Drying out your blades after practice is essential to avoid rusting and damage. But, who says it has to be done with a boring piece of fabric? Check out my suggestions for the best ice skate towels to consider adding to your figure skating bag.
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Best ice skate towels - the Ice Skating Passion collection
As I grew up ice skating I was often frustrated by my towel to dry out my blades.
Recently I have created a collection of personalizable ice skating gifts on Zazzle and I found their kitchen towels.
I decided to order one to try it on my blades after practice. And I loved it!
- First, it is very absorbent - I don't have to rub my blades like crazy.
- Second, the tissue is very soft and nice to hold
- Third, the towel is big enough to dry both blades without being soaked (16" x 24")
- Fourth, the towel can be personalized, which I love. I used to have boring ones, but this one adds visual pleasure at the end of a practice session.
This is why I have created a series of ice skate blade towels for you to personalize with the name of the figure skater!
Check them out! Some of those designs are available in many colors.
Neutral figure skate towel
Ice skate blade towels for girls / women
Ice skate towels for boys / men
Synchronized skating towels
Figure skate blade towel for coach
They are great gifts for figure skaters! See more ideas on my gift guide.
Types of materials and other criteria
Now, if you are looking for more information to help you take your decision, below are the main criteria to consider when choosing your blade towel:
An absorbent material
This is obvious, but, yes, this is the most important. You want a material that absorbs the liquid efficiently. And that absorbs it well on metal.
But you also want a material that is nice to hold and will not lose any fibers as you use it.
The classic materials you find in shops are:
- Chamois cloth - often used for cars
- Microfiber - often used for watersports
- Terry cloth - classic bathroom towel
But new materials have been developed.
The one in the towels I have shown above is a poly-blend. It is so soft I first doubted it would absorb. But boy was I wrong! It is the best towel I have ever used on my blades.
Size
Don't get a very small towel. I know you want space in your ice skating bag, but if it is too small it will get wet from the first blade and then you won't be able to dry out properly the second one.
Design & Personalization
And then there is the design.
You may want something simple and plain, but I think something colorful and pretty is better. It makes the experience of drying out the blades more enjoyable, especially as you should be thorough when doing it.
Plus if it as your name, it makes it even more special.
Other classic ice skate blade towels
If you still prefer the more "classic" options for blade towels, below are some suggestions:
Microfiber towels
Microfiber towels are very popular nowadays for all sorts of activities.
- They are soft on the skin
- They dry out quickly
- They are very compact
- You can find them in different sizes and colors
- Beware! They should not be washed with cotton materials to keep the integrity
Terry cloth
If you like matching everything, check out this pack of guards, soakers and towel in the same colors (several colors available).
But you can also use a simple bathroom towel
- Easy to find anywhere
- Not the most absorbent on metal
- But towels in terry cloth can be bulkier
Chamois cloth
And then there is the chamois cloth, often used on cars. It comes and goes as a trend to dry out blades.
- Very absorbent
- Safe for all surfaces - won't damage your blades
- Personally, I don't like how the fabric evolves over time - it is rough when dry
Tips to care for your blades
Don't forget to dry the plate!
Beginners often only dry the blade. However, the plate attached to the boot is also metal. It must be dried out too.
Soakers
Once the blades and plates are dried out, you should not put the plastic guard back on them. They would keep all residual moisture trapped inside.
But, you still need to protect your blades inside the bag. So, you should be using soakers. They are made of fabric and will take care of any moisture left.
You can make them yourself with terry cloth, or you can find classic and fun ones online:
I just don't recommend buying some with glitter. The rubbing of items in the bag mean that the glitter will detach and may end up on your blades and do some damage.
Once at home take your skates and towel out of the bag to dry
Everything is still a little wet in your bag (especially the inside of your boot with sweat). The first thing you should do when arriving home should be to take everything out of the bag.
Open your skates to dry - but not near a heater.
And make sure to dry your towel too to have it perfect for next practice.
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