You’ve probably wished for a bike chain that cleaned itself like a self-cleaning oven. You just walk away after pressing a button, and it clean itself for the next time you need it. Unfortunately, with a bike, such is not the case. A bike chain must be cleaned regularly if you want it to shift quickly, ride smoothly, and survive long.
A bike would be incomplete without a chain. Because a bike’s chain is clean and oiled, it allows the wheel to travel forward smoothly without making any unwanted noise. However, a bike’s chain must be rust-free to function correctly. To extend the life of a bike chain, it must be greased and lubricated regularly.
The critical component of your bicycle that distributes the energy from your pedaling to the wheels is the chain. The effectiveness of this energy transmission might be reduced by a poorly maintained chain, making your ride less optimal and harder!
Ensure your chain is in good working order to ensure a smooth and pleasurable ride. Your bike chain might be clean in half an hour or less with the correct equipment and know-how, and you might even be able to utilize products you already have on hand.
What household items can I use to clean my bike chain?
Household items such as baking soda and toothpaste can be used to clean a bike chain. Using this method, start by using the toothpaste to remove any grease or dirt on the chain. Afterwards, thoroughly clean the chain with baking soda. If you find that the chain is still dirty after this treatment, then try scrubbing it with some steel wool and hydrogen peroxide. If your bicycle has an internal gear hub, make sure that all of its parts are lubricated properly before riding. This includes both the bearings in the wheel itself and also the gears themselves.
Below are the six household products that you can use to easily clean your bike chain easily at home.
1. Canned air to blow dust off your chain
Dust can build up on a bike’s chain and jeopardize your safety, so it’s important to regularly clean it. But with how difficult it is to remove dust with a brush or cloth, the job becomes daunting. Fortunately, you can use canned air from a hardware store to blow dust off your bike’s chain quickly and easily. You just have to be careful not to spray the liquid inside the cans, as this could cause damage.
2. Toothbrush to get in the small spaces
The best way to take care of your bike chain at home is to do this is with an old toothbrush. You can use a dry one for a “dry clean” and a wet one for a “wet clean”. Just be careful not to pinch the bristles in the chain links because that might damage them. Take your old toothbrush and scrub away any stubborn dirt on the chain. Once the toothbrush becomes grimy, turn it over and use the other side or replace it with a new one if desired.
3. Chain Scrubber to scrub the chain
The Chain Scrubber is very easy-to-use that not only removes the dirt and grime but also any embedded rust spots on your bike’s chain links. Chain Scrubber will clean and polish your chain in less than two minutes! The Chain Scrubber comes with a scrubber brush that allows you to scrub off any dirt from your chain.
4. Lint-free cloth to wipe dirt off
In order to easily clean the bike chain, you need a Lint-free cloth or stocking as well as some detergent or soap. The process consists of applying slight pressure to the chain while rubbing it in a circular motion with the cloth.
5. Water and vinegar for a cleaning solution
One way to clean the bike chain at home with water and vinegar is by making an easy solution that will dissolve any dirt or grime that could clog up gears or derailleurs. The mixture of water and vinegar will help dissolve any hard-to-reach particles on the chain. This solution could also serve as a lube for the chain if you’re in a pinch.
6. Dryer sheet for removing grease
It is said that one of the best ways to clean a bike chain is to use a dryer sheet as it can remove grease and dirt easily. A dryer sheet’s cotton fiber is naturally sticky and will attract dirt and grime to it. The fibers also have a pleasant smell which helps remove any bad odors that may be lingering on the chain.
Steps of Cleaning Your Bike’s Chain:
There are specific steps to clean the chain of your bike. These steps are explained below.
1. Place your Bike on a Stand
To clean your bike chain efficiently and adequately, start placing it on a bike stand. A bicycle stand also allows you to adjust your bike to the ideal position and angle for you.
If you don’t have a bike stand, it’s not necessary. You may turn your bicycle upside down such that the saddle hits the ground and the handlebars remain in place. This will also make it easier for you to complete your assignment. It also protects your bike from any bumps that could cause it to fall to the ground and cause harm if it is not fastened correctly.
If a bike stand isn’t available, set your bike upside down on the ground, so the seat and handlebars are resting on the ground.
2. Check the Chain of Bike:
Now it’s time to inspect your bike chain. But, first, it’s probably time to clean your bike chain if it’s overly dirty and dingy, with a crust of grime and environmental sludge. Depending on how much riding is done and under what conditions, regular cyclists will likely clean their chains every week or two, or at least once every 200 miles or so.
Regularly inspecting your chain will extend its life and safeguard the chainrings from harm. It will also let you find any changes in your chain, such as stretching or link damage.
3. Find the Master Link of the Chain:
The Master Link is a roller chain accessory that allows you to connect and disconnect your bike chains without using chain tools.
A bicycle chain’s master link makes it simple to remove the chain. After you’ve removed the chains, you can clean them. A visual inspection should suffice to determine whether your chain requires cleaning; but, if you have access to a handy “chain checker,” check chain wear before cleaning since a replacement may be required.
While you’re cleaning your chain, you’ll have an excellent opportunity to locate the chain’s master link.
4. Use Household Products available for Cleaning Process:
A few household solutions may be used to clean your bicycle chain, but you must be cautious in your selections because the wrong one will quickly damage your chain.
Next, make a DIY degreaser by combining baking soda, soap, and lemon juice in a pan with enough boiling water. This mixture is strong enough to clean the bike chain’s grease.
5. Advance your Bike Chain:
You can advance or rotate the bike chain by turning the pedals with your hands. This method can be used to clean the entire bike chain. However, bike chain advancement is only possible if the bike chain is not removed.
It is highly suggested that you remove the chain from the bike, as this will allow you to use the toothbrush to remove dirt from areas where the cloth cannot reach.
Locate the master link and remove the pin. The chain will be removed from the bicycle as you pull the pin.
6. Degreasing of Bike Chain:
If you are unfamiliar with the mechanics of removing and replacing the chain, the first step is to photograph it and your bicycle setup for further reference.
Then degrease the chain by pouring some degreaser into one of the spray bottles and liberally spraying it onto the chain, leaving it for a few minutes depending on the quantity of debris, and then rinsing it. You may need to use the degreaser a second time for a deeper clean.
To open the master link, remove the chain from your bike and slip the pin, keeping the link closed out of its slot. You may quickly draw the chain length by passing it through the drivetrain once the master link is open.
After removing the chain, pour the degreaser into the bottle, close the lid, and shake for a few minutes.
7. Lubricate the Bike’s Chain:
You may now oil the chain on your bicycle. Using a high-quality lubricant to guarantee that the bike chain operates smoothly and preserves the other bicycle components is critical. In the long run, a few additional bucks can make a difference.
While spinning your pedals to rotate the chain, hold the lubrication bottle above the top middle pin and carefully squeeze a thin, constant spray of oil onto the chain. You’re done when the chain has completed a full rotation, and you’re ready to get back on the road.
Conclusion:
You now know how to clean a bicycle chain with everyday household items. Save your money and time for an easy clean-up. Isn’t it remarkable that the approaches are so simple? You no longer need to visit a mechanic for this essential task. You can clean your bicycle chain by yourself, which will save you money. It’s critical to keep your bike’s chain clean. This means it’s easier to shift and more efficient, resulting in a smoother ride.
Frequently Asked Question
- Can I use wd40 to clean my bike chain?
Wd-40 is a household product that was just designed with construction in mind. It’s waterproof, which makes it the perfect option for many products. If you are looking for a quick fix to get your bike running again, wd-40 might be the answer. Spray the chain with wd-40 and wipe off any excess, but make sure to spray off any wd-40 that gets on the bike frame or on clothing. The lubricant will not damage most materials and will easily evaporate within an hour of application.
- What can I use as a chain degreaser?
Plenty of options for degreasing and cleaning chains and other hardware. However, if you’re looking for something really easy, we recommend using a mixture of dish soap and vinegar.
Dish soap and vinegar are cheap and easy to find. Put the two together in a spray bottle, shake it up really well so all the soap soaks into the vinegar, then give your chain a good spraying.
- How can I clean my chain at home?
Bicycle chains and cogs can be cleaned at home. There are many different methods to choose from, but you need to work with what is available, so you can find which method best suits your needs. In this article, we discussed all the household products and easy steps to clean your bike chain at home
- How do I deep clean my bike chain?
A new chain can be ruined quickly if it’s not cleaned properly, and an old one will wear out much faster. Plus, a dirty chain provides a dusty mess that is unpleasant for both riders and those around them. It might seem tedious at first, but with some simple tips and some time spent cleaning the chain, you’ll be on your way to smooth rides!
A bike chain can be cleaned and lubricated with just 3 easy steps.
- First, remove the chain and rinse it with water and soap.
- Second, dry the chain thoroughly and use a brush to remove grit and grime from the rollers and teeth of the chain.
- Finally, apply a thin layer of lubricant to keep your bike running smoothly for many miles.
- Can we use vinegar to clean a bike chain?
Yes. All you need to do is clean your chain with a rag soaked in vinegar. Rinse the chain off with water after cleaning it with vinegar. The vinegar will remove dirt and grime from the chain, preventing rusting. Give this little tip a try!
There are drawbacks to this method, however. First off, the acidity of the vinegar can damage the coating on certain chains, especially nickel-plated chains. Next, because the acidity of vinegar eats away at metal over time, if left on too long it will actually damage your chain.
- Can we use Vaseline on bike chain?
Vaseline is a popular lubricant for many household items, but does it work on bike chains too? Many people believe this is the best way to clean and protect your bike chain while others are convinced that rubbing grease onto your chain will have terrible consequences. The truth is both of these options have pros and cons so it really depends what you’re looking for!
Vaseline works well because it repels water, but doesn’t dry out or deteriorate rubber products.
