Introduction: How to Clean/lubricate a Rubik's Cube
Being able to solve a Rubik's cube is pretty cool. World Class Speedcubers average around 11-12 seconds these days. But speed does not only depend on fast fingers and brain power. You need a good cube. In this instructable, I will show you how to keep your cube turning at high speeds.
Step 1: The Materials
Things you'll need:
1 Rubik's cube
1 screw driver (optional)
2 tissues
1 can of Silicon oil
1 Rubik's cube
1 screw driver (optional)
2 tissues
1 can of Silicon oil
Step 2: Taking the Rubik's Cube Apart
I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT YOU DO TO YOUR CUBE.
If you are using a store bought cube it is probably really tight. The tighter the cube is, the harder it will be to get it apart. BE CAREFUL.
Turn on side of the cube 45 degrees and pry one if the edge pieces off with the screwdriver. If you have a DIY cube with adjustable spring tension you can probably just use your thumb.
After removing the edge take all of the pieces off and make a nice little pile.
If you are using a store bought cube it is probably really tight. The tighter the cube is, the harder it will be to get it apart. BE CAREFUL.
Turn on side of the cube 45 degrees and pry one if the edge pieces off with the screwdriver. If you have a DIY cube with adjustable spring tension you can probably just use your thumb.
After removing the edge take all of the pieces off and make a nice little pile.
Step 3: Cleaning
If you haven't noticed yet, the pieces are covered with a thin gray residue. This build up makes the cube feel bad to turn and reduces overall speed.
Using the tissues rub the residue off of each part. Make sure you get the undersides of the center pieces.
Using the tissues rub the residue off of each part. Make sure you get the undersides of the center pieces.
Step 4: Reassambly
Assembling a Rubik's cube is not very hard to do.
Start off by putting in all of the white edge pieces making sure that the second color matches up.
Then place the white corners in next to them. Again making sure that the surrounding colors match
Put in the edges around the equator of the cube.
For the last 3rd put the remaining pieces in except one edge. REMEMBER, edge pieces go in easiest when the layer is turned 45 degrees.
To put the final edge in turn the layer 45 degrees and wedge one side under the center piece. Then press down and inward towards the center of the cube.
congratulations! You have just cleaned your Rubik's cube.
You should have already noticed that the cube has a slightly different feel to turning it. It might be easier to turn at this point but we are not finished yet!
Start off by putting in all of the white edge pieces making sure that the second color matches up.
Then place the white corners in next to them. Again making sure that the surrounding colors match
Put in the edges around the equator of the cube.
For the last 3rd put the remaining pieces in except one edge. REMEMBER, edge pieces go in easiest when the layer is turned 45 degrees.
To put the final edge in turn the layer 45 degrees and wedge one side under the center piece. Then press down and inward towards the center of the cube.
congratulations! You have just cleaned your Rubik's cube.
You should have already noticed that the cube has a slightly different feel to turning it. It might be easier to turn at this point but we are not finished yet!
Step 5: Lubrication
Now that your cube is nice and clean, take one edges out. Using Silicon oil put one quick spray inside. DO NOT USE WD40, IT IS CORROSIVE AND COULD RUIN YOUR CUBE.I find that about 1/4 of a second of spray is perfect after cleaning. Depending on the cube you may need more or less. After spraying put the edge back in and turn (scramble) the cube to get the oil mixed around inside. After turning for a just few seconds the cube will be set to get great times. It may take a few solves to get used to the cube but it's all worth it.
If anyone has any questions on how to improve their times feel free to ask.
If anyone has any questions on how to improve their times feel free to ask.
