A great way to clean your chain

CRAIGO5000
CRAIGO5000 Posts: 697
edited May 2012 in Workshop
I was cleaning the bike yesterday and thought I'd try some of my B&Q decorators wipes on the dirty chain that I had on my garage shelf. These things are the best method I've tried for chain cleaning. They are cheap, come in packs of 50 and don't tear etc. I only needed one to do the whole chain and it's like brand new again. They come impregnated with a really effective degreaser that foams up as you rub the wipe over the chain.

I've used chain cleaners in the past and they are no match to these wipes imo. It was squeaky clean and shining back to former glory within a minute.

I then washed it off and let it dry naturally before re-lubing with dry lube.
Ribble Stealth/SRAM Force
2007 Specialized Allez (Double) FCN - 3

Comments

  • Hoopdriver
    Hoopdriver Posts: 2,023
    Sounds interesting. I might give that a try. I am not a big fan of drenching a chain with degreaser, but this might be just the trick for cleaning away the surface gunk. I have been squirting Muc-Off onto a handiwipe towel and using that. How much do the Decorator wipes cost per packet?
  • Hoopdriver wrote:
    How much do the Decorator wipes cost per packet?

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jumbo-Tub-100 ... 3a62202186
  • DF33
    DF33 Posts: 732
    They're a generic cleaning cloth in a plastic tub.
    All builders, plumbers etc merchants and DIY sheds sell them under different names and uses.
    They are great for cleaning your hands, wiping silicone sealant when re sealing and loads of other jobs. Very handy.
    I too use them to wipe off excess oil when re applying to chain as they leave the pins and rollers inside lubed but clean the rest.
    Peter
  • dodgy
    dodgy Posts: 2,890
    Dazza Doom wrote:
    Hoopdriver wrote:
    How much do the Decorator wipes cost per packet?

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jumbo-Tub-100 ... 3a62202186

    Muc Off could put their logo on that and increase price by 400%
  • godders1
    godders1 Posts: 750
    They look pretty convenient.

    I use this stuff:

    http://www.albancleaning.com/cleaning-s ... easer.html

    in one of these:

    http://www.albancleaning.com/cleaning-s ... plete.html

    and a rag.

    With the amount I use I can't imagine ever having to buy another bottle!
  • napoleond
    napoleond Posts: 5,992
    I have an ultrasonic cleaner that I put my bike bits in with water and a bit of B+Q degreaser. It's ace!
    Regarding wipes, baby wipes are pretty damned good for giving a bike a quick clean (except huggies which fall to bits).
    Insta: ATEnduranceCoaching
    ABCC Cycling Coach
  • fish156
    fish156 Posts: 496
    NapoleonD wrote:
    Regarding wipes, baby wipes are pretty damned good for giving a bike a quick clean (except huggies which fall to bits).
    Yes they're great, especially good for taking on training camp.

    Just make sure you get the unscented ones otherwise you have to do your next ride smelling like a baby's ar$e!
  • dodgy
    dodgy Posts: 2,890
    Godders1 wrote:
    They look pretty convenient.

    I use this stuff:

    http://www.albancleaning.com/cleaning-s ... easer.html

    Looks good value, it claims to remove rubber. Might it be a bit risky to use on a bike, especially near bearings etc?
  • nicknick
    nicknick Posts: 535
    I used to use B&Q citrus degreaser but it seems to have been discontinued?

    I'm now using the Virosol like Godders1 above in a park chain cleaner and works really well. It's not as harsh as it sounds!
  • godders1
    godders1 Posts: 750
    dodgy wrote:
    Godders1 wrote:
    They look pretty convenient.

    I use this stuff:

    http://www.albancleaning.com/cleaning-s ... easer.html

    Looks good value, it claims to remove rubber. Might it be a bit risky to use on a bike, especially near bearings etc?
    I suspect what's meant is that it removes rubber scuffs from flooring etc.

    Citrus based degreasers are sold by the likes of Park, Finish Line etc. (albeit many times more expensive) so fine for use on a bike.

    Of course you have to take care as with any degreaser (i.e. spray onto the cloth rather than directly onto the chain and be sure to wash off thoroughly etc).
  • migrantwing
    migrantwing Posts: 385
    33vg405.jpg

    I use this stuff for all cleaning, but I dilute it slightly when using it on the bike...and it's only £1 :)

    Contains: Less than 5% nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, phosphate, perfume and limonene. Safe on fabrics and clothing.
    Ghost Race 5000 (2011) Shimano 105 Black
    Carrera TDF (2007)

    http://www.bike-discount.de/#

    http://www.bike24.com/
  • Eyorerox
    Eyorerox Posts: 43
    The Wife does mine!
  • xscreamsuk
    xscreamsuk Posts: 318
    nicknick wrote:
    I used to use B&Q citrus degreaser but it seems to have been discontinued?

    I'm now using the Virosol like Godders1 above in a park chain cleaner and works really well. It's not as harsh as it sounds!

    Virosol is the daddy, used it for years for work, made in england as well.
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    Eyorerox wrote:
    The Wife does mine!

    scaled.php?server=824&filename=willhub.jpg&res=landing
    Faster than a tent.......
  • richiebones
    richiebones Posts: 379
    + 1 for the wet wipes.....the only way ive found to clean white handlebar tape.
  • moonshine
    moonshine Posts: 1,021
    NapoleonD wrote:
    Regarding wipes, baby wipes are pretty damned good for giving a bike a quick clean (except huggies which fall to bits).
    +1 - Tesco's own brand baby wipes are a cyclist's friend. :wink:
  • moonshine
    moonshine Posts: 1,021
    Eyorerox wrote:
    The Wife does mine!

    Very Brave :shock:

    or


    very stupid! :oops:
    :D
  • paul_mck
    paul_mck Posts: 1,058
    wet wipes are a gift from the gods. except huggies which are total crap. Even on arses.
  • Alinshearah
    Alinshearah Posts: 339
    moonshine wrote:
    NapoleonD wrote:
    Regarding wipes, baby wipes are pretty damned good for giving a bike a quick clean (except huggies which fall to bits).
    +1 - Tesco's own brand baby wipes are a cyclist's friend. :wink:
    These things are so good at removing grease, paint, oil etc, I always wonder what the heck is in them and would a childs face not be the last place to wipe these things
  • Bordersroadie
    Bordersroadie Posts: 1,052
    Another vote for baby wipes.

    Slightly off-topic, they're also amazing for getting the glass on a woodburning stove clean, takes off rock hard burnt on haze with a quick wipe - God knows what the cleaning ingredient is and how it doesn't damage my daughter's skin!