HOW TO CLEAN A BICYCLE
Regular bike cleaning does more than keep your bicycle looking good – it prevents accelerated damage or corrosion from dirt and grease build-up that can chew into your drivetrain and other mechanical parts.
Cleaning on a regular schedule can also help you spot wear and tear early on – and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Or, in this case, some costly repairs. Cleaning a road bike monthly is advised, while a mountain bike will require more frequent upkeep due to grime buildup. Cleaning is also advised any time you ride in muddy or wet conditions.
DIRECTIONS FOR CLEANING A BIKE:
- Rinse bike using a hose, sponge, or wet cloth to wet the entire bike surface.
- Spray Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner directly into your drivetrain, use a toothbrush to work into smaller areas and penetrate tough dirt, grease, and grime.
- Soak your chain in Simple Green or hand-clean it directly.
- For soaking: Remove the chain from your bike and submerge it in a 50/50 mix of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner and water in a bucket or other container. Soak the chain for 5-7 minutes before rinsing with water and thoroughly drying. Re-lubricate the chain prior to putting it back on your bike.
- For hand cleaning. Use a cloth soaked in Simple Green to loosely wrap around the chain and run the pedal so the chain moves through the cloth. For dirtier chains, you'll need to use a scrub brush or toothbrush to work out the grime, being careful to work out any buildup between the gears.
- Rinse the bike with fresh water, then check to make sure you've shifted all the grime off the bike, gently brushing again before rinsing where necessary.
- Lube the chain – Slowly pedal the bike, dripping the lubricant onto the links as they move. Wipe off any excess lubricant.
TIP:
Use Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner as a laundry pre-treat to remove grime and grease from your cycling cloths. Dampen the fabric with water, apply full-strength Simple Green and rub in gently. Then toss in your washing machine and wash as usual.
