How to Wash Your Bicycle

A clean bicycle not only looks pretty, it also lasts longer, rides better and is easier to fix. Keeping your bike clean is an important component of bicycle repair and maintenance. Washing a bicycle is a delicate balance between getting rid of harmful and unattractive dirt while maintaining lubrication on the bike parts that need it. You don't have to wash your bike after every ride; once a year, when it's really dirty or before you plan to store it should be fine. In between washes, give your bike a wipe-down every time you ride to keep it in top shape. You can probably wash your bike with supplies you already have around the house, so this a relatively easy project you can do without planning ahead.

Things You'll Need

• Soft and coarse rags
• Screwdriver or other narrow tool
• Old toothbrush
• Sponges
• Stiff-bristled brush
• Thin brush with a handle
• Biodegradable dish soap
• Bucket

Instructions

1. Lean your bike against a wall. If you have a repair stand, use it and your job will be a little easier. In any case, keep the bike upright to avoid getting soap and water in the wrong places.

2. Remove any accessories like the pump, seat bag and computer. Take this opportunity to clean them and make sure they are working properly. You can leave the wheels on.

3. Fill a bucket with warm water and biodegradable dish soap.

4. Wet the entire bike to loosen dirt using a hose (low pressure only), watering can or your bucket of soapy water. You don't want to have to scrub the bike which could scratch the paint or remove decals. Let the water set for a few minutes.

5. Clean the chain and drive train as these components are likely to be very dirty. Consider using a chain cleaner. Do use a brush.

6. Use a stiff-bristled brush to clean the derailleur pulley wheel, derailleur cage and chain rings. If you use a solvent, make sure not to drip solvent into the hub or bottom bracket bearings.

7. Sponge down the whole bike with the soapy water systematically to keep track of what you've washed. Use a different sponge for the drive train than for the frame, handlebar tape and tires to keep the drive train grime off the other parts. Rinse out the sponge in the soapy water frequently as you clean.

8. Clean the pedals and under the seat with a brush.

9. Use a long handled brush to clean hard-to-reach places like behind the crank set, around the brakes, under the fork, between the spokes and spoke nipples of the rim and around the hubs.

10. Use a thin screwdriver or other tool to scrape out and then clean again if there's build up of dirt or grime between the chaining, gears, cogs or on the derailleur pulleys.

11. Be sure to scrub the rims of your wheels if you have standard brakes (not discs), especially the sidewalls because they are your braking surfaces. Clean rims ensure effective braking. Rubbing alcohol or lighter fluid will remove any rubber deposits or sticky bits (like tar) that won't come off with the soapy water.

12. Use an old toothbrush to clean small, hard-to-reach places like the brakes and derailleur.

13. Use steal wool to remove any signs of rust.

14. Rinse your bike once you've washed off all the dirt using a hose, watering can or fresh bucket of water. Get all the soap off.

15. Dry your bike using a soft cloth or chamois, again making sure to use a different cloth for the drive train than the rest of the bike. In dry climates, you can probably just place it in the sun for a few minutes.

16. Lube the chain, derailleur and brake pivots.

17. Take this opportunity to inspect your bike's condition and see if anything shows wear and may need to be repaired or replaced like the tires, cables or cable housing. Look for cracks or other damage, too.

18. Reinstall all accessories you removed in Step 2.

Tips & Warnings

• Try a rag and shoeshine motion to clean between the chain rings.

• Rubbing alcohol or lighter fluid will remove any rubber deposits or sticky bits (like tar) that won't come off with the soapy water.

• Finger nail polish works great to touch up paint and comes in nearly every color.

• Waxing the painted (or chrome) parts will make the paint last longer.

• Don't spray your bike with any pressure at all.

• Do not use a carwash station. The pressure is too high and the detergent too harsh for a bicycle.

• Keep the bike upright to avoid getting water and soap in places that could get damaged by it.

• Do not scrub your bike, as doing so could scratch your paint or remove decals.