Grip tape keeps you on your longboard and makes it possible to perform tricks. It can understandably be frustrating when your grip tape is caked with dirt, dust, and debris. Many seasoned veterans and beginners alike struggle with how to clean grip tape on a longboard.
The best way to clean grip tape on a longboard is to rub it with a silicone-based grip tape cleaner. You can also brush the surface with a toothbrush or wire brush to dislodge stubborn debris. If dirt and debris remain, mix dish soap and warm water in a bowl, scrub it, and let it dry in the sun.
The best grip tape cleaners include Grip Gum, Black Diamond Dirt Remove, and Mob Grip Tape Cleaner. Consider choosing Mr. Pen and Black Diamond grip tape because they are easy to apply and clean. Follow along as we explore how to clean grip tape on a longboard and highlight the best cleaners.
How To Clean Grip Tape on A Longboard (Step-by-Step)
1. Rub It With a Grip Tape Cleaner
The first thing that you should do is rub your longboard with a grip tape cleaner. This will remove light dirt, dust, and debris from your grip tape. Simply rub the grip tape along the areas of the grip tape is embedded with dirt and dust. This won’t remove deep debris, but it will help restore it to black.
2. Brush the Surface
Now, it’s time to remove the deep debris. Use a wire brush, toothbrush, or small hair brush. Apply pressure and brush the surface hard enough to dislodge debris. Repeat this process for as long as you need to remove the debris.
3. Mild Dish Soap and Warm Water
The final method worth trying is to scrub the grip tape with a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. Mix the solution in a bowl and soak your brush in it. However, you don’t want to get it too soaked because you may soak through the grip tape to the deck.
Brush the soapy water over the length of your longboard. Once it’s covered, you need to blot it dry with a towel to soak up the water. If possible, leave your longboard out in the sun so that it can quickly dry by air. This will protect your deck, trucks, wheels, and hardware from getting wet.
5 Best Grip Tape Cleaners
1. Grip Gum
Grip Gum is considered the gold standard for cleaning grip tape in the world of skateboarding and longboarding alike. It is the perfect shape to hold and drag across your grip tape to clean the surface. You don’t have to worry about Grip Gum getting dry which is a problem for some lesser grip tape cleaners.
The only downside to Grip Gum is that you have to apply a lot of pressure. However, the pros outweigh the cons as it can last for years to come.
2. Black Diamond Dirt Remover
The best thing about Black Diamond Dirt Remover is its comfortable shape. It fits perfectly in your hands and Black Diamond isn’t too bulky so it won’t strain them. This restorative grip tape cleaner can easily remove dirt and dust without damaging the grip tape. You may struggle to remove serious debris, such as pieces of asphalt, however.
Black Diamond Dirt Remover lasts for a long time without drying out. However, it is sensitive to temperature so it will heat up or cool down with the weather or indoor temperature.
3. Shake Junt Stick Griptape Cleaner
Not only does Shake Junt make some of the best grip tapes on the market, but they also make one of the best cleaners. Shake Junt Stick Griptape Cleaner is similar to Grip Gum in terms of its shape and longevity. It pairs well with Shake Junt grip tape, but it can remove dirt and dust from any brand. I have found that this cleaner makes my grip tape crisp which comes in handy for flip tricks and freestyling.
4. Mob Grip Tape Cleaner
Mob Grip Tape Cleaner is just as good as Mob’s titular grip tape. This waxy grip tape cleaner works like an eraser. You don’t need to apply much pressure to remove dirt and dust from between the grains of the grip tape. Another key benefit is that it’s small enough to put in your pocket when longboarding in case you need it.
5. Outus Skateboard Rubber Cleaner
The best value that you can get for a grip tape cleaner is the Outus Skateboard Rubber Cleaner. It comes with 3 bars of grip tape cleaner for the same price as one from similar brands. This grip tape cleaner isn’t quite as abrasive as Grip Gum, however, so it’s harder to remove stubborn dirt and debris. Even still, it’s great for surface dirt and it offers great value.
When Should You Replace Your Longboard Grip Tape?
You should replace your grip tape when it becomes slippery. Over time, grip tape loses its gritty texture, particularly near the front and back trucks where you keep your feet. Your grip tape can last for as little as 3 months or as long as 12-14 months.
How to Install New Grip Tape on a Long Board:
1. Remove the Old Grip Tape
Removing old grip tape is a tedious but worthwhile process. All that you need to do is heat it with a hair dryer and peel it off. Start at the nose or tail of the longboard and apply heat until it starts to bubble and come loose. Try to peel the grip tape in the same direction so that it comes off evenly. Repeat this process until you are left with a clean deck.
2. Apply the New Grip Tape
Now, you are ready to apply the new grip tape. Lay your longboard deck on an even surface. Grab your new grip tape and lay it on top of the deck without peeling the paper off. This will give you an idea of how it will fit.
Now, carefully remove the backing paper to expose the adhesive bottom of the grip tape. Hold the grip tape over the deck with the sticky side facing down. Carefully lay the grip tape on the tail of the board and press it down. Repeat this process until the grip tape is attached to the board at the nose. Take as long as you need so that there aren’t any air bubbles in the grip tape.
3. Trim and Even It Out
Now it’s time to trim and even out your grip tape. Take an Allen wrench and drag it along the edges of your longboard. This will create an outline of the board. Use a razor to cut the excess grip tape off of your longboard and discard it. Cut out holes for the screws with a screwdriver or small knife. Now, you are ready to test out your new grip tape.
5 Best Replacement Grip Tapes for Longboards
1. Mr. Pen- Grip Tape
Mr. Pen is a great grip tape whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned longboarder. It’s made out of silicone carbide which provides the perfect amount of grit. This makes it easy to keep a strong footing without worrying about damaging your shoes. Mr. Pen grip tape is also incredibly easy to apply and you don’t have to worry about bubbles.
2. Black Diamond Longboard Grip Tape Sheet
Consider Black Diamond Longboard Grip Tape if you want a variety of colors to choose from. It comes in a variety of sizes as well so you can easily fit this grip tape to a skateboard or a longboard. However, they don’t make grip tape longer than 48”, so it isn’t ideal for a longboard that is bigger than that.
3. Vicious Griptape Coarse Grit Longboard
Vicious Griptape is grittier than most grip tapes on the market. This makes it perfect for longboarders that perform tricks or ride downhill. It’s also easy to clean this grip tape because of how granulated the grit is along the length of your longboard.
4. Jonscart Outdoor Electric Longboard Waterproof Griptape
Jonscart Outdoor Waterproof Griptape is great for riders that use their longboard for transportation. The comfort and grit that this grip tape provides make it suitable for athletic and skate shoes alike. It is also waterproof so you don’t have to worry about the elements.
5. ZUEXT Bubble Free Waterproof Black Grip Tape
If you haven’t applied grip tape before, ZUEXT Bubble Free Waterproof Grip Tape is a great place to start. You can easily apply ZUEXT without having to worry about bubbles which can ruin the look and feel of a longboard. It also comes in black, clear, or striped which gives you plenty of options for your style. The only downside is that this grip tape isn’t waterproof.
Final Thoughts
The best way to clean the grip tape on a longboard is to use Grip Gum. Simply rub the Grip Gum across the length of the grip tape to get rid of dirt and debris. If that doesn’t work, you can use a wire brush or toothbrush if there is debris lodged deeply in the grip tape. Otherwise, you can clean grip tape with a solution of warm water and mild dish soap.
If no options we provided help you clean your grip tape on your longboard it may be time to replace your grip tape!
Nick Durante is a professional writer that primarily focused on action sports. Skateboarding and Longboarding are his particular areas of expertise. When he isn’t writing about action sports, he is catching up on the world of skateboarding and spending time outside.