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How Do I Make Carpet Skates Faster?

Carpet skates are friction-resistant pieces of plastic with a foam foot pad and hook-and-loop strap across the top. Kids (or adults) put their feet on the foot pads, strap their feet in and slide around on carpet. Most versions of these skates have traction grooves on the front to help skaters push off more effectively.

Carpet skating is touted as a great way to ice skate without having to go to a rink. It also improves the balancing skills needed for skating and skateboarding and, for kids whose houses have lots of carpet, carpet skating is a good way to get exercise on a rainy or cold day.

Things You'll Need

Paste wax
Clean rags

Instructions

- 1
  Check the skate bottoms if you are having trouble making them go faster. Anything stuck to the bottom will interfere with their ability to glide.
- 2
  Clean them with soap and water. Don't use anything abrasive on the bottom; this will inhibit their friction-resistance.
- 3
  Check the type of carpet you are gliding on. If you have any kind of abrasive carpet--like sisal or AstroTurf--you may have damaged the skates by creating grooves, and you may need to replace them.
- 4
  Purchase some paste wax, such as the type used for a car, flooring or even skis. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and apply the wax to your carpet skates.
- 5
  Buff the skates thoroughly. Any leftover wax will keep the skates from gliding properly.
- 6
  Test your skates. If they glide faster and smoother overall, the wax has done its job.

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