How to Clean/lubricate a Rubik's Cube

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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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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    107 Comments

    0
    ccraig58367955
    ccraig58367955

    1 year ago

    For the love of God never use wd-40! It will ruin your cube!

    0
    Spencer6189
    Spencer6189

    7 years ago

    Absolutely terrible!! DO NOT DO THIS. I did this on my new cube and it destroyed it!!!

    0
    PatrickW96
    PatrickW96

    Reply 6 years ago

    Just so you know you have to "break in" your cube so it will work. You just can't put it on as soon as you get it. You have to solve it five or six times before lubricating it.

    0
    AvianAsk0
    AvianAsk0

    Reply 5 years ago

    Just asking, but what's ur avg?

    0
    PatrickW96
    PatrickW96

    Reply 5 years ago

    my avg is 1min 30sec

    0
    MatthewP223
    MatthewP223

    Reply 5 years ago

    the silicone takes some time to even out. If you want a lighter lubricant, I suggest you buy some specialized lube at thecubicle.com.

    0
    ThomasT125
    ThomasT125

    6 years ago

    or you could just do it properly rather than this sh*tty way and do the washers

    0
    pmillho
    pmillho

    Reply 2 years ago

    So what's the proper way?

    0
    SavageGamingY
    SavageGamingY

    Question 5 years ago on Step 3

    Hi,
    Great article, is the grey residue dried lubricant

    0
    icefront
    icefront

    4 years ago

    Video unavailable

    0
    HufflepuffM
    HufflepuffM

    Question 4 years ago

    What if you don’t have silicon oil? And you don’t want to buy it for convenience sake...

    0
    stevenc113
    stevenc113

    7 years ago

    oh yes it works hell yeah. You'll need to do it right. The lube I use is DW-40

    0
    DevonT13
    DevonT13

    Reply 5 years ago

    lol yea I always use DW-40 but NEVER ue WD-40

    0
    CalebM52
    CalebM52

    Reply 6 years ago

    I thought you aren't supposed to use WD-40?

    Or does it work just as well? If so I will be using that because it`s the only thing i have :)

    0
    MatthewP223
    MatthewP223

    Reply 5 years ago

    The problem with WD-40 is that it is a petroleum product, and so is plastic. These two chemicals undergo a chemical reaction slowly over time that corrodes the insides of the cube. Silicon is the only thing you want to use on a cube that means anything to you.

    0
    CN150403
    CN150403

    6 years ago

    WD-40 works fine, don't worry! My cube is so much better

    0
    DarwinI1
    DarwinI1

    7 years ago

    Can butter, margarine, bacon fat, animal fat, or cooking oil be a good lubricant for Rubiks cubes ???