to re-solidify and cause you problems while skiing. If you do end up with a block of wax that won’t melt, then there are solvents available that you can use to thin it out. It’s also important to note here that most people (myself included) don’t recommend using anything hotter than room temperature water to melt the wax, as doing so can damage the wood of your ski poles.

Scared Straight

If you’ve ever tried to wax ski shoes or ski boots before, you will know that these are a pain to remove. This is because most ski waxes are designed to go over everything except for the actual sole of the shoe or boot. The trick here is to use a warm, wet cloth to remove the wax from the insides of the shoe or boot. The reason behind this is that the inside of your winter sports equipment is usually more susceptible to wax build-up, which can result in your downfall while skiing. This is especially true if you have thick and long hair, which can get caught in the gearing of your ski equipment.

The Rodge

There is yet another factor that you need to be aware of when trying to remove wax from your skis, and that is rhododendrons. These are a type of plant that can grow massive flower buds that resemble bright red hues of hot-rod paint. When the sun is beaming down on these buds, it gives the surrounding area a very warm and inviting feel. Unfortunately, these flowers are what you need to avoid if you want to keep your ski gear clean. When the wax from the rhododendrons touch your equipment, it can cause it to deteriorate quickly. To be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid putting your skis away after every day of use, especially if you live in an area where these plants are common (I’m looking at you, North Carolina!).

Soap And Water

If you’re looking for an alternative way to remove wax from your skis, then you can always resort to soap and water. You will need to start by taking out your shoes and socks, and then thoroughly washing your feet. After you’ve cleaned house, it’s time to get to work on the ski gear You can use a brush and some soap to gently clean out the inside of your ski boots. Once you’ve done that, simply rinse your boots with water and let them air dry. You can also use the same method to clean out your ski gloves.

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the reasoning behind waxing your skis and how to go about removing it. Whether you choose to remove the wax or not is your decision, but at least now you know the ins and outs of removing storage wax from your skis. Have fun skiing!

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