HOW TO CLEAN A MOUNTAIN BIKE
- Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner
- Clean cloth or sponge
- Small brushes or old toothbrushes
- Hose or bucket of water
- Chain lubricant
- Empty container (optional)
- Bike stand (optional)
Lightly cleaning your mountain bike after every ride and giving it a deep clean weekly (depending on how often you ride) helps keep it in peak condition and prevents wear that can lead to breakdowns - or worse, injury.
Mud, dirt, and grease can damage your drivetrain and other components. If left unchecked, this can accelerate corrosion and lead to expensive repairs and time off the trail. Fortunately, a thorough clean takes just a few minutes and can reveal early signs of wear before they become a serious problem.
Keep in mind that not all cleaners are safe for your mountain bike. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is specially formulated to cut through tough, caked-on grime without damaging paint, metal, or delicate parts. Its pH-neutral, biodegradable* formula breaks down grease and trail gunk, while being non-corrosive and safe for repeated use.
* Biodegradable formula reaches 100% biodegradation within six months when disposed into a sanitary sewer or septic system (per OECD 301D extended testing).
DIRECTIONS FOR CLEANING A MOUNTAIN BIKE:
If you have a bike stand, this is helpful as you'll need to access the entirety of the bike for cleaning, including pedal motion for cleaning your bike. Otherwise, lay down a towel to protect your seat and handlebars, and turn your bicycle upside-down.
- 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 grime, dirt & grease.
- 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 and ambient 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. Toss in the washing machine and wash as usual.
