Bicycle care and cleaning – how to keep your bike in top condition


Pflege und Reparatur, Radfahren by Ilari H., 18.3.2024

Regular cleaning of bicycles keeps your two-wheeler in the best possible riding condition and improves the bike's functionality and performance during rides.

Especially for mountain and gravel bikes, it is advisable to clean the bike of the worst dirt after each ride if possible, and to set aside time for more thorough cleaning regularly.

Step 1: Cleaning Loose Dirt with Water

When washing the bike, it is easiest to use a garden hose, for example. Using a pressure washer is also possible in principle, but a hose is safer and usually completely sufficient. Water is used to rinse off loose dirt and mud, but it is advisable not to spray water on the hubs or wheel bearings to prevent rusting.

When washing an electric bike, be particularly careful with water around the motor and battery. Also, clean the battery connections and contact surfaces carefully.

Step 2: Washing the Bike with Detergent

After the initial rinse, spray bike-specific detergent on the frame, cockpit, tires, and rims. These detergents are generally biodegradable.

The detergents are mainly intended for general bike washing and are not actual degreasers. However, concentrated soaps can be used to make a strong solution to remove small amounts of dirt from the chain if necessary. Concentrates are quite economical, so one bottle lasts a long time even with frequent washing, and you don't need to use much detergent at a time.

Use a sponge, for example, to wash the frame, as it makes it easier to remove dirt without scratching the frame.

Step 3: Cleaning the Chain (Degreasing)

Apply degreaser to the cassette and rotate the chain to allow the degreaser to reach the chain. After letting the degreaser sit for a few minutes, scrub the cassette and chain clean of grease and dirt using a purpose-designed brush or an old dish brush.

The same treatment should be applied to the front chainrings and the small jockey wheels of the rear derailleur, which are particularly prone to getting dirty.


If the chain is very dirty, you can use a chain cleaner, which speeds up the cleaning process significantly. A chain cleaner also helps save on detergent and brush wear, so in the long run, the device pays for at least part of its purchase price.

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Park Tool Chain Gang Cleaning System CG-2.3
 
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Park Tool Cyclone Chain Scrubber CM-5.3
 
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Muc-Off X3 Dirty Chain Machine
 
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After degreasing, wash off the solvent and the loosened dirt and grease from the chain, front chainring, cassette, and derailleur. Degreasers are usually not biodegradable, so the wash water should be collected properly as wastewater and not released into nature. Finally, dry the parts.

Step 4: Cleaning the Brakes

Brakes often make an unpleasant squealing noise, which is usually due to dirty brake discs. This also reduces the braking power. Therefore, they should be cleaned regularly.

Using brake cleaners is easy. Simply spray the solvent onto the brake calipers and discs and onto a cleaning cloth, then wipe away the dirt with the cloth. The same cleaner can be used for cleaning rim brakes.

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Muc-Off Disc Break Cleaner 400ml
 
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Peaty's Disc Brake Cleaner 400ml
 
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Step 5: Lubricating the Chain

For chain lubrication, it is advisable to use a wax-based lubricant, as it attracts less dirt. Additionally, you can add more wax after a water wash without needing to use solvents every time.

If using oil, always completely clean off the old grease before adding new, or the parts will accumulate dirt.

Apply just a small drop of lubricant to each link, and avoid over-lubricating. Allow the lubricant to dry before riding, and wipe off any excess.

It is sufficient to add wax, oil, or other lubricant to the chain only, and there is no need to add grease separately to the cassette. If the grease is not allowed to dry properly, it will easily end up on the cassette, attracting more dirt.

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Rex Black Diamond Chain Lube
 
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Rex Arctic Winter Chain Lube
 
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Step 6: Drying and Finishing

Finally, dry the entire bike if you haven't already done so earlier. A microfiber cloth is suitable for drying. Drying is especially important for the battery and motor of an electric bike.

If desired, you can add a protective finish to the frame, which makes the frame look stylish and shiny. Additionally, the treatment makes the frame repel dirt, making future cleaning easier.

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Muc-Off Miracle Shine Polish 500ml
 
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Muc-Off Bike Protect 500ml
 
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You can get a good overview of the entire cleaning process by watching the instructional video by Muc-Off:

How To Clean, Protect and Lube Your Bike

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