How to wash a bike?

The most affordable and currently sought-after vehicle is a bicycle. In order for the two-wheeled one to serve for a long time and not create problems, it is necessary not only to treat it with care, but also to properly care for the iron “horse”, which means that after dusty tracks with dirt and puddles you need to know how to wash a bicycle. If this is done systematically and correctly, then you will not only give your two-wheeled friend an unsurpassed brilliance, but also keep the details intact.

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How to wash a bike?

Before washing the bike, arm yourself with a set of all the necessary tools and tools. You can use the following tools and accessories to wash the bike:

1. Sponge or washcloth (use an old washcloth).
2. Ordinary rag or piece of old sheet.
3. Brush with plastic bristles.
4. A brush for washing bottles or an old toothbrush for washing inaccessible places.
5. Dishwashing liquid or car shampoo.

Important! For those who not only sometimes like to ride such an ecological miracle device, but use it as their main transport, the purchase of special equipment will be a rational decision. For some, its price may seem quite high, but the bike will be washed as quickly and conveniently as possible. So, you don’t have to mentally tune in to the tedious procedure and you can perform it more often, keeping longer the condition of all parts.

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Several ways to wash a bike

Even such a seemingly uncomplicated work as washing a bicycle can be done in several ways. We have selected the most convenient and time-saving options so that you can choose the best one for yourself.

Method 1

If you are a happy owner of your own home, then the problem of how to wash a bicycle is solved by itself. We recommend using a high pressure washer as follows:

1. Put the smallest pressure and move a short distance.
2. Wash off dirt with the edge of a stream.
3. Treat the bike with special shampoo and repeat the procedure.
4. After the main dirt has been knocked down, pour a bucket of water and wash the bike clean.

Important! The basic rule that you must adhere to if you carry out washing of a bicycle in this way is do not direct a direct stream of water at the steering wheel, wheel hubs, shock absorbers and carriage assembly. A hand pump can be adapted for this method.

Method 2

If you are not the owner of the house, then it is better to wash the bike on the shore of any reservoir:

1. Take along rags, a bucket to collect water, get to the place and lay out everything you need.
2. Lay the bike on one side, rinse it, then wash the other side.
3. Pour more water into hard-to-reach places so that the mud gets wet and laundered by itself.
4. If your bike is exposed to rain, put it on the saddle and handlebar and wash the frame below.
5. Rinse the chain with a well-dampened cloth.
6. After washing, wipe the bike with a dry cotton cloth so that there are no stains or drops.

Important! The disadvantage of this method is that you have to wait a couple of hours for the bike to dry, because after washing it is also necessary to lubricate it.

Method 3

Most often you have to wash your bike at home in the apartment. If you have just such a situation, take note of the following recommendations and washing a bicycle will not cause you much trouble:

1. Choose a suitable place - preferably where the linoleum lies - in the kitchen or in the hallway. Or wash in the bathroom, straight from the shower.
2. Remove the wheels first, as some dirt cannot be washed off simply with water.
3. It is better to wash the sprockets thoroughly and using dishwashing detergents, using washcloths and brushes for hard-to-reach places.
4. Wipe off areas on the bicycle for which water is contraindicated (wheel hubs, bearings) with a damp cloth.
5. First wash the bike chain with soap and water and then rinse all foam from a two-wheeled friend out of the shower with warm water.
6. Let the bike dry and apply grease.

Important! Make sure that water does not leak into the frame inside, otherwise corrosion cannot be avoided.

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Detailed instructions for cleaning a bicycle

If this is your first time to wash your bike manually, we suggest that you read the step-by-step instructions. Using it, washing a bicycle you can perform not only quickly but also efficiently:

1. Dilute the detergent so that foam is sufficient. Usually a small cap is used on a small bucket. Stir well.
2. Sponge or brush abundantly soak solidified dirt. Especially under the carriage, where the thickest layers are.
3. Blot the whole bike without rubbing it.

Important! Make sure that water does not flow into the mechanisms.

1. By constantly wetting the brush or sponge, rinse off the dirt. Use plenty of water.
2. When washing the wheels, pay particular attention to the rims. Wash the switch rollers, connecting rods, and other important items well.
3. The chain should be removed and washed separately. Use gasoline for this. It is convenient to brush the rollers with a toothbrush.

Important! Having washed away dirt and old grease, do not forget to re-grease the chain.

1. Wipe off any parts that are not dirty with a wet sponge or rag.
2. Rinse off the soap and wipe the bike dry with a soft cloth.

Important! After washing the bike is completely done, do a little trick - apply a car polish to give the bike a magnificent look and shine. This tool will make invisible scratches and hide minor defects. The color of the bike will become more saturated. If rust spots appear on individual elements, then use the VD-40 aerosol preparation to remove them.

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How to lubricate a chain?

The bike not only needs to be kept clean, but also lubricated in a timely manner. Frequent lubrication requires only a chain; treat the remaining elements at an annual inspection.

Important! Experts recommend lubricating the iron “horse” once a week and every time after rain.

Method number 1

1. Put the oil in a regular disposable syringe.
2. Drop one small drop on each link of the chain (or after 1).
3. Pedal back a few times. The oil is evenly distributed over all links.
4. After 5-10 minutes with a dry rag, remove unnecessary oil residues.

Method number 2

1. Turn the bike over.
2. Pour 1 ml of oil into a syringe.
3. Slowly turn the pedals, while squeezing droplets of oil directly from the syringe onto the driving chain.
4. Remove the remaining oil from the outside of the chain, otherwise they will attract dust and dirt.

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Helpful hints:

• It is not recommended to wash the bike in the open sun, otherwise ugly smudges will appear, in addition, drops of water will create the effect of small lenses, which can lead to damage to the coating.
• When cleaning all parts, eliminate the undesirable effects of temperature extremes. Do not pour hot water on equipment that has previously been in the cold.
• If you rode in the snow, then it is necessary to clean it with a two-wheeled assistant immediately, so that moisture does not get into the bearings. Use a brush for this.
• If you rarely triple bike rides, then just wash the bike once every 2-3 months or 2-3 times a season.
• After the rain, wash the two-wheeled immediately, until the dirt has dried up, otherwise it will then be more difficult to do.
• Washing the iron “horse” begins with wheels and rims, as they are the dirtiest.
• It is better to wash the sprockets with gasoline using a brush or a special brush.

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Stock footage

Keep your bike clean, applying our advice in practice, and the iron “horse” will serve you faithfully for many years. Have a nice bike ride!