HOW TO CLEAN A MOUNTAIN BIKE

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.

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 components. Its pH-neutral, biodegradable* formula breaks down grease and trail gunk while staying 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.

* 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.

1. Rinse bike using a hose, sponge, or wet cloth to wet the entire bike surface.
2. Spray Simple Green® Bike Cleaner & Degreaser Aerosol 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 grime, dirt & grease.
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 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.
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. Toss in the washing machine and wash as usual.