How to clean your bike?

Bike cleaning

Cleaning frequency

Dust, road debris and dirt from bad weather can damage the parts of the bike and affect its performance. Regular maintenance helps prevent premature aging of certain components. It is therefore advisable to clean your bike according to the rhythm of your outings and to lubricate the parts before hitting the road.

For intensive use (MTB or racing bike), the ideal is to clean the bike after each ride. For occasional use, a routine check is generally sufficient before each ride: tire pressure, brake efficiency, screw tightening...

However, it is recommended to respect a regular cleaning frequency. In the case of daily use, the bike should be washed once par week. If used a few times par week, it should be cleaned monthly.

Necessary tools

A bucket, a clean, dry cloth, sponges, specific brushes, cleaning products (cleaning spray, cleaning wipes...), a degreaser, an bicycle lubricant, grease, bicycle chain oil.

Be careful not to use washing-up products. They risk damaging the frame and certain components of the bicycle.

Cleaning steps

Installing the bike: The bike should be set up in a clean place with enough room to walk around it. The use of a bicycle stand makes it possible to fix it well and to facilitate cleaning. It is also possible to turn it over or place it against a wall.

You have to separate the elements. The chaining logic will be respected in order to follow all the stages of the cleaning without hindrance:

1. Remove the wheels.

2. Install the chain rest on the right rear dropout of the frame.

3. Remove the wheels leaving the chain hanging down.

4. Remove the accessories to be washed.

Degrease the components: Mud or dust residue must be removed before degreasing the parts of the bicycle.

Rinsing all dirty parts beforehand increases the effectiveness of the degreasing product.

Once the entire bike has been rinsed, apply the degreasing product using a soft-bristled brush:

- On the rear sprockets: rub every nook and cranny, then leave to act for at least 5 minutes.

- On the sets.

- On the rear derailleur.

To degrease the chain, two methods are possible:

- With a brush, clean the chain by rotating the crankset.

- With a box cleaner, rub precisely the top, bottom and inside of the chain.

It should then be allowed to sit for 5 minutes for the degreaser to take effect. If the components have accumulated black fatty deposits, let the product act a little longer. Once the grease is dissolved, rinse the elements using the garden hose or a sponge.

Cleaning the frame and wheels: Cleaning the frame requires the use of a bicycle cleaner. Water jets are not recommended, too powerful, they risk damaging the fragile components of the bike.

1. Pass the sponge over each part of the frame and the other elements that are not afraid of water. Check that the saddle is not made of cloth or any other porous material.

2. Delicately and thoroughly rub the rims of the wheels using a cloth.

3. Using a stiff brush, polish the rear sprockets and chainrings.

4. With a round brush, clean the hubs and inaccessible places.

5. Using a sponge, scrub the chain, spokes and wheels, frame, brake calipers and accessories.

Rinsing and drying: The bike should be rinsed thoroughly to remove traces soap and cleaning product residue. They can indeed have harmful effects on the parts. In addition, drying is an essential step. Bicycle components may rust and lose performance if not properly dried.

1. Rub the wet parts with a soft cloth.

2. Wipe the chain, calipers, derailleurs.

3. Wipe the frame to avoid traces visible.

4. Dry the wheel brake band and pads.

It is recommended to leave the bike upside down for a few minutes to prevent water from stagnating in its frame. It is also necessary to ensure that the ventilation holes under the bike are unblocked to evacuate the water.