Cleaning chemicals

[steve30]

I have seen several products which can be used to clean frames and chains etc. They usually mention degreasers, solvents and detergents.

I work as a cleaner and hence have access to several cleaning chemicals which are probably cheaper and better than the usual household stuff that you would buy in shops.

Two which would probably be useful here which I have are Evans Lift and Premiere Products M.P.9.

Information sheet for Lift: http://www.evansvanodine.co.uk/imag...ring-hygiene/product-information/LiftA054.doc

Information sheet for M.P.9: http://www.premiereproducts.co.uk/c...age=flypage.tpl&product_id=134&category_id=67

M.P.9 does say not to use on aluminium, so perhaps not best for a frame, but it might help get all the muck off my chain.

Perhaps one of these, appropriately diluted will do the job well.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Dunno, but Fairy liquid and Baby-wipes work just fine.

 

[battered]

Don't use the MP9 on a bike, it's very alkaline and will corrode aluminium. You may get away with it if you rinse but is it worth it when washup liquid costs next to nothing?

I can't open the MSDS on the other one.

 

[steve30]

So alkalines corode aluminium? (I'm not too familiar with this kind of stuff).

Does washing up liquid actually do much? In my experience it never seems to get things quite as clean as they claim to.

 

[HLaB]

I tend to use Baby wipes too there can't be any nasty chemicals in them and just water and sponge to finish off (again hopefully chemical free). On an older bike I used to use Muc off but found it faded my rims. Occaisionally I've used chain degreaser but find I get less life out of a chain when I do.

 

[Fab Foodie]

So alkalines corode aluminium? (I'm not too familiar with this kind of stuff).

Does washing up liquid actually do much? In my experience it never seems to get things quite as clean as they claim to.

Alkalines/caustics will attack aluminium with a passion. For most road-grime, powerful detergents are not required. Occasionally a bit of degreaser may be required, but not often. Baby wipes or in extremis dab of white spirit or WD40 will shift stubborn gunk. I'm of the church that says never degrease chains and drive train.
Chain-cleaning is a whole can of worms on it's own and is subject to the most cycle-related debate here! Do a search on Chain cleaning and decide which side you're on. Mickle Method: Wipe with baby-wipes, lube, wipe, lube wipe for me.

 

[fossyant]

Washing up liquid............... FFS.......

Just use a car shampoo............. just like you don't wash a car with washing up liquid................

Mr Sheen is just about the best polish you need on a pedal bike............. Original..not the silly scented stuff............. The silicon content helps the crap just fall off.........