Introduction: Bicycle Cleaning

By Ultra Job
About: I studied computer science at the University of Maryland. I have done computer projects for NASA, various defense and intelligence agencies, AOL, UUNET ect. I am currently working on a project which is desig…

Completely cleaning a bicycle is either expensive and time consuming or knowledge intensive. Here is a cheap and fast method for cleaning your bike.

This method allows you to clean the frame, gears, derailleurs, chain and wheels without taking parts off the bike.

Step 1: Collect Tools

You will need a degreaser (I use shout the laundry cleaner), a power washer, oil (do not use wd40) and a wet dry vac.

Step 2: Really Dirty Bike

If the bike is really dirty power wash it first. Please, be careful that you don't use a very tight/powerful setting. You want to avoid ripping the paint off of the bike.

Step 3: Fairly Ditry Bike

Spray the degreaser on the parts of the bike that are dirity. I like to use Shout! becuase it is fairly viscous and will not easily drip off the bike.

Step 4: Pressure Wash Bike

After waiting about ten minutes user the presure washer on the bike. You should be able to get into the parts that you can't with your fingers.

Step 5: Check for Cleanleness

If the bike is not clean enough for you go back to step two. If it is go to next step.

Step 6: Vacume Bike

Use a wet dry vac to dry off the bike.

Step 7: Oil Chain and Derailleurs

Oil the chain and both deraillerus. After you have oiled the chain take a rag and wipe off chain.

Step 8: Ride Bike

Take your bike for a nice ride.