Shellite

What Can I Clean My Skate Bearings With?

Bearing Fundamentals, Cleaning

A list of bearing cleaning solvents

Here are some options for solvents to clean your bearings. We’ve added more details for some of them including how to use them safely, compatibility with materials found in bearings and pros and cons of the solvent, so click the links if you want more details.

Do you have a favorite solvent for cleaning your bearings that we have not listed. Leave a comment below to tell us about it and have it added to the list.

Naphtha For Skate Bearing Cleaning

Bearing Fundamentals, Cleaning

Naphtha, sometimes known as petroleum Naphtha, Shellite or white gas, is made of intermediate hydrocarbons that are typically drawn from the oil refining process. This makes it ideal for thinning oil and grease to remove it from your skate bearings along with dirt and particulates. It is also more volatile than it cousin Mineral Spirits so dries faster.

General comments on Naphtha

The Good

  • Compatible with all typical materials used in bearings
  • Good at thinning out and breaking down grease and oil

The Bad

  • Need to consider many safety measures. you should consult the MSDS for the specific product you choose.
  • Not environmentally friendly or easy to dispose of

Safety

You should always consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the specific product before you use it and be familiar with the safety measures stated. General precautions for Naphtha:

  • It is flammable. Keep it away from flames, sparks or other ignition sources.
  • You don’t want to breath too much in. Work with it outdoors or at least in a well ventilated space.
  • Contact with the eyes is bad. Wear eye protection when using it to clean your bearings and be aware of what to do if you do get it in your eyes.
  • Ingestion (swallowing it) is not god for you. Consults the MSDS if this accidently happens.
  • It can be a skin irritant, especially with prolonged exposure or even limited exposure for some people. It you spill it on clothing it’s best to remove the clothing it was spilled on (on put one something else of course). Nitrile or PVA gloves are sufficient for handling it and limiting skin exposure.

Using Naphtha To Clean Your Skate Bearings

Here are some typical steps for cleaning your bearings using Naphtha:

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