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How To Clean A Bike: A 7-Step Guide To Maintaining Your Ride

Updated May 9, 2024, 10:25pm EDT

Taking care of your bike is key to ensuring it’s always ready for the next ride. But cleaning a bike isn't as simple as washing a car; it's a more intricate process that tends to every component, ensuring each one performs as it should. Whether it's once a month, once a week or whenever your adventures demand it, if you're the type who loves tearing through muddy trails or hitting the road hard and fast, you'll want to show your bike some extra TLC.

Here’s what you’ll need to clean your road, gravel or mountain bike, and how to do so from the comfort of your home, with insights courtesy of Dr. Steve Alan, chief guide and mechanic for cycle tour company Saddle Skedaddle.

How To Clean A Bike

A clean bike isn't just about aesthetics; it's about performance, safety and longevity. Learn how to wash your bike properly by following these simple steps.

All The Supplies You Need:

Step 1: Pre-Wash

Start by rinsing your bike with clean water to remove any major dirt. Then, apply a bike wash solution to loosen stuck on dirt before the contact wash. Make sure to spray both sides of the bike thoroughly, and don’t forget to wash down the underside of the down tube where a lot of dirt and debris collects. At Saddle Skedaddle, the bike maintenance team swears by Green Oil’s Green Clean Bike Cleaner: “It not only works great, but when it gets washed down the drain, it’s not going to hurt the environment since it’s made out of plants,” Alan explains.

Step 2: Degrease The Chain

As your pre-wash sits on the frame to loosen dirt and debris, use this time to degrease the chain, the workhorse of your drivetrain. Apply degreaser directly to the chain, cassette, jockey wheels or derailleur pulleys, then use a bottle brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the chain and all the mechanicals of the drivetrain. Be mindful of spraying degreaser around the brakes, as it can contaminate the braking surfaces.

If your chain is in need of a deep clean, Alan recommends removing it—an easy task nowadays as all chains come with quick links. “Throw it in an old water bottle with some degreaser, give it a shake and let it sit for half an hour,” Alan says. “It comes out clean as a whistle.”

Step 3: Contact Wash The Frame

After you’ve cleaned the chain, it's time to return to the frame for a contact wash. Fill a bucket with concentrated bike cleaner and warm water, then break out your microfiber mitt to gently wash the frame from top to bottom. Pay close attention to areas that collect dirt and grime, such as the underside of the saddle, as well as the seat post, down tube and fork.

After scrubbing the frame, rinse the bike with water to remove any remaining dirt cleaning solution. Again, don’t forget to spray down those nooks and crannies that hide dirt.

Step 4: Scrub The Wheels

Wash the wheels with a heavy-duty scrub brush and soapy water, paying attention to the spokes, hubs and tires. “Don’t forget to wash the sidewalls of your tires,” remarks Alan. “This isn’t so much to get them clean, but the soapy water will help you check for cuts, holes and other marks.” Rinse them down with water after the soap has settled in.

Step 5: Dry

Once you've rinsed the bike completely, make sure it’s dry before storing it away. Alan recommends letting the bike drip dry on two wheels in the sun, but you can also bring it indoors and position an absorbent mat underneath it to protect your floor. From there, “tip the bike up on its back wheel to let any water run out of the frame and components,” says Alan. Finish the job with a wipe down using a dry microfiber towel to soak up any remaining moisture.

Step 6: Lubricate The Chain And Mechanicals

Now that your bike is clean and dry, it's time to lubricate the chain and the mechanicals of the drivetrain. Apply a lubricant specifically designed for bikes to the chain as you spin the cranks. This will keep your drivetrain running smoothly and efficiently. Wipe off any excess lubricant to prevent it from attracting dirt.

If your bar tape and saddle look especially dirty, Alan recommends wiping them down with heavy-duty textured wet wipes that make quick work of any lingering dirt. They’re biodegradable and perfectly suited to clean dirty tape and leather without damaging the material.

Step 7: The Finishing Touches

If so inclined, add a silicon finishing spray to the frame to help repel any mud and grime on future rides. Alan recommends spraying down a microfiber cloth and rubbing it on the frame instead of spraying the frame all over. “The last thing you want to do is contaminate your braking surfaces with silicon,” he explains.

Some Additional Tips

  • If you use a top tube bag or a saddle bag, remove them and clean the area underneath them regularly. If dirt gets trapped under a bag’s straps, it acts like a sand paper that ruins the finish and paint over time.
  • If your bike has disc brakes, use a purpose-built disc brake cleaner to remove any dirt and debris.
  • Check for stones or gunk in your pedals, as buildup may prevent you from clipping in or worse, clipping out.

Storing Your Bike

Store your bike in a dry, safe space to keep rust at bay. There are dozens of bike storage solutions on the market that meet the needs of different spaces, and bike locks provide peace of mind if your bike is left outside.

By following these simple steps, you can wash your bike just like the pros do. With a clean and well-maintained bike, you'll be riding smoother, faster, and for longer. And if all else fails, “get someone else to clean it,” Alan nudges me with a smile.


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