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Every cuber runs into this problem, eventually our 3x3 speed cube starts to feel sluggish, sandy, or just plain dirty. Maybe the lube has dried up, maybe you’ve over-lubed it, or maybe you dropped it in dust or dirt. Whatever the case, regular speed cube maintenance is key to keeping your puzzle smooth, fast, and long-lasting. The good news? Learning how to clean out your 3x3 SpeedCube is simple, and with a few easy steps, you can make it feel brand new again.
Tools You’ll Need
Your fingers
A small screwdriver
A Damp cloth
A Dry cloth (or paper towel)
Disassembly
Start with the edge piece: Turn the top (U) layer 45° and use your thumb and finger to gently pop out an edge. It might need a little force, but don’t worry, that’s normal.
Remove corner pieces: Once the edge is out, corners come out easily. Continue until the cube is fully disassembled.
For a deep clean: Remove the center caps, unscrew the core with a screwdriver, and keep track of screws, washers, and caps so nothing gets lost.
GAN and MoYu cubes: Some modern cubes use GES nuts or other adjustment systems. These come apart just as easily, just use the included tool or your fingers.
💡 Pro tip: Check out SpeedCubeReview’s video guide for a visual step-by-step.
Cleaning
Pieces: Wipe edges, corners, and centers with a damp cloth to remove dirt and gunk. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
Screws: Wipe down the smooth part above the threads to keep them clean.
GES nuts (GAN): These usually don’t need much cleaning. Just wipe the outside if they look dusty.
Reassembly
Putting your cube back together is just the reverse of disassembly:
Attach the core pieces, screws, or GES nuts.
Snap edge and corner pieces back layer by layer.
For the final edge, turn the layer 45° and pop it in.
Congrats, you’ve rebuilt your cube!
Lubrication
Once clean, your cube needs fresh lube to perform its best.
Want a faster cube? Use a thinner, faster lubricant.
Want a slower, more controlled cube? Use a thicker, slower lubricant.
Want a balance? Add a small amount of thicker lube for stability.
Some of our favorite all-purpose cube lubes:
Martian Lubricant
$ 5.95
Martian Lubricant is our best-selling speedcube lubricant, and anyone who has tried it understands why. Offering a fast, moderately controllable, and soft feel, it checks all the boxes for most speedcubers looking to upgrade their speed cubes with high-quality speed… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<
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 <<
Stardust Lubricant
$ 5.95
Stardust Lubricant is a unique water-based lubricant that is designed to take your cube to its limits without changing its natural “feel”! Most water-based lubricants suffer from drying out quickly and leaving a "chalky" mess all over your cube's internals… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<
Not sure which one to choose? Try our lube bundles.
Ultimate Lube Bundle
$ 30.95
$ 41.65
Mix and match our premium speed lube lubricants to create a completely custom turning feel! Our easy to apply lubricants each offer its own unique properties so whether you are looking to experiment or simply get a great deal, our… >> SHOP PRODUCT <<
Stickers
If your stickered cube shows chips or wear, don’t worry. We carry custom replacement stickers for 3x3, 4x4, 7x7, and even non-NxN puzzles like Square-1 HERE: All Stickers.
PVC Coat Cleaning
Have a PVC Coated speed cube? Cleaning is simple:
Spray solution onto the towel.
Wipe the surface gently.
Scrub edges with the brush if needed.
Wipe clean again and dry.
Repeat until your cube looks brand new.
Conclusion
Regular speed cube maintenance is one of the best ways to extend your cube’s lifespan and keep it performing like new. A clean and well-lubed cube not only feels amazing to solve but can also bring older cubes back to life. If you follow these steps on How to Clean Out Your 3x3 SpeedCube, you’ll notice a huge difference in performance and longevity.
