Cleaning my chain with wetwipes?

Cubic

Hi,

I cleaned my chain the other day with some Tesco wetwipes and they seemed to do a really good job. I thought I'd check to see if there are any nasties in the wipes that could end up damaging the chain beofre doing it again though.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks.

Barrie_G

I wouldn't have thought there'd be anything that could harm a chain too much just some pretty light detergents, just make sure to lube the chain after cleaning and everything should be fine.

sungod

can't see it hurting, but it probably isn't any more effective than an old rag or the cheapest paper towel

they'll all remove surface grime, but wiping won't get at the bits in the gaps between the plates or inside the rollers, for that you need to use a chain cleaner or just take the chain off and shake it in a bottle of cleaner

AndyOgy

Wet wipes are one of the best ever inventions for cleaning bikes. I don't know what detergent they use but it seems great at getting off oil, muck and road grime.

They're also great when folded up and used with an 'up-down, back-forth' motion for getting right between the sprockets.

I usually spray the chain with Bike Spray or GT85 before applying a proper chain lube. Normally about an hour later, to give everything time to dry/evaporate.

GavH

I've used baby wipes for a while now. No problems at all. If they're safe enough for babies skin, how much damage can they do a chain? They are considerably better than old rags or kitchen roll.

Pokerface

Just don't forget to re-lube the chain afterwards. I use baby wipes all over the bike. Rags are a pain to clean!

tlw1

Wife is away this w.end, so I am planning a raid on the baby wipes & bikes in the kitchen for a clean
(why does it sound so wrong)!!!!!!

singlespeedexplosif

remember kids, if they can work on meconium, they'll have no problems with road grime...

rake

why not get it done properly with a chain cleaner.

Not Another Hill

+1 for GT85 or WD40.

On my winter bikes I just spray all the metal bits with this stuff after a ride in the wet and/or salt. Leave it then wipe the chain down thoroughly with a rag before relubing.

Prevents rust. Means I don't have to clean the bike after every ride (haven't got time for that). Keeps the chain nicely lubed.

redddraggon

Not Another Hill wrote:

+1 for GT85 or WD40.

On my winter bikes I just spray all the metal bits with this stuff after a ride in the wet and/or salt. Leave it then wipe the chain down thoroughly with a rag before relubing.

Prevents rust. Means I don't have to clean the bike after every ride (haven't got time for that). Keeps the chain nicely lubed.

WD40? Keeps the chain nicely lubed, really?

plowmar

LBS would have me hung drawn and quartered for using WD 40 which is a light weight oil but mainly a penetrating fluid which can damage bearings etc.

GT 85 yes after cleaning but always wet or dry lube as appropriate as a follow up.

Kirklet

redddraggon wrote:

Not Another Hill wrote:

+1 for GT85 or WD40.

On my winter bikes I just spray all the metal bits with this stuff after a ride in the wet and/or salt. Leave it then wipe the chain down thoroughly with a rag before relubing.

Prevents rust. Means I don't have to clean the bike after every ride (haven't got time for that). Keeps the chain nicely lubed.

WD40? Keeps the chain nicely lubed, really?

He said he sprays it with WD40 after every wet ride before relubing ! :roll: