How do i clean my bike?

timmyflash

I'm going to get some mudguards as my bike comes back absolutely covered in crap.

But how do i go about cleaning it? I live in a flat on the high street so it's a bit of a pain. Have only ever really managed a proper clean when i took it too my parents and hosed it down and scrubbed it with bike cleaner.

Just wondering if there's a clever solution without the luxury of space / garage / garden / driveway?

Just wipe off as much as you can with an old t-shirt / cloth? Bits to focus on to reduce wear and tear?

Thanks

Mister W

Get some plastic sheeting on the floor then follow the instructions on this website - http://www.trinewbies.com/tno_bikeclean/welcome.asp It doesn't create too much mess but the plastic will protect your carpet.

iain_j

When I didn't have a back yard to clean mine in, I made do with a rag to clean the frame and wheels, then a clip-on chain cleaner with plenty of rags on the floor to catch the drips. And a toothbrush and degreaser for the fiddly bits - rear mech etc. And a bottle of carpet stain remover, just in case

In those days, I cleaned my bike much more often than I do now, maybe approaching as much as I *should* do it, cos it was such a messy hassle if I let the muck build up.

Escargot

By far the best thing I've found for cleaning the paintwork is a synthetic chamois from Halfords. Providing your bike is cleaned regularly then a damp chamois will glide over the paintwork.

A cheap rag/old t-shirt does the messy stuff and I use lube to clean and maintain the chain.

Personally I don't like using baby wipes as they leave an oil film on the paintwork that I don't like. I prefer to wax it instead.

Slow Downcp

In the bath?

timmyflash

Cheers all.

Considered the bath actually - but flat is so small i don't think i could maneuver it in there :-(

Stellite

Take the wheels and seat post off the frame, you will be able to get in the bath no worries.
You could even use the shower head to hose it down 8)

bompington

Clean? Are you supposed to clean bikes?

timmyflash

Having dismissed it initially due to space, this bath idea might have some legs, haha

MichaelW

Next time you get your bike clinically clean, give it a few coats of car wax. Dirt will find it harder to stick and will rinse off more easily.

mattward1979

Baby wipes for EVERYTHING!

cheap, removes grease and road crap, shines your frame up nice.

hodsgod

Bucket of water and a cloth or brush, just do it in the road.

Garz

giant_man

+1 baby wipes - great for confined spaces!! Literally ....

rake

go onto the pavement and clean it. get some parrafin on the chain.let it dry before you put the grease back.

N4PALM

I live in a flat too and I have no choice but to clean mine in the bath. Its messy, gets oil all over the tub but its easier than trying to do a semi-dry clean in the kitchen. I used to do that but you end up using so much product that its just not worth it. A bit of soapy water in the bathtub does the trick. I take the wheels off and turn it upside down in the tub and then just clean as if I was doing it outdoors.

Having said that, I'm single, my flat is always untidy and I dont care about the greasy marks up my bathroom walls. Its probably not such a good plan if you have a nagging significant other.

S.J.P.

bompington wrote:

Clean? Are you supposed to clean bikes?

I've never cleaned my bike either.... it's looks hard when it's caked in crud

rake

use some sort of rag and a fluid moved over the bike, the soil should transfere to the rag. you will need a clean rag next time otherwise you could end up transfering soil onto the bike and making matters worse. if you want to be a propper ****** about it buy some bike specific cleaning fluid.

geoff_ss

Wrong question. What you should be asking is "How do I get someone else to clean my bike?" When you find out, publish the answer and I'm sure most contributors here will be for ever in your debt

Whilst my wife usually volunteers to clean my walking boots and cleans her own bike, I have yet to persuade her to clean either my bike or our tandem. I'm obviously not sufficiently persuasive

Geoff

Matt the Tester

lol cleaning them in the bath! i tend too use a toothbrush