Questions tagged [cleaning]
A happy bike is a clean bike. How to keep your bike squeaky clean effectively and safely.
162
questions
56
votes
11
answers
183k
views
Homemade bicycle degreaser liquids
Does anyone have a recipe for a homemade bicycle degreaser solution? I'd like to make my own degreaser solution instead of buying one. I have read about using lemon juice and various types of alcohols ...
- 1,482
53
votes
9
answers
105k
views
Is it really going to damage a bike to wash it with a hose?
I was chatting to the guys at my LBS the other day about how they get my bike so clean when I take it in for a service. They said they use compressed air to clean it.
They warned I shouldn't use any ...
- 9,156
30
votes
15
answers
53k
views
Simplest and best way to keep water bottles clean and hygienic?
Obviously a daily wash with washing up liquid and water is a good start... But with all the use a water bottle gets and the mouthpiece being exposed to the elements whilst cycling through who knows ...
- 1,796
29
votes
14
answers
80k
views
What to use to clean your chain (and cogs)?
I've just tried cleaning my chain and cogs with some really hot water and washing-up liquid. I also used a toothbrush, j-cloth and a non-scratch scourer. After over an hour of some serious elbow ...
- 2,209
28
votes
6
answers
22k
views
How bad is road salt for my bike?
I took my mountain bike out yesterday in the snow. Did some hills around town, riding through slush and puddles, and all sort of dirt/mush/ice/snow.
I gave the bike a pretty good wipe-down after the ...
- 829
26
votes
9
answers
5k
views
What is the most ecologically sustainable way to handle rags covered in chain grease?
I have a handful of cloths that I've used to clean and grease my bike chain over the years. Each is covered in chain grease and other gunk that was once on my chain. I'm starting to wonder what I ...
- 395
26
votes
2
answers
2k
views
How to wash a bike properly? [duplicate]
I use my bicycle in a typical urban commute setting. No extreme MTB, but it still accumulates some dust and grime.
How should I wash my bicycle?
- 1,254
24
votes
8
answers
33k
views
How can I clean sand off my bike chain?
I recently went for a ride in the forest. Sections of sand were encountered during that ride and I can clearly see sand sticking to my bike chain now.
How can I clean the sand off effectively? There ...
- 2,913
24
votes
2
answers
5k
views
Practical cleaning routine for a commuter bike
I regularly (almost daily) ride my bike, often in bad weather. I mostly ride on roads, but sometimes through parks, forest etc. on unpaved surfaces. My bike is usually rather dirty, at least the lower ...
- 2,319
20
votes
4
answers
2k
views
Minimal effort chain cleaning
One of the main reasons I eventually give up my bicycle commute in winter is that keeping my bike -mainly the drivetrain- clean despite all the rain/dirt/salt/hail/snow becomes too much of a time suck....
- 4,879
19
votes
5
answers
5k
views
Why should one clean a chain?
I do understand that this may sound like a troll question but please bear with me.
I've always been a maniac about drive train cleanliness until I got a 11 speed bike and realized I didn't want to ...
- 802
18
votes
8
answers
25k
views
How to clean white handlebar tape?
I have bought not so long ago (about two month) brand new and the shiny white from my handle tap have become pretty dirty:
I am tempted to just change the tape to another color - that would be ...
- 490
17
votes
3
answers
15k
views
Why is my chain so noisy after cleaning and lubricating?
I have recently gotten into commuting to work with a road bike. Once a month or so I will degrease, clean, and lubricate the chain. I change through all the gears to distribute the lubricant and ...
- 435
17
votes
6
answers
5k
views
How do I make my pannier bag less smelly?
Because I ride my bike everywhere, my pannier bags (Ortlieb Back Roller Classic) carry all kinds of cargo, from wrapped-up fish-and-chips to damp swimming and gym kit. I store them open whenever I can,...
- 1,103
16
votes
9
answers
6k
views
How to keep the pants from getting dirty
If it is wet, not necessarily pouring rain, it is easy to get the bottom of the pants and the shoes dirty. My tires have protective platesfenders, yet it is not enough. If there a way to avoid that?
