How to Clean a Bike Chain
You've been ripping through the hills or touring the country and city roads - your bike chain is now filthy. Time to give it a thorough cleaning.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Remove the chain (See "How to Replace a Bike Chain" in Related eHows).
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2
Take the chain to a well-ventilated or outdoor area.
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3
Pour an inch or so of solvent, such as Gunk degreaser or Simple Green, in a small pan or basin.
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4
Soak the chain in the solvent.
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5
After a minute or two, take the chain out of the solvent and scrub with a course brush.
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6
Put the chain back in the solvent, or if the solvent is too dirty, discard it in a safe manner and add new solvent.
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7
After another minute, remove the chain, wipe with a rag and dry.
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8
Repeat as many times as necessary.
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9
Be sure to remove all the solvent before you put the chain back on your bike.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You should replace your chain every 2000 miles or so. If you wait longer than that, you can put a lot of wear and tear on your chainrings, cassette or freewheel, and your derailleurs.
In order to avoid extensive chain cleaning sessions, see "How to Maintain a Clean and Efficient Bike Drivetrain" under Related eHows.
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Comments
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surfsock
Jan 24, 2011
Never use WD-40 on a bike chain, it is not meant for this and will damage your chain. I know, I've done it.
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phillee
Feb 24, 2009
If you remove your chain to clean it, drop it into a used soft-drink bottle with some diesel, put the cap on tight, and shake well, stopping to examine it at regular intervals (a clear bottle makes this easier).When it is clean, fish it out with a piece of wire and dispose of the now dirty diesel safely.Dry the chain, lubricate it, and refit.
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phillee
Feb 24, 2009
If you remove your chain to clean it, drop it into a used soft-drink bottle with some diesel, put the cap on tight, and shake well, stopping to examine it at regular intervals (a clear bottle makes this easier).When it is clean, fish it out with a piece of wire and dispose of the now dirty diesel safely.Dry the chain, lubricate it, and refit.
-
Feb 14, 2006
If you have problems with grit or sand in your chain, use the following tips. After cleaning the chain, lubricate it with a light grease; like white lithium or WD-40. Wipe off excess with a clean rag. Run a paraffin candle on both the top and bottom of the chain. Also on both from and rear sprockets. This creates a barrier so dirt and sand cannot penetrate into the links. Your next cleaning will be a lot easier.
-
Feb 14, 2006
If you have problems with grit or sand in your chain, use the following tips. After cleaning the chain, lubricate it with a light grease; like white lithium or WD-40. Wipe off excess with a clean rag. Run a paraffin candle on both the top and bottom of the chain. Also on both from and rear sprockets. This creates a barrier so dirt and sand cannot penetrate into the links. Your next cleaning will be a lot easier.
