HOW TO CLEAN A BICYCLE

Regular bike cleaning does more than keep your ride looking good—it helps prevent premature wear, corrosion, and costly damage caused by dirt and grease buildup. Left unchecked, grime can chew into your drivetrain and other mechanical parts, shortening their lifespan.

Sticking to a regular cleaning schedule also gives you the chance to spot early signs of wear and tear—because when it comes to bike care, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For road bikes, a monthly cleaning is usually enough, while mountain bikes require more frequent attention due to heavier grime buildup. It's also best to clean your bike after any ride in muddy or wet conditions.

Not all cleaners are safe for your bicycle, so choosing the right products is key. Simple Green® All-Purpose Cleaner is specially formulated to cut through tough, caked-on grime without damaging paint, metal, or delicate components. Its pH-neutral, biodegradable* formula breaks down grease and trail gunk while remaining non-corrosive and safe for repeated use.

For targeted maintenance, Simple Green® Bike Cleaner & Degreaser Aerosol delivers a thick foaming spray that clings to chains, gears, and vertical surfaces. It quickly dissolves dirt, grease, and trail buildup without added dyes or fragrances - giving you a powerful clean that's tough on grime but gentle on your bike's finish.

With regular cleaning and the right products, you'll keep your bike running smoothly, looking sharp, and ready for every ride.

DIRECTIONS FOR CLEANING A BIKE:

1. Rinse bike using a hose, sponge, or wet cloth to wet the entire bike surface.
2. Spray Simple Green Bike Cleaner & Degreaser holding can 8-10 inches away or Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner directly into your drivetrain, use a toothbrush to work into smaller areas and penetrate tough dirt, grease, and grime.
3. Soak your chain in Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.