To keep your skating equipment in good condition, take care of it regularly and it'll last much longer! This discussion thread is linked to an Equipment Maintenance Reminder on the skatingforums' calendar. On the 8th of each month, the reminder will appear as an Event for the board. If you see it, do it!
Here are a few things you might want to inspect and/or do:
. Sharpen blades
. Check blade screws
. Clean/polish boots
. Waterproof boots
. Deodorize boots / clean insoles
. Replace laces
. Clean skate guards
. Wash/dry/replace drying cloth
. Wash/dry/mend soakers
. Tighten screws on rolling skate bags (Esp. Zuca bags)
. Check the wheels on all rolling bags to remove any junk that might stop them from turning smoothly.
. Restock tissues, water bottle, pen/pencil and notebook
When you get your blades sharpened, make a note in your calendar/notebook so you can predict the next needed sharpening. Or, use a permanent marker to write the date on the blade soleplate. I usually write my DDs' names, too, because they wear the same size skates - keeps skates together as pairs. (Tip: a Rockerz rep once told me that the cheaper permanent markers last longer on their guards, rather than Sharpie-brand markers.)