How to Maintain Heelys: Cleaning, Wheel Care, and Storage Guide
Looking for how to maintain Heelys shoes? Whether you're a parent buying for your kids or you're gliding around town yourself, keeping your Heelys in good shape is easier than you think. This guide is packed with simple tips on how to clean Heelys, how to fix squeaky wheels, and how to store Heelys so they last longer. Let’s get into it.
For more information on buying Heelys please see our Ultimate Guide to Buying Heelys.
How Do I Clean My Heelys Without Damaging Them?
Nobody wants scruffy-looking shoes, and a bit of dirt can mess with the wheel mechanism too. Here's how to clean Heelys without wrecking them:
What you’ll need:
- Mild soap or sneaker cleaner
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Old toothbrush (optional)
- Warm water
Steps:
- Take the wheels out first, that way you don’t end up soaking the bearings.
- Brush off dry dirt with the toothbrush or cloth.
- Mix soap with warm water and gently scrub the shoe surface. Don’t go soaking them, just wipe them down.
- Wipe with a damp cloth to get rid of soap residue.
- Let them air dry indoors, no heaters, no sun. Seriously, heat can warp them.
Don’t chuck them in the washing machine. That'll void your warranty and probably ruin your Heelys.
How to Maintain Heelys Wheels and Bearings
The wheels are what make Heelys, well, Heelys. Keep them spinning right and you’ll avoid a lot of annoying squeaks and jolts.
Wheel Tips:
- Wipe them clean with a damp cloth after rides.
- If they’re squeaky, a drop of bearing lube usually fixes it
- Don’t drown the bearings in oil, less is more, and too much just attracts gunk.
Avoid this mistake: Don’t try to remove the axles or bearings. Not only is it tricky, but it’s not recommended and can lead to damage.
How to Remove Heelys Wheels Safely
Taking the wheels out sounds easy, until you try the wrong method.
Here’s how to do it safely:
- Hold the shoe upside down, wheel facing away from you.
- Put your thumbs on the inner edge of the wheel.
- Push out and up firmly.
- If it doesn’t budge, turn the shoe and try from the other side.
Never use the heel plug tool to remove wheels. That tool is for plugs only. Forcing it can mess up your wheels.
What Are Heelys Heel Plugs and Why Use Them?
Heel plugs fill the wheel cavity when you’re not rolling. They’re not just for looks, they keep dirt out of the bracket.
- Pop them in when you’re walking around without wheels.
- To remove them, use the plug tool that came with your shoes and pull them away from the shoe (point them away from people, these things pop out fast!).
You can wear your Heelys without the plugs, but it’s not ideal. Stuff gets in there.
Best Way to Store Heelys Shoes
- Store your Heelys in a cool, dry place, no damp garages or sunny windowsills.
- Use a shoe box or bag to keep out dust.
- Let them dry fully before storing if they’ve been wiped down.
Tips to Make Your Heelys Last Longer
- Don’t wear them every single day, rotate with another pair.
- Avoid gravel, broken pavement, and sand, Heely wheels hate rough ground.
- Replace your wheels if they’re worn flat or cracking.
- Always check the wheel bracket inside the heel. If it’s worn down, your wheels won’t stay in place properly, and that’s a safety issue.
Where to Buy Heelys Wheels and Plugs
Look inside the wheel cavity. You’ll see a code like FATS-L (UK 8-12), that tells you the wheel size you need. Grab replacements from the official Heelys store so you don’t end up with the wrong ones.
Heelys are built to roll, but only if you treat 'em right. A bit of upkeep now and then means fewer squeaks, smoother glides, and way more fun. Take care of your Heelys and they’ll take care of your good times.
Want more tips on how to use your Heelys and become a "pro Heely rider" see our How to Heely Guide.
Stay rolling!
