The Right Way to Clean Your Bike, Plus Some Essential Tips

If you are a bike user and want your bike to last long, you need to supplement routine maintenance with regular cleaning. Regular cleaning promotes a bike’s longevity. For bike owners who love to DIY and are looking for the correct way to clean their bikes, this article can serve as a guide. Let the information below be your primer on how to care for your bike properly.

On cleaning the bike frame

What most bike owners do when cleaning their bike frames is to hose them down just like what they do to their cars. However, doing so will only saturate specific parts of the bike that should not be exposed to water, such as the hubs, bottom bracket, and derailleur. The best way to clean this part is to soak a cloth in warm water and use it to wipe the frame. 

On cleaning the seat post

Regularly cleaning the seat post will prevent it from rusting or sticking in place. Before you remove the seat, make sure to use black electrical tape to mark the area where it was locked. Then, here is what you should do:

• Completely remove the entire seat post.
• Use a dry rag and wipe everything below the tape marker. 
• Wear gloves and apply bike grease to the inside of the frame’s seat post.
• Remove the tape and slide the seat back into place. Do not forget to lock it in.

If any grease accumulates at the top of the seat post, simply wipe it with a dry and clean rag. 

On cleaning the bike saddle and seat cover

The way you clean your seat cover and bike saddle will depend on what material they are made from. 

If you have a leather seat: 

• Use a leather brush and a light dish soap to scrub the bike saddle. 
• Get a damp rag and wipe away the soap residue.
• Allow it to dry.

If you have a gel seat cover:

• Fill a bucket with cool, soapy water. You can use laundry detergent. 
• Soak the cover for ten minutes.
• Scrub it with a clean rag after. 
• Rinse and pat dry with a clean towel.
• Let it air dry. 

If you have a Lycra cover:

• Scrub the seat cover with a cold, damp cloth.
• Allow it to air dry.
• Apply a waterproofing agent to protect it. 

On cleaning the bike chain

The bike chain is the most important part of the bicycle that needs to be regularly cleaned. However, it is also the most overlooked part. Not tending to your bike chain will make it difficult for you to increase or maintain your speed. The good news is that cleaning this part is easy. 

• Prop your bike up.
• Gently scrub the chains with the right degreaser and a brush.
• Re-grease it with lubricant. Make sure you wipe the excess away, so it does not collect any dirt and grime.

Clean your bike chain at least once a month during the warmer months. If you use your bike during the cold months, it is best to clean the chain every other week to get rid of any corrosive salt and other seasonal elements that get to it.

On cleaning the tape handles

Furniture polish will make your job of cleaning the tape handles easy. This secret cleaning agent is best for cleaning the bike frames too. 

• Use a clean rag to rub some polish into the direction of the tape handles. 
• If you are dealing with a fresh stain, just remove it with a wet wipe. 

Important note: Remember to clean this part outside of your home so that you do not leave any residue on the floor. 

On cleaning the pedals

This part of the bike is the most difficult to clean because bike makers build their pedals differently. If yours only needs a light cleaning, use warm, soapy water and an old toothbrush to keep your pedals clean.

Conclusion

Regular use exposes your bike to all the dirt and grime outside. If you regularly use your bike, give it the TLC it needs to last long. After all, a clean bike provides a better and smoother riding experience to its user.

Make your ride smoother by adding the most comfortable bike seat to your bike. At Cushbike, we have bike accessories to make your bike riding experience pleasant and safe. We also offer fast and free delivery service in the UK.