Why I Always Use a Steel Brush on My Skis

When it comes to ski maintenance, the steel brush is my go-to tool. It saves time, keeps my skis clean, and improves glide. Many skiers overlook it, but once you try it, you won’t go back.

Before I start brushing, I always use ski cleaner to remove old wax, dirt, and grime. This keeps the steel brush clean and ensures I’m not just spreading residue around. Once the skis are dry, I use the brush to remove oxidation and smooth out the base, helping to restore the ski’s natural glide.

On classic skis, I only brush the glide zones, avoiding the grip zone entirely. This prevents any kick wax from contaminating the brush and affecting the glide. For skate skis, I brush the entire base since there’s no grip zone to worry about.

steel brush

You can use an oval brush if you prefer that.


The key to this method is simplicity. After brushing, I don’t apply any wax. The final step in my glide prep is always brushing, nothing else. A clean base is the most important factor for good glide, and with a steel brush, I get there quickly and efficiently. A few passes are all it takes—too much brushing can wear down the base over time, but just enough makes a huge difference.

Many skiers spend extra time waxing and polishing when all they really need is a properly cleaned ski. If you want a quick, effective, and hassle-free way to improve glide, try using a steel brush. It has completely changed my ski prep routine, and I wouldn’t go back.

I am also fond of steel scraping my skies, read more here

Do you use a steel brush when prepping your skis? Let me know in the comments!

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