steam cleaner

[Broughtonblue]

has anybody used one of those hand held steam cleaners (about £20 from aldi etc) to clean their bike? im thinking it would be good to get in those little 'nooks and crannys' that are difficult to reach, just unsure whether it would cause any damage to paint finish, remove stickers, or flush out grease that shouldn't really be flushed out.

 

[rowan 46]

best not to. they work great on rims but you have to get the tyres and tubes off as the rubber doesn't like the heat. they work great on chains but you have to get them off the bike first and if you get them anywhere near hubs and bearings they have to be stripped and regreased, more bother than they are worth

 

[Globalti]

Just ride the bike into your nearest sauna. The staff will love you.

 

[gbb]

I wouldnt worry too much, i use one at work to clean infinately more complex machinery than a bike.
Keep the nozzle away from any bearings or grease, it'll do the job. It's never damaged paintwork, or lifted 'transfers' ( i think they're laquered over anyway on a bike)

TBF, when i'm doing something on the bike as your thinking of, i use a spray bottle with detergent and a piece of cloth 'strop' style.

No doubt a steam cleaner will do it quicker though.

 

[Herzog]

Keep the nozzle away from any bearings or grease

This^ It's best to keep steam cleaners, or pressure washers etc., away from bearings at all costs.

 

[Mozzy]

Just ride the bike into your nearest sauna. The staff will love you.

Needless to say so will the public if ride dressed ready for the sauna