How to wash a bike?

It's a pragmatic thing. To properly care for your bike , it's worth keeping it clean. However, it must be admitted that the design of a bike definitely doesn't make it easy. The multitude of nooks and crannies, and above all, open mechanisms, makes cleaning a bike time-consuming and downright annoying. Furthermore, it's easy to accidentally damage it by splashing water on bearings or other mechanisms. So how do you wash your bike without making it a chore? Let's start with the basics.

How to wash your bike?

Water and detergent. Contrary to popular belief, bikes are relatively waterproof, at least as long as you don't put them in a pool. Detergent will make things easier and help remove brake pad deposits and other stubborn dirt. Which one is best? It doesn't really matter; most garages use... dishwashing liquid. Just mix a little with water and put it in a sprinkler. Never, ever use WD-40! It's a highly penetrating agent that washes out grease and can also clog brakes and drivetrains. If you're struggling with localized dirt, it's best to use brake cleaner (available at any automotive store) or mineral spirits.

Two schools of thought. How to wash a bike?

Quick or thorough. As you might imagine, a combination of both methods is optimal, but it's not always possible. Regardless of the method, however, special care should be taken around hubs, pedals, and the bottom bracket. In short, anywhere bearings are located. Although they are well-sealed, it's not worth risking flooding them. It's also worth remembering that most frames have a hole at the bottom of the bottom bracket shell. This hole is for water drainage, but if you overdo it, it can have the opposite effect.

Washing a bike with a Karcher

Washing your bike with a pressure washer or a Karcher (or a garden hose) has one huge advantage: it's quick. A pressure washer literally sweeps away mud, dust, and other debris, and the entire process takes no more than a few minutes. However, you need to be extremely careful. Although most hubs, pedals, and bottom brackets are well-sealed, a direct jet from the nozzle will likely penetrate the seals. Therefore, you can use full power primarily on the rims, tires, and frame, although you still need to be careful with the headset. It's not worth skimp on the chain for this. Removing the wheels is also a good idea. This allows for a more thorough cleaning of the frame without worrying about the hubs. Washing your bike with a Karcher is therefore safe, as long as you're careful. And be sure to dry the bike afterward, especially the drivetrain, and finally, oil the chain!

Sprinkler and cloth

This method is used in service. It's labor-intensive, but thorough. There's no point in it. It's worth having several rags for different levels of dirt, especially to remove the first layer of dirt. A good brush also works well to quickly remove mud from the tires. Then, just spray, spray, and work with the rag until you achieve the desired results, not forgetting all the nooks and crannies. The pressure is minimal, so we don't have to worry about headsets, hubs, and other bearings, and we can safely treat them with a spray bottle and rag, even in sensitive areas. The drivetrain deserves cleaning with a brush and degreaser, followed by oiling. You can learn how to choose the right oil here .

How often should you wash your bike?

As soon as it gets dirty :) Seriously, there's probably no better advice than to keep an eye on its condition and not let huge layers of mud build up. Besides, wiping everything down with a dry cloth every now and then certainly won't hurt, and it'll make your bike look better. Photo from Flickr Author: Ruth Hartnup