The arrival of spring means the end of winter fun. Time to stash winter gear out of the way! Here’s how to store your items until you’re ready to use them again next season.
Are Your Storing Your Winter Gear Properly?
Your skis, snowboards, sleds, and other winter gear help you to have fun during the cold, snowy months. But are you storing everything the right way? If you’re not, you could be allowing damage to occur. Damage from pests, cracking, and rust is annoying and could mean replacing your gear a lot earlier than you need to.
It’s time to change the way you’re storing your winter items. By using the tips in this blog and being proactive, you can ensure your items will be ready to use again next season.
Ski and Snowboard Storage
First, you need to make sure all your ski and snowboard gear is cleaned. Your gear can be smelly, and may still be a little damp from sweat. Leaving it all in storage for the off-season without cleaning will result in foul odors, mold growth, and deterioration of the materials. For plastic items, like snowboards, skis, helmets, and the like, take a damp cloth with soapy water and gently wipe all around. For ski boots, use a scouring pad. After you clean, ensure you allow everything to dry properly before you store. Otherwise, the remaining moisture can create mildew, mold, or rust. After cleaning, apply a coat of wax to skis and snowboards to prevent rust from forming, especially on the edges.
The big question – should you store skis and snowboards vertically or horizontally? We think what truly matters is that they’re stored completely straight to avoid breakage or warping. If they’re being stored vertically, make sure they’re well-supported. And no matter what – don’t leave them zipped up in an equipment bag. Bags rarely get cleaned and can trap moisture. If you must store them in a bag, leave it completely unzipped for air circulation.
Last, but not least, it’s important to store gear in an area that stays dry with very little light to protect the equipment from warping. A storage unit is a great option to keep your equipment in good shape as it’s stored for the offseason.
Ice Skate Storage
Similar to skis and snowboards, ice skates need to be cleaned thoroughly to remove any dirt or grime that has accumulated. As you wipe your skates down with a soft cloth, give them a good inspection for any signs of mildew or rust. If you do find mildew or rust, you can clean the blades with a scrubbing pad and oil, baking soda, or vinegar. When you’re done, wipe down the blades with an acid-free oil to keep them protected during their time in storage. And don’t forget the boot. Apply a leather protectant to prevent cracking or warping.
You want to make sure your gear is stored in the best condition possible. So, after cleaning and before storing, make sure to do any repairs. Get your skate blades sharpened, replace the laces if they’re looking tattered, and get anything wrong looked at and taken care of. Fixing everything now will help maintain the condition throughout the summer and ensure they’re ready to go right away when you want to bust them out next winter.
Finally, right before you put your ice skates in storage, be sure to let them dry out completely for 24 hours to ensure all of the moisture has evaporated. And leave the blade guards off – storing with them on can increase the chance of rust.
Sled Storage
Keep your sleds in good condition, and you (and your kids) will be able to make many more exciting memories. Just with the other winter gear, be sure to wipe down your sleds to get rid of any dirt. When you’re done, dry them completely to avoid mildew and cracks.
If you’ve got an old-school toboggan with blades, wipe the blades clean and consider sharpening them as well. Before storing, wipe the blades with oil to protect them during their time in storage.
For storage, store them flat or upright in a dry, preferably windowless area. You can stack them underneath storage shelves or hang them up on the wall.
Snowmobile Storage
Can you guess the first step for preparing a snowmobile for storage? Yep – cleaning. If you don’t clean your vehicle, the dirt and grime could cause corrosion. Clean all over (seriously – all over) and once dry, apply wax to improve its appearance and keep future stains at bay.
Next, make sure the gas tank isn’t empty and add a fuel stabilizer. This product prevents the breakdown of gasoline solvents, which would otherwise corrode the system.
If you plan to put your snowmobile in long-term storage, you’ll get the best results if you check on it once a month. Ideally, you should turn on the engine and run it for a few minutes. If that’s not possible, don’t worry – just be sure to fog the engine to coat the inside with oil. This prevents engine failure by protecting it from moisture, corrosion, and humidity damage. Another long-term storage tip: remove the battery. Take it with you and use a trickle charger to keep the battery charged and ready for when you want to pull your snowmobile out. The last step is to put a protective cover over it while it’s in storage.
Now that you know how to store your winter gear properly, it’s time to find a storage unit for them at All Secure Storage!
All Secure Storage is Here for All Your Storage Needs
Now that you know how to store your winter gear properly, it’s time to find a storage unit for them. And All Secure Storage is here to help! We have a variety of storage unit sizes available, so no matter how much you need to store, we have the space. We are the go-to storage provider for these locations on the Western Slope.
