Let's revive the old debate.

[gavroche]

What is the best way to clean your chain? Personally, I used to do it with petrol but apparently it can be harmful to the cassette and bearings so I now use white spirit.
It leaves the chain absolutely spotless and does a good job of the cassette too, with a brush.
I have tried a chain cleaner but was not so happy with the results.
Of course, I always re lube the chain afterwards, link by link.

 

[Regular.Cyclist]

I frequently clean the chain using just baby wipes whilst it is still on the bike(s). Every month, or so, the chain comes off and goes into the ultrasonic cleaner with IPA. It then gets a quick dip in a water bath and hung up to drip dry before being re-lubed.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

I think my chain is American. Well it keeps being yanked

 

[Deleted member 1258]

What ever works for you.

 

[I like Skol]

I frequently clean the chain using just baby wipes whilst it is still on the bike(s). Every month, or so, the chain comes off and goes into the ultrasonic cleaner with IPA. It then gets a quick dip in a water bath and hung up to drip dry before being re-lubed.

Not going to get involved in the 'best method' debate, but just have to ask.....
Why the water dip/rinse after IPA?

IPA will have removed all the oils, dirt and rust protection from inside and out, then you dip it in water! I would have thought that was the last thing it needs when in such a vulnerable condition?

 

[wafter]

Paraffin, then wax. Then it never needs cleaning again

 

[Regular.Cyclist]

Not going to get involved in the 'best method' debate, but just have to ask.....
Why the water dip/rinse after IPA?

IPA will have removed all the oils, dirt and rust protection from inside and out, then you dip it in water! I would have thought that was the last thing it needs when in such a vulnerable condition?

To get displace the IPA before reapplying lube.

Any residual IPA can be difficult to displace with lube but any residual water is easy to displace.

 

[wafter]

To get displace the IPA before reapplying lube.

Any residual IPA can be difficult to displace with lube but any residual water is easy to displace.

Is there a scientific argument to corroborate this statement?

 

[Regular.Cyclist]

Is there a scientific argument to corroborate this statement?

None, other that it is based upon the method used a sterile services department in their handling of some ventilator components which need reprocessing between patients.

 

[Brandane]

Every month, or so, the chain comes off and goes into the ultrasonic cleaner with IPA.

How does beer clean an oily chain??

 

[wiggydiggy]

I don't. I periodically redcoat it with wet lube but that's it.

More importantly, how often do recoat your Brooks saddle?

 

[Ian H]

Clean in situ with white spirit then wet lube, leave then wipe. The chain comes off when it worn out (as Campagnolo says).

 

[ianrauk]

May I be the first to mention the Mickle method.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

How does beer clean an oily chain??

What a waste…

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I don’t clean my chains, and use a wax based lube, it’s the best way.