Seven Steps to Clean Your Bike

After a ride, it's essential to clean your bike to remove dirt and keep it running smoothly. A clean bike rides more smoothly, lasts longer, and looks cleaner. In the long run, this makes riding more enjoyable. While you might want to leave it in the garage until your next ride, a few minutes of regular maintenance will improve your riding experience and extend the bike's lifespan. Regardless of your bike type, if you never clean it after a ride, accumulated dirt can wear down parts. Cleaning your bike after a wet ride is important, but it's equally important after a dry, dusty ride. Here are seven easy steps to clean your road or mountain bike.

Essential for cleaning your bike: A bucket or hose. A jet cleaner/pressure washer can be used for high-pressure cleaning. While it's inconclusive whether high-pressure cleaning forces dirt through seals and shortens the life of bearings or bushings, it's best to avoid directing it directly at bearing or shock absorber seals. A workbench: Optional, but definitely helpful. Brushes: Some brands offer bike cleaning brush kits with brushes for various purposes, but if you don't have those, a few toothbrushes will do. Chain cleaning device, or a dedicated stiff-bristled toothbrush. Degreaser/grinder bicycle cleaning fluid: preferably eco-friendly chain lubricant, paper towel,s or suede cloths.

How to clean your bicycle in simple steps?

1. Clean the drivetrain. 

Start by cleaning the drivetrain. If you have a chain cleaning device, use it to clean the chain. If not, apply a degreaser (grinder) and brush it. Do not use it on any other parts of the bicycle, especially the brakes. Chain grime contaminating the brake surfaces will impair performance and may force you to replace the brake pads. You may need something to remove stubborn grime from the pulleys and other areas. Some brushes have hook handles that can be used to remove stubborn grime. Flathead screwdrivers and awls can also help.

2. Wipe the discs or brake surfaces. 

No matter how clean you are, your discs or rim brake tracks will accumulate some grime. The wise approach is to wipe the brake discs or rim brake surfaces. 

3. Wash and Apply Cleaning Agent

If using a spray cleaner, be especially careful. Wet the bicycle with a hose or bucket, then use a sponge to remove most of the accumulated dirt and grime. If using a spray cleaner, step back or reduce the wash intensity.

Apply a cleaning agent to the bicycle, preferably an environmentally friendly one. Spray the cleaner along the main pipes and areas most affected by dirt.

4. Scrub

After a few scrubbing sessions, you'll develop your own cleaning routine—from front to back or from top to bottom. Pay attention to moving parts and use a smaller brush to clean narrow spaces. The combination of brush and cleaning agent can remove most of the dirt remaining on the bicycle. An old rag is very useful for cleaning narrow areas such as the crankset and front derailleur.

5. Rinse

Wash away any remaining dirt from the bicycle. Rinse the bicycle with clean water. Rotate the wheels to wash away any detergent from the tire treads. Check that all dirt has been removed. If there is any residue, scrub with a brush again.

6. Drying

Waxing the frame protects the paint and helps prevent it from attracting too much dirt next time. If you have a workbench, now is a good time to place your bike on it. If you have an old rag or chamois to dry the bike, use that. Next, carefully avoid the brakes and polish them with PTFE or silicone spray. Wipe with a paper towel or soft cloth. This will not only make your bike shine but also reduce the amount of dirt that sticks to it the next time you ride.

7. Lubrication

Lubricate the chain, but follow the lubricant instructions. Apply lubricant to the chain as you pedal. Follow the lubricant instructions carefully. It's easy to apply too much lubricant, so apply it evenly, dripping it onto the chain joints. After applying all the lubricant, turn the bike back a few times to ensure each joint is fully lubricated.