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
If anyone has any questions on how to improve their times feel free to ask.
107 Comments
1 year ago
For the love of God never use wd-40! It will ruin your cube!
7 years ago
Absolutely terrible!! DO NOT DO THIS. I did this on my new cube and it destroyed it!!!
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.
Reply 5 years ago
Just asking, but what's ur avg?
Reply 2 years ago
40 seconds
Reply 5 years ago
my avg is 1min 30sec
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.
6 years ago
or you could just do it properly rather than this sh*tty way and do the washers
Reply 2 years ago
So what's the proper way?
3 years ago
It actually works so good. at first i thought it wouldnt.LOL
Question 5 years ago on Step 3
Hi,
Great article, is the grey residue dried lubricant
Answer 3 years ago
No
4 years ago
Video unavailable
Question 4 years ago
What if you don’t have silicon oil? And you don’t want to buy it for convenience sake...
7 years ago
oh yes it works hell yeah. You'll need to do it right. The lube I use is DW-40
Reply 5 years ago
lol yea I always use DW-40 but NEVER ue WD-40
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 :)
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.
6 years ago
WD-40 works fine, don't worry! My cube is so much better
7 years ago
Can butter, margarine, bacon fat, animal fat, or cooking oil be a good lubricant for Rubiks cubes ???