Waxing Guide

When and how should I clean my bases? What is the "hot wipe" cleaning method?

Ideally the base should be clean before you begin to wax your skis for glide, either because they are brand new, because they are slow or because the snow conditions and temperature have changed and you want to lay down a new wax to match them. A clean base is free from dirt and all the other gunk that your skis pick up from the trail. Base cleaner on a rag works for this purpose; apply sparingly.

The most effective (but the most labor-intensive) cleaing method is to instead perform what is commonly known as a "hot wipe." This involves melting a layer of soft wax into the ski and then, while it is still molten, scraping and finishing with a rag to remove all the remaining wet wax. Do this twice, ironing in and hot-wiping a second layer to be thorough. Swix makes a specific Base Prep block for this purpose, but you can also use Swix CH10 or Universal Warm as well. Any of these soft waxes will penetrate deeply into a base and simultaneously cause old wax and dirt to be brought to the surface, removing MUCH more than the standard solvent is capable of. Additionally, they will not accelerate the oxidization process of the polyethylene the way excessive solvent use can. Most folks use the "hot wipe" to clean brand new skis or to prep skis / boards at the beginning of the season. If you have the time/inclination, it is the best way to get your skis clean.

If you've got a fibertex pad you can use it next to pull smaller particles and remaining wax out of the base. Follow that with a couple full-length passes with a bronze brush to open up the pores for a fresh wax application (again, if you have one - base cleaner and a rag are the two most important tools here). Voila! Your bases are clean. Now is the time to saturate them with some fresh wax.

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Bike: Johnny's 10 Bike Tips Local MTB Rides Ski & Board: How-To Waxing Guide Winter Ski/Board F.A.Q. 06-07 Ski Gallery		Waxing Guide back to FAQ When and how should I clean my bases? What is the "hot wipe" cleaning method? Ideally the base should be clean before you begin to wax your skis for glide, either because they are brand new, because they are slow or because the snow conditions and temperature have changed and you want to lay down a new wax to match them. A clean base is free from dirt and all the other gunk that your skis pick up from the trail. Base cleaner on a rag works for this purpose; apply sparingly. The most effective (but the most labor-intensive) cleaing method is to instead perform what is commonly known as a "hot wipe." This involves melting a layer of soft wax into the ski and then, while it is still molten, scraping and finishing with a rag to remove all the remaining wet wax. Do this twice, ironing in and hot-wiping a second layer to be thorough. Swix makes a specific Base Prep block for this purpose, but you can also use Swix CH10 or Universal Warm as well. Any of these soft waxes will penetrate deeply into a base and simultaneously cause old wax and dirt to be brought to the surface, removing MUCH more than the standard solvent is capable of. Additionally, they will not accelerate the oxidization process of the polyethylene the way excessive solvent use can. Most folks use the "hot wipe" to clean brand new skis or to prep skis / boards at the beginning of the season. If you have the time/inclination, it is the best way to get your skis clean. If you've got a fibertex pad you can use it next to pull smaller particles and remaining wax out of the base. Follow that with a couple full-length passes with a bronze brush to open up the pores for a fresh wax application (again, if you have one - base cleaner and a rag are the two most important tools here). Voila! Your bases are clean. Now is the time to saturate them with some fresh wax. back to FAQ