Boots and blades can be expensive. Proper care of the skates can help your investment last as long as possible. Skates should never be left outside in a vehicle as the change in weather can expand and shrink the skates, causing them to lose their shape. Skate guards must be worn whenever the skater is walking on any surface except the ice. The blades are quickly damaged by walking on concrete floors or other gritty surfaces. The blades and boot soles must be dried before putting guards on them. Guards must be removed when the skates are put away. Cold blades get wet from condensation, therefore it’s important to have blade soakers put over blades to pull away the condensation.