Petrol to clean chain?

[Davidc]

Look up the Mickle method. All you will even need to do to keep your chain in tiptop condition

+1

 

[Paulus]

I always use white spirit and a chain cleaner thingy. brings the chain up lovely, and you can strain the muck out and re-use the spirit.

 

[Ace Demon]

Question 1: Can I use petrol as a chain cleaner in my whirring-brush plasctic box before drying and lubing?

It might dissolve the box.

Question 2: If not petrol, what?

Why does it need cleaning? By cleaning the grit off the visible, outer parts of the chain, very fine particles become suspended and get drawn into the pins, which wears them, accelerating "stretch". Surely it's best to leave the dirt where it is? At most, wipe the outer sides of the plates with a rag.

Just lightly touching each roller with oil from a small brush, the oil will get where it needs to by capillary action, without disturbing and drawing in existing dirt and leaves minimal residue for more dirt to stick.

 

[Bicycle]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I found an ancient and enormous can of Gunk in the end, so I used that.

I think I'll go the way of the petrol or the thinners after that.

Very many thanks for all the advice.

I'm glad I asked.