How do I lubricate my rubik's cube and what can I use to lubricate it?

Question

My new cube is a bit stiff. how to make it smoother?

Answer 1

If its brand new, then simply wear it out for about 3 weeks. Inserting lubricants too early will actually do more damage to the cube. The most common lubricant would be a 100% silicone spray. You can generally buy these at any home depot/lowes or auto section. You must watch out for the ingredients though, because they may contain distillates, which for some don't affect, but others may melt the plastic. Just to be safe, don't use it. WD-40 is not recommended unless your cube is SUPER stiff, as it may also melt the plastic, (as in it might or might not, but don't attempt anyways?)

You should also trying filing the inner pieces of the rubik's cubes. After a week of playing with it, if the pieces are still jagged on the inside, you can get a nail file and manually file these edges until they are smooth, but do not file too much or it will cause it to jog up.

And lifting the springs is also effective. Take the whole cube apart and you are left with the core. Take 2 opposite centers of the core, and just watch tv and pull for 30 minutes. Its a pain, i know, but somebody suggested it.

Answer 2

You have to use silicone lubricant, can find it at DIY shop. Any brands can do. WD40 at first it works fine but will slowly make the cube stuck (I try it already). So the best is silicone lubricant (even for speed cubing they use this).

Don't let the silicone get contact with stickers because can damage the stickers.
But don't ever peel your stickers, because it will not stick well anymore (for sure). Just be careful when you lubricate the silicone to your cube.

You have to spray the internal part which means you have to pry open the cube. Don't spray to much.
Hope your cube will move smoothly :)
Cheers

Answer 3

If you are not willing to try oil or silicon spray, try talcum powder, does not harm the colour stickers.
Corn starch can also be used.
Apply, and twist the cube several times in each direction above an easy to clean surface, (like the sink or outside.)

This does work on the blocks, not on the mechanics.

Answer 4

WD-40 Rulez.... it's not harmful to plastic and you can just wipe the rest off with a paper towel. If it's the kind with the stickers, you might want to take the stickers off first since it's a petroleum base it'll stain the stickers slightly if any gets on them.