HOT Seller
Speed cubes are known for being smooth and fast, two qualities that can bring endless fun! But sometimes, dust, dirt, and residue can build up inside and reduce your cube’s performance over time. If you’ve ever wondered how to clean your speed cube, you’re not alone! At SpeedCubeShop.com, we’ve helped thousands of cubers keep their cubes in tip-top condition. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to give your speed cube a thorough clean and restore its original feel.
Why Cleaning Your Speed Cube Matters
Regular cleaning results in:
Smooth, consistent turns: Removing dirt and grime helps each layer move effortlessly.
Prolonged cube life: Proper maintenance prevents unnecessary wear and tear on internal parts.
Better solves: A clean cube means faster, and buttery solves.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following:
A small brush (to remove dust and debris) such as the ones that comes with our cleaning kit.
Cleaning Kit
$ 4.95
Keep your speed cubes clean with our cleaning kit! This simple to use solution cleans and revitalizes the plastic of your cube by gently capturing dirt and debris. While a small amount of the solution will not affect silicone-based lubricants, if you choose to disassemble… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<
Cotton swabs or a microfiber cloth, again like the ones provided in our cleaning kit (to gently wipe away grime)
Mild soap or detergent (optional, for washing plastic pieces)
Paper towels or a clean cloth (for drying)
Safe lubricant (Such as our SpeedCubeShop brand lubes) We recommend trying our cosmic lube sampler to see what works best for you!
Cosmic Lube Sampler
$ 14.95
$ 19.80
Having a hard time deciding? Well why not try all of them and save 25% off? Our Cosmic lubes have been taking the cubing community by a storm and are receiving amazing reviews! Each lubricant is engineered to give your… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Speed Cube
1. First we want to Disassemble the Cube
Remove the center caps (if needed) to access screws and loosen tension slightly.
Carefully pop out an edge or corner piece to start disassembly. Most modern speed cubes can be taken apart piece by piece, but be sure to do it gently to avoid damage.
2. Remove Dust and Debris
Use a small brush to clean out any dust or small particles from the interior and the individual pieces.
Blow away any loosened debris or gently tap pieces on a paper towel. A good recommendation would be to use some compressed air to gentle blow the debris away, such as any you can find on Amazon.
3. Wipe Down Each Piece
Dampen a cotton swab or microfiber cloth with water (mixed with a bit of mild soap if there’s heavy residue).
Gently clean the surfaces of each piece, focusing on the areas where plastic rubs against plastic.
Avoid submerging the cube’s core or any metal parts in water to prevent rust. (This is very important)
4. Dry Thoroughly
Set the pieces aside on a clean towel and let them air dry.
Pat dry any lingering moisture with a paper towel or cloth to ensure no water droplets remain.
5. Reassemble the Cube
Put the pieces back together in their correct positions. If you’re new to disassembling cubes, take photos or note the color layout before you take it apart. That way, you can easily remember where everything goes.
6. Lubricate for Optimal Performance
Apply a small amount of safe lubricant (like SpeedCubeShop’s Lunar, Martian, or Weight series lubes) to the internal mechanisms and contact points.
Lunar Lubricant
$ 5.95
Lunar Lubricant is our fastest silicone-based lubricant and is perfect for light, fast, and lasting turning feel. The "soft" feel that Lunar provides sets it apart from comparable water-based lubricants and makes it a fan favorite. Recommended for: All puzzles… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<
Martian Lubricant
$ 5.95
Martian Lubricant is our best-selling lubricant and anyone who has tried it understands why. The fast, moderately controllable, soft feel ticks all the boxes for most speed cubers and is just simply great. Recommended for: All puzzles (especially big cubes)… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<
Break in the lubricant by doing a few solves or turns to ensure it’s evenly distributed. (Very important for a balance feel throughout the cube)
How Often Should You Clean Your Cube?
Casual Solver: Once a month or so, or when you notice a drop in performance.
Frequent Competitor: Bi-Monthly or weekly, depending on how much you practice. Weekly, especially if you're getting ready for a competition.
Regular cleaning and lubrication should become part of your maintenance routine, especially if you’re aiming to get quicker.
How Do I Clean My Speed Cube? – Key Takeaways
Be gentle while disassembling to avoid breaking any pieces.
Remove dust thoroughly from all parts.
Wipe down with mild, soapy water if needed, but avoid soaking the cube’s core.
Dry completely to prevent moisture buildup.
Lubricate with a trusted, cube-specific lube.
Reassemble carefully and retension if needed.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your speed cube stays in prime condition, allowing for the best possible performance.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning your speed cube doesn’t have to be intimidating or time-consuming. With the right approach and supplies, you can keep your cube puzzle turning smoothly for countless solves. If you ever feel unsure or need professional guidance, check out SpeedCubeShop.com for high-quality lubricants, cleaning kits, and expert advice to help you maintain your cube like a pro. A well-maintained speed cube not only looks and feels great, it’ll shave precious seconds off your solve times too!
