Best Solvent For Cleaning Bearings (Citrus Cleaner)

Dirty skateboard bearings are a terrible look at any professional skateboarder. Your board needs to function at top capacity for you to enjoy every skating experience. As a responsible skateboard owner, you must consider periodic maintenance of your board, and cleaning the bearings is a very important part of that routine.

Finding the right solvent or citrus cleaner for cleaning bearings can be quite a hassle. There are numerous products on sale that could do the job but you only need one good one that works fine and aids longevity. Fortunately, you don’t have to do any digging as we have finished the research and provided the top 8 skateboards & longboard bearing cleaner options for you to pick from.

We have very interesting picks lined up for you. Our list of top skateboard bearing cleaners includes a good mix of industrial and natural degreasers. We also included a dry degreaser for those who want a quick solution and multipurpose oil for those that want to skip a specialized cleaner altogether.

Make sure to check out the bonus product we discuss after the reviews and learn more about how to properly clean your skateboard bearings too.

Top 9 Best Solvent For Cleaning Bearings

We are going to look at the top 7 best skateboard cleaner products you can find on the market today. We’ll inform you of the features and pricing structure of each one and tell you why we believe they are made to be better than the rest. Hopefully, by the end, you will have a clear idea as to what might suit your needs best. My skater friends and I tested out some of these cleaning products ourselves in order to get an insight into what’s so great about each one – that way you can rest assured our list has been well researched!

Best Bearing Cleaner (Bearing Degreaser)

Simple Green Concentrated- best bearing cleaner

Cleaning your skate bearings is an important maintenance step but you mustn’t deal with harsh chemicals to achieve this. If you’re sensitive to harsh chemicals, you need a natural cleaning product that will not have adverse effects on your health or trigger an allergy.

This Multipurpose Cleaner from Simple Green is an excellent option for this situation. Apart from longboard bearings cleaning, this product can be used for a host of other household cleaning needs including removing tough stains and grease buildup in the kitchen.

One bottle of this Concentrated Multipurpose Cleaner contains 32 ounces of product. The manufacturer instructs that you dilute the concentrate before cleaning and this only extends the lifespan of the product.

No matter what material your skateboard bearings are made from, this cleaner is safe to use on them all. Because it is natural and non-toxic, it is not as harsh as other solvents or chemical-based cleaners that eat away at weak surfaces.

We don’t recommend this for use on pearl, suede, or other unfinished services but it can work wonders around the rest of the house. If you want a natural solution and plan to degrease your skate bearings often, you can’t rely on regular vinegar solutions. Simple Green’s Concentrated Multipurpose Cleaner is the ideal choice for you.

Highlights

• 32-ounce bottle.
• Non-toxic cleaner.
• Trigger spray design.

 

Simple Green Bearing Cleaner And Degreaser

For your Longboard bearing cleaning and other household degreasing chores, Simple Green’s Industrial Cleaner and Degreaser is an excellent choice. This powerful degreaser and cleaner have no added scent or color so you can enjoy optimal cleaning without chemical interruptions.

The formula is biodegradable and completely non-toxic. This makes it safe to handle without worrying about irritation. This degreaser contains zero phosphates, zero butyls, and is fully VOC compliant.

It is the ideal non-corrosive and non-abrasive cleaning formula to keep your Longboard bearings free from grime as you prepare to re-lubricate.

You don’t need a specialized bearings cleaner if you can get this Industrial Strength Cleaner and Degreaser from Simple Green. No matter how thick the grease buildup on your bearings is, this strong degreaser will melt it all away after just a few minutes of soaking.

If you are sensitive to harsh smells, this will be a very good option because it leaves no trace of cleaning smells behind. This product comes well packaged in a 24-ounce bottle with a trigger spray mouth. It is easy to use as is and can be diluted for lighter cleaning projects around the house.

There is no need to spend a lot of money on a specialized skate bearings cleaner that cannot be multi-purposed if you have a lot of degreasing needs around the house. This one product will serve all your needs and give you more value for your money.

Highlights

• Unscented degreaser.
• 24-ounce bottle.
• VOC-compliant biodegradable product.
• Industrial strength degreaser.
• Non-toxic formula.

 

Gunk CC3K Complete Parts Cleaner Kit

Anyone in search of the ultimate skate bearings cleaner that will last for a long time will not go wrong with this parts cleaner from Gunk. Packing a whopping 96 ounces of product, you will not need to go out to the store and grab another can of solvent cleaner for a very long time.

Even though this solvent has a lot of products for you to enjoy, it also comes with a dripping basket to help you waste less of that product every time you clean. When you dismantle your metal skate bearings, simply place them in the drip basket and submerge them in a container of the CC3K solvent.

The product will act on and thoroughly clean your bearings with a good soak. It is so easy and convenient that we are sure you will love this parts cleaner for all your bearing cleaning needs and other metal parts around the house.

This product is extremely efficient in removing grime and grease from every part of your metal skateboard bearings. It is a top choice for lovers of the environment as it is fully environment-friendly.

It is non-chlorinated and non-corrosive. It also contains no cresylic, ozone depleters, or phenols. The solvent or citrus cleaner has been specially formulated to properly clean bearings and other metal parts. If your skateboard bearings are made from another metal apart from metal, you should look elsewhere or you could damage them.

Highlights

• 96 ounce can.
• Complete cleaning kit with a dripping basket.
• Environment-friendly composition.
• Special formula solvent for metal parts.

 

Sonic citrus cleaner for bearings

This is the most potent solution for skateboard owners who use cost-effective bearings that the shield cannot be removed. Not all bearings are fully removable and if you’re not ready to buy more sophisticated skate bearings, you need a cleaning solvent or citrus cleaner to cater to those needs.

Some other solvents will damage your bearing shields but this one works right through them to get all the grime and grease out of your bearings so you can re-lubricate them to work like new.

Sonic’s Citrus Power Cleaner is extremely easy to use. You don’t want an overly complicated cleaning system that takes too much time or effort to go through or you will always postpone your cleaning routine.

The solvent can be easily dispensed through the flip cap as you work. When you are finished and need to put your Citrus Power Cleaner back in storage, simply replace the flip cap with the cap plug so none of your precious solvents spills or evaporates while in storage.

This excellent bearing cleaning is not water-based. It comes in a well-packaged bottle and smells so nice. Many customers wish the package contained more product but it is a great deal for the price.

Highlights

• 8-ounce bottle.
• Contains no water.
• Made with orange and lemon extracts.
• Has a convenient flip-top cover.
• Has a cap plug for secure storage.

 

Citra Solv Valencia- Citrus Cleaner For Bearings 

Blast out grime and grease with Citra Solv’s Valencia Orange Natural Cleaner. The natural in the name is not a joke. This degreaser is made with limonene fluid from orange peels, biodegradable coconut cleaning agents, and a blend of essential oils.

You are well within environment-friendly limits using such a product for bearing cleaning. Although this solvent is natural, it is heavily concentrated.

One 8 ounce bottle of Valencia Orange Natural Cleaner can be diluted to make 11 gallons of all-purpose cleaner and degreaser. Because of this, it should not be ingested or exposed to skin contact or irritations and more serious problems will occur.

The natural cleaner is very safe for use on your skateboard bearings and many other household appliances and surfaces. The manufacturers suggest that this product has over one hundred different applications.

Such a multipurpose product is great to have around the house and will save you the cost of buying different products for different uses. If you don’t like the citrus scent, you might not like the smell of this cleaner. But the smell beats the harsh chemical odor of other concentrated solvents.

This product does not come with a spout applicator but you will need to dilute it before use anyway, so this might not be necessary. Valencia Orange Natural Cleaner is an outstanding cleaning product for skateboard bearings. Your bearings will roll smoothly like new products after coming in contact with this product.

Highlights

• 8-ounce bottle.
• Concentrated product.
• Made with natural materials and essential oils.
• Tough grease degreaser.

 

Trewax Citrus magic cleaner

If you have tried different solvent cleaners for your skateboard bearings and are on the lookout for a functional product with a good scent, this Heavy Duty Citrus Magic Cleaner and Degreaser from Treewax is the perfect solution for you and your skateboard bearings.

Made from organic orange peels, this strong citrus degreaser is extremely efficient. It penetrates through your bearings to take out all the gunk and old grease so they can roll uninterrupted once more. After use, you won’t have to deal with awful chemical smells that turn your stomach and make you nauseous.

You will not have to make a big mess while decreasing your skate bearing when you use this product. The spray bottle container makes use direct, simple, and efficient. If some degreaser gets sprayed in the cleaning area, it is easier to clean up than when spraying is not an option.

This doesn’t only save you time, it will help preserve the product by avoiding waste. Treewax’s Heavy Duty Citrus Magic Cleaner and Degreaser gets the job done on those greasy skate bearings and still smells nice. The large 32-ounce bottle will last for a long time and help you achieve several skateboard-bearing cleaning routines before it is used up.

Highlights

• 32-ounce bottle.
• Natural citrus solvent.
• Deep penetration for thorough cleaning.
• Biodegradable product.
• Has a citrus scent.

 

3-In-One Long-Lasting Multipurpose Oil

We know you’re looking for a skateboard bearing cleaner and seeing a lubricating oil on this list might be confusing but this is not a mistake. Skateboarders who don’t have the time to delicately take apart, clean, re-lubricate, and re-assemble their skateboards often will appreciate this product.

The multipurpose oil serves three functions; cleaning, lubricating, and protecting your skate bearings from rust.

We recommend that you use this product alongside a proper degreaser. This can serve as a cleaner and lubricant in between deep cleaning sessions. Constant use will result in an accumulated product that must be deep cleaned with a solvent or degreaser or your skate bearings might be damaged for good.

The bearing oil comes fitted with a long spout to help you directly apply it more easily. The squeeze bottle also helps in easy, even distribution of the product so your bearing isn’t clogged with oil.

This Multipurpose Oil from 3-in-one has been a critical household instrument since 1894. If your mum had a sewing machine in 1950, she probably used this oil. If your dad owned a bike in 1960, he probably used this oil too. You should be confident in the powers of any product that has been tested and trusted for over a hundred years.

Highlights

• 8-ounce bottle.
• Cleans lubricates and protects.
• Excellent for use on skateboard bearings.
• Squeeze bottle design
• Fill quantity indicator strip.
• Drip spout design

 

Clean Streak- Skate bearing cleaner

If you are looking for a quick cleaning solution for your skateboard bearings, look no further than White Lightening’s Clean Streak Dry Degreaser. Just aim and spray the degreaser on your bearings and wait a few minutes for the solution to dry up.

You don’t have to rinse or clean anything else and your skate bearings will be good to go. This degreaser will get into hard-to-reach areas to ensure no bearing is left uncleaned.

Blast that grimy grease and dirt out of your skateboard bearings with White Lightening’s Clean Streak Dry Degreaser. If you have neglected your bearings for a long time and have to deal with tough buildup, this is the product you want in your corner.

It doesn’t take a lot of this degreaser to build up old, caked grease and dirt. Take note that the product is very strong and gives off strong fumes. Be mindful to open all doors and windows to your garage while decreasing your bearings with this product and never use it in a poorly ventilated room or you might choke.

Highlights

• Available in 14 and 24-ounce bottles.
• Leaves no residue.
• Very effective dry degreaser.
• Dries up in minutes.
• Provides instant skateboard bearing cleaning.

 

 

Bones Skateboard Bearings Cleaning Kit

This is not a cleaning solvent but will be a very useful product for your skateboard cleaning routine. It is a cleaning shaker bottle for skateboard bearings.

You pour your cleaning solvent into the container, load up your skate bearings on the cover, and screw on the cap. Shake the bottle around and let your bearings sit in the solvent for a while.

The result is thoroughly cleaned bearings for half the work. You can build a DIY bearings shaker bottle using this model but yours might not be as durable or efficient as this product.

Highlights

• Unique spaced design to keep bearings apart.
• Can carry up to 8 bearings at once.
• Compatible with any type of skateboard bearing.
• Made with polyurethane for durability.

 

What To Lookout For When Selecting A Skateboard Bearing Cleaner

A skateboard bearing cleaner is supposed to take out gunk and grease from your bearings so you can re-lubricate them and have those bearings working again. Here are some factors you should consider before selecting a suitable cleaner for your skateboard bearings.

Toxicity

Is your cleaner toxic or non-toxic? Is it natural and biodegradable? Will it burn your skin on contact? Is it environmentally friendly? Sensitive people should avoid toxic cleaners and degreasers that might have adverse effects on their health.

Cleaning strength

How thoroughly does the cleaner work? Can it take out a year of grease buildup or does it only remove some layers of dirt per application? If you frequently clean your bearings, you don’t need a heavy-duty or industrial degreaser.

Smell

Does it smell of strong chemicals and acid? Does it have any scent? Does it produce heavy fumes? If you don’t have an airy space for skateboard maintenance, avoid cleaners with heavy fumes and strong smells. Go for nice scented options if possible.

Ease of use

How easily is the application process with this product? We recommend that you select a bearings cleaner with an applicator bottle that facilitates easy cleaning. A bottle with a snap cap, spray bottle, or long nozzle spout will do nicely.

Versatility

How many different things can you clean with the same product? If you’re handy around the house, it makes sense to buy a skate bearings cleaner that you can repurpose around the house. This saves you the cost and work of buying different cleaning products.

Every skateboard has different bearings. The type of bearing you have and your personal preferences will determine your final choice.

Read More: 

1. Best Skateboard For 6-Year-Old Beginners
2. Best Skateboard For Beginners 

How To Properly Clean Skateboard Bearings?

Your skateboard bearings will not work optimally if they aren’t cleaned periodically. The more often you use your skateboard, the more often you will have to clean. You want to put a premium on skateboard bearing cleaning because clean skate bearings mean fast bearing and a more pleasant riding experience. Here are five simple steps to follow for proper skateboard bearings cleaning:

1. Remove the wheels: take off the axle nuts from your wheels and slide the wheels off. Keep the nuts in a safe place to avoid missing any parts.
2. Remove the skate bearings and shields: pry out the skate bearings from each wheel. If your bearing shields are removable, use a sharp object to ease them out of place and set them aside. If they aren’t removable, make sure to use an appropriate cleaner that will not damage your shields.
3. Clean bearings: soak the bearings in a solvent cleaner or spray with dry grease. Avoid contact with your skin and ensure the room is well ventilated.
4. Dry off and re-lubricate: tap out dirt and excess liquid then dry off your bearings with a paper towel or rag. Apply a skateboard bearings lubricant and evenly distribute.
5. Return bearing shields and mount: if you took them out, snap your bearing shields back in place and return your bearings to their wheels.

If you don’t want to buy a new skate bearing now and then, you must maintain the ones you have by cleaning them. This will save you a lot of money in the long run.

How To Clean Bearings With A Solvent

Once you have zeroed in on your favorite solvent for cleaning the bearings, it’s time to get to work. If you have never cleaned skateboard bearings before, here is a quick step-by-step guide that can help.

1. Remove the Wheels 

The first step would be to remove the wheels. This can be done easily using a socket wrench or skate tool. Firmly hold the skateboard with one hand and gently loosen the screws and nuts holding the bearings in place. Make sure you carefully store each of the removed parts, especially the tiny nuts and bolts. Each wheel usually comes with 1 bolt and 1-2 bearing washers.

2. Remove the Bearings

You will find the bearings right at the core of the wheels. They are circular and can be easily separated from the wheels with a screwdriver or needle-nose plier. Many skateboards have an additional component called space rings. Once you are done separating the wheels and the bearings, make sure you remove the space ring as well.

3. Clean the Bearings

After you have separated the bearings from all the other components, it’s time to clean them. Use a dry cloth to clean off the topmost layer of dirt and grime. Make sure you do it gently otherwise, you might smear the grime all over the bearing. If you find the grime too stubborn, you can pour a few drops of the solvent on the cleaning cloth and try again. 

4. Dip the Bearings in the Cleaning Solution

After you have removed most of the topmost layer of dirt and grime, prepare a cleansing solution. Take a small bowl and add just enough water to submerge the bearings and add your chosen cleaning solvent. If you are using one of the harsher products, remember to handle it carefully and wear gloves if you have sensitive skin. If you are using a mild solvent, you will have to wait a little more for the dirt to come off.

5. Remove the Shield Caps

For deep cleansing, take something thin, like a pin or needle, and remove the rubber shield caps. These are usually red or black and are used to cover the metal balls. Next, dip these balls in the cleaning solution you have prepared. 

You might need a few rounds before the bearings are completely clean. Each time you see the cleaning solution turn dark with grease, filter out the dirty water and prepare a fresh cleaning solution. Repeat the steps until the bearings look squeaky clean.

6. Dry the Bearings

Lay down a paper towel or napkin and place your bearings on it. Since these are pretty small, you have to be careful not to lose them while they dry. Meanwhile, you can take a clean cloth slightly dipped in your cleaning solvent to remove the dirt from the rubber shield caps.

 Note: If the solvent is too harsh, simply use water or it might eat away the rubber.

And that’s it, your bearings are clean and ready to be assembled again!

Final Verdict

The dirt, dust, and moisture your skateboard rolls in as you ride around can have adverse effects on skate parts. To keep enjoying refreshing rides, you have to take good care of your skateboard.

There is no way to avoid cleaning your skateboard bearings. If you are an avid rider that uses your skateboard very frequently, you must remember to clean the bearings periodically or they will give out on you.

The excellent skateboard cleaning products mentioned in this post will help you carry out standard maintenance to keep your bearings in top shape and your skateboard working optimally.

Skateboard bearing cleaners are not one size fits all. Make sure to consider all factors discussed to make the right choice.

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