Updated on September 29, 2023
Sometimes you feel that your bike is not performing and running efficiently. Owning a bike is not only necessary but also maintaining it plays a great role in order to enhance its durability. There must be numerous reasons due to which your bike performance can be affected. If you do not clean your bike weekly or monthly, then it will reduce the flexibility of the bike chain.
Well, it is very important to keep in mind that a rusty bike chain will reduce the overall smooth performance of your bike. In this article, you will get to know what are the causes of rusty bike chains, and how to clean bike chains in order to have a smooth and comfortable bike riding experience. Keep in mind that maintenance is necessary to save the working efficiency of your bike.
How To Clean Bike Chain
Many people buy new bike chains if their old chain is not functioning properly. Firstly, you should try to clean the bike chain at home in order to save money. If you are the one looking for ways to clean a bike chain simply by using the home products then you are at the right place.
If you like bike riding then it is important that you should keep your bike chain clean, which will increase its performance, make it durable, and will run it smoothly. There are different ways through which you can clean your bike chain. In this article, I will share the easiest method of cleaning the bike chain at your home.
In order to increase the life of your bike, you should clean the dirt and rust from your bike chain after each ride so that you cannot face performance issues. Cleaning the bike chain at home will not only save your money but also it will maintain its overall riding performance. Well, before you get to know the method of cleaning the bike chain it is important that you know the reasons that are causes of the dirty bike chain.
Reasons For Rusty Bike Chain
If your bike chain is rusty and not giving you the required performance then you should clean it before it gets damaged. The main cause of rusty bike chains is exposure to moisture. When you ride your bike on wet, swampy, dirty, rough, greasy, and salty roads then the chain of the bike becomes dirty or rusty.
In order to make it function properly, you need to clean it right after the ride. Low maintenance of your bike is another great cause of damaged or broken chains. It is important that you regularly lubricate or clean your bike chain so as to function properly.
Why Should You Clean Your Bike Chain?
The dirty chain reduces the working efficiency and friction of your bike. Hence, it will further make your riding experience rough. In order to increase the friction level of your chain, it is important that you clean it regularly. Also, it will enhance the life of your bike and will allow you to use it for a longer period of time without buying a new one.
A few months back I struggled a lot because of the rusty bike chain that caused great difficulty while riding. The problem arises because of the low maintenance and hence it reduces the performance of my bike. Cleaning and using lubricants on the bike chain made it easy for me to resume the friction of my chain. Well, I will share the ways that saved my bike chain, and enabled it to work efficiently again.
Method Of Cleaning Bike Chain
Well, the easiest and quick way of cleaning your bike chain by using the home product is certainly possible. You just need to make sure that you are following each step precisely in order to prevent hurting yourself from the chain. Follow the step-wise method in order to get the desired results.
- Firstly, you have to clean the Cassette by using a brush. You can make a soapy water solution by using any lubricant available at your home. Dip the brush inside the solution and then clean the Cassette. To clean the full chain you need to shift the chain to the other side.
- Secondly, you need to clean the chainrings by applying the scrub all over and then clean them by using the same brush.
- While cleaning the chain make sure that you do not forget to clean the wheels too.
- Lastly, after cleaning the wheels you can use soapy water and scrub both for cleaning the remaining chain. You can use the brush and keep on claiming the chain fully until you remove all the rust.
FAQ’s
Can I use dish soap to clean the bike chain?
Yes, you can use dish soap for cleaning your bike chain.
What is the best solvent to clean a bike chain?
You can use chain cleaner, bike degreaser, lubricants, soapy water, and other liquids for cleaning a bike chain.
Is it okay to wash bike chains with water?
Yes, it is okay to use water in order to clean your bike chain.
Conclusion
Well, I hope that this guide will help you to clean your bike chain accurately. Now, you can easily clean your bike chain at home without purchasing a new chain. It is important that you regularly clean your chain in order to get the best and smooth riding experience.
Austin Jacobs is a passionate cycling enthusiast who has over five years of experience in bike repair and maintenance. He is an avid mountain biker and loves tinkering with bikes for hours on end to make sure they are running at their optimum performance level. Leland’s blog, which focuses on bike repairs and tips to keep them in good running order, was created out of a desire to share his knowledge and help fellow cyclists stay safe while enjoying the outdoors. He covers topics such as preventive maintenance, troubleshooting common issues, basic tools and supplies needed for repairs, and more.