Expert Tip - Cleaning Your Bicycle Properly
Spring, summer, autumn, and winter: Do you ride your bike in all seasons? For you, there’s no such thing as bad weather? Whether after a short ride or an extensive tour, your e-bike, mountain bike (MTB), or road bike’s chain, frame, brakes, rims, and tires can get quite dirty and covered in grime.
This naturally puts a strain on materials and components. After such a ride, cleaning and removing dirt take priority over rest and relaxation. Regular maintenance significantly extends the lifespan of your valuable equipment. While it may not be realistic to clean your city bike after every use, regular care is still beneficial. However, if you’ve been off-roading with your touring bike, it’s best to start cleaning before dirt and dust dry. This saves time and gets your bike ready for the next adventure or an exciting ride through hills and valleys. Below, we’ll show you step-by-step how to get your bike thoroughly clean, what materials you need for a proper bike wash, and how to maintain and protect your bike simultaneously.
Essential Cleaning Materials
- Bucket or container
- Lukewarm, clean water
- Soft brush, sponge, or appropriate cloth for wet cleaning
- Cloth or microfiber towels for drying the frame and handlebars
- Lint-free cloth for cleaning the chain and removing dirt
- Bicycle cleaner and/or bike foam cleaner
- Chain fluid, chain oil, or chain lubricant
Additional Materials for Professional Cleaning
- Sturdy repair stand for your mountain bike or bicycle
- Garden hose or a suitable pressure washer for bicycles (Do not use gas station pressure washers!)
- Bike cleaner or foam, depending on dirt level and conditions
- Chain oil or lubricant that cleans, lubricates, and protects in one step – following the "less is more" principle
Helpful Tip: No Water Nearby to Clean Your Bike?
In practice, it’s often impossible to wash your bike immediately after an intense or inspiring ride. For example, if you’ve been exploring remote trails on the weekend and traveled by car or train. In such cases, innobike offers the perfect solution – the biodegradable "205 Bike Cleaner Active FOAM." Just spray, wipe, and you’re done! This next-generation active foam cleaner removes even the toughest dirt while simultaneously caring for sensitive materials and surfaces. The best part? It works both with and without water, making it the ideal companion for quick cleanups while traveling, whether on vacation or a short trip.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean and Maintain Your Bike Like a Pro
- For large or heavy dirt buildup, rinse your bike first with a strong stream of water. If no water source is available, use a bucket and sponge for a thorough cleaning. Now, perform a wet wash – depending on the dirt level, use "205 Bike Cleaner Active FOAM" for general cleaning or "207 Bike Cleaner Active WASH" for the toughest grime.
- Application of "205 Bike Cleaner Active FOAM" with water:
- Shake the cleaner well and spray the affected areas from a 10-20 cm distance.
- Let it sit for about 10 seconds until the foam breaks down.
- Rinse the surfaces or wipe them with a soft cloth.
- Tip: If desired, polish the frame afterward.
- Application of "207 Bike Cleaner Active WASH":
- Do not apply directly in sunlight.
- Lightly moisten your bike.
- Let the cleaner sit for up to 2 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
- For heavily soiled areas, use a sponge or brush.
- Allow the bike to dry or wipe it down with a damp cloth.
- Next, lubricate the chain. Choose the best lubricant, oil, or fluid for your needs:
- Want high-tech lubrication? Cleaning, lubricating, and protecting in one step? The "105 High Tech CHAIN FLUID" is perfect for you. It penetrates deep into chain links and dissolves unwanted residues.
- Application: Apply with the brush attachment to the small rear sprocket. Turn the pedals backward while continuously spraying until the fluid reaches the large chainring. Let it sit for 4–6 hours. During this time, the cleaner evaporates, leaving a thin, firm lubricant film on your chain.
- For all moving parts, including cables and bearings, this method is ideal as it removes old deposits and reduces pedal resistance instantly.
- Need a long-lasting lubricant for extreme mechanical loads? "106 Chain Fluid Plus" ensures deep cleaning and lubrication with minimal dirt adhesion while preventing resin buildup and corrosion.
- Riding in snow, ice, or salted roads? Protect your chain with "107 Xtreme CHAIN FLUID," used in combination with "105 High Tech CHAIN FLUID." It withstands the harshest weather conditions, ensuring protection against corrosion, smooth pedaling, and precise shifting even in extreme winter conditions.
True cycling enthusiasts want optimal cleaning in the shortest possible time. We wish you many more worry-free and enjoyable rides!