skatingforums
On the Ice => The Pro Shop => Topic started by: tzbb on May 28, 2013, 09:55:30 PM
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The bag I use to carry my skates doesn't close so when I was walking home in the rain this evening, rain went into my skates. The insides are now soaking wet.
I'm currently airing them out. I'd like to know if there is anything else I can do to help dry them.
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Try a desiccant. I use a desiccant in my dance bag for my ballet pointe shoes after class, so they dry out after practices and last longer.
Here's one I found online, specifically for skates: http://www.bestbuyfigureskating.com/products/72-Accessories/337-Stink-eez-Skate-Odorizer/
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Take out the insoles and wipe the boots with dry cloths to absorb some water.
Not sure if hair dryer will damage the leather.
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Try to get a much air circulation as you can. Unlace the skates and pull the tongues all the way forward. Put a fan next to them and point it into the skates. Do not use heat from a hair dryer to dry them - heat will make the leather brittle.
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Try to get a much air circulation as you can. Unlace the skates and pull the tongues all the way forward. Put a fan next to them and point it into the skates. Do not use heat from a hair dryer to dry them - heat will make the leather brittle.
When I go to skate camp I pull the insoles out and use one of those little 4 inch wide fans blowing in the boots. Works pretty well.
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I bought a huge bulk supply of the stuff they use for drying flowers - which is basically the same stuff they put in those little silica gels pacs in shoe boxes. That, and some activated charcoal from the pet store.
I take a pair of heavy tights; put a golf ball size amount of activated charcoal in the toe; knoto it; fill it from there about 6 inches with the silica crystals; knot again. These go in the skates, and I replace them every couple of months. It works great, and it's cheap - way cheaper than the commercial ones, as I get about 10 pair out of a $17 jug of silica crystals. You do have to be careful not to breathe the stuff in ... and I swing them around a bit outside to get rid of any loose dust before they are used. It works great. Plus, they don't smell due to the charcoal!
Best part is that when the inevitable "I've dropped my phone/MP3 in a puddle" happens, I've got something in house that works way better than the traditional rice in a bow method :)
Also a chamois in the skate bag to thoroughly dry the soles, etc. Keeps the moisture down all-around. Better than a towel, as chamois are super absorbent.
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I save up silica gels too. Mine go into an old stocking foot and are place in the boot after each skate. My daughters' got beautiful handmade tubes of pretty fabric (sewn up by me), filled with silica gel. They aid in absorbing dampness and reducing sweaty odour. We used the kitty litter crystals and mix in a peppermint tea bag. Ice Mom had a post about them - http://icemom.blogspot.com.au/2010/03/how-to-make-your-own-figure-skate.html
For skates that are truly wet I would think trying to blot the excess with a towel will help, but anything will take a long time. Good luck!
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If you want to put silica in your boots, you can get pingi off amazon. The bags range in size, but the 250 ml is about the size of my fist.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008AJSXZW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
I started putting one in my bag with my skates (not in the skate, although you could) after I figured out that the balls you buy in shoe stores just make things stink.