Cleaning your bike

[urbanrider]

Had it since 27 July and to be honest haven't cleaned it at all (expect wiping down the frame) I'm off today and thinking of getting one of them chain baths but i would like to know if its ok to wash the bike with soapy water first

u.R

 

[Steve Austin]

yes. But some washing up liquids contain fair bit of salt, so make sure you rinse it off..

 

[urbanrider]

thanks for the advice guys

 

[mondobongo]

An old paint brush with the bristles cut down works well for cleaning the chain and a bit of car shampoo in the bucket of water is kinder to your bike than washing up liquid.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Surely one's butler does that as part of his duties?

 

[summerdays]

I was gently told off by my LBS for not keeping the rims of my bike clean.... it was making a paste to grind down my wheels apparently. Question is ... how often do you do it, and do you just use a damp rag? I have occasionally given the whole bike a scrub with a bit of Muc Off but I don't have a regular maintenance regime (other than oiling/cleaning the chain).