If not cleaned regularly, the accumulated dirt may cause the grip tape to stop providing the necessary grip. For this reason, you need to clean your skateboard grip tape regularly.
How To Clean Griptape Without Ruining It
The least damaging method for cleaning skateboard grip tape is by using a toothbrush, water, and paper towels. But it is also time-consuming. And you may not be able to get all the dirt from the grip tape. Spray some water onto the grip tape and use the toothbrush to scrub the tape. Use a circular rotating motion to get any residue lodged into the grit on the tape. Then use the paper towel to dry the grip tape. You may have to repeat the process if the grip tape does not get as clean as you wish.
Is Water Bad For Grip Tape?
Not really. Grip tape is designed to be able to offer grip even when the skateboard is wet. But you should only use a small amount of water to clean the tape. While most skateboard decks nowadays are water sealed, to ensure they do not warp when they get wet, the seal is bound to wear off over time. As a rule of thumb, use as little water as possible to clean the grip tape. Always blot the water after you are done cleaning the board to prevent it from soaking into the skateboard deck. You can opt to buy commercially made grip tape cleaner. Another option would be to use a belt sander cleaner. It is similar to a rubber eraser that you can use to remove stains and dirt from the grip tape.
