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There are many ways you can wash your bike, and if you already have a method that works then stick with it. If you don't have a clue, presented here are two possible ways, a quick method and a more detailed description.

All that's needed is a bucket with some sponges and dishwashing detergent and a nearby hose. When it is time to clean the machine, prop the bike up and spray off the majority of the mud and muck with the hose. It's crucial to not blast the water sideways at the bike. Doing so may force the water into the pedals, hubs and bottom bracket, which may compromise the grease and bearings inside these components. Instead, spray water only from above and don't ever direct it toward greased parts.

Once you've knocked off most of the dirt, fill the bucket with warm water and enough detergent to make some suds, and go to work on the bike with the sponge. If there are lots of nooks and crannies on your rig, consider getting various brushes, which will speed up the cleaning process. When you've scrubbed the bike fully, rinse off the soap by dribbling water from above. With a little practice, you ought to be able to turn a filthy mud monster into a sparkling wonder in about 15 minutes. And it'll save the finish and help keep the parts running nicely because you've gotten rid of all the dirt and grime. Don't forget, though, to relube things after the bath because if you leave the parts wet with water, they'll rust.

- Gather supplies before beginning the work. Fill the buckets with hot water. Just like when washing dishes, warm water cleans better. Add a biodegradable dishwashing liquid or similar soap, and mix it in one of the buckets.

- If the bike is to be clamped, scrub inside the jaws holding the bike. Also wash the area you will be clamping. The jaws will not scratch, but if there is dirt between the jaw and the paint, it may mar the finish.

- We recomend using the CM-5 to clean the chain. Some Repair Stands offer an option for holding the chain. Remove the rear wheel and reverse the frame on the stand. The axle will hold the chain for cleaning. Clean greasy items with brush and solvent and clean all chainrings

- After scrubbing the chain with the CM-5, empty the CM-5 and fill it with soapy water. Using two different types of solvents, a degreaser and a soap, is very effective in cleaning the chain and removing grit. Use soapy water to scrub chain after using a solvent. Wrap a rag or sponge around the chain while you spin it. Rinse the chain with water.

- If the wheels and rear gears are especially dirty, it is best to pull them from the bike. Scrape out packed in grass, dirt, and grime from between the gears with the GSC-1. You might find the BCB-4 brushes useful. Clean between the teeth by scraping with a "gear comb." Lean the wheel so the cogs are facing the ground to minimize solvent dripping into bearing as you scrub the cogs with solvent. With the wheel either in or out of the bike, use the pointed brush to clean the hub between the flanges and outside flanges. Use the sponge brush to get between spoke nipples of the rim.

- Clean the frame and the bike components. Use the sponge with soapy water to clean the tubing. Use the tapered detail brush to clean hard to reach places such as behind the bottom bracket, derailleur and even under the saddle. Don't be shy with the sponge and soapy water. Use a brush to clean all the components. The bottle brush cleans the hard-to-get to places. Use the tire and frame tube cleaning brush for large tubes and tires.

- If you are using a hose, use only low pressure with a wide spray. Let the water drip down from above. A water bottle may also be used for rinsing. (NOTE: Mark the water bottle as unusable, as it may become contaminated with soap.) Rinse bike from top down.

- Allow the bike to dry after rinsing. Use compressed air if available, but do not blast bearings directly. Use a light lubricant such as CL-1 on the chain, pulley wheels, cables, and pivots points. After the bike is washed, take the time to rinse off the BCB-4 brushes and clean the repair stand.

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How to wash your bike

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