DIY Bike Wash
[Beware: the Bike-Wash is currently out of order]
There are different types of bike cleaning: dry cleaning, wet cleaning and deep cleaning:
- Dry-cleaning mainly consists of removing light dirt build-up from your chain and regreasing it. To do so, wipe your chain with a dry cloth to remove the old oil and lubricate it again (the end of this video shows you how). CyCLO recommends to repeat this action on a monthly base.
- Wet cleaning can either be carried out at home or at... the bike-wash. However, CyCLO recommends using the bike-wash only if your bike is very muddy, given the water it consumes. If you decide to clean your bike at home, all you need is a brush and a bucket of soapy water. In this video Luben demonstrates you how that goes.
- Deep cleaning: in addition to ordinary cleaning, a bike sometimes needs more in-depth care, which includes dissambling certain parts, degreasing and re-greasing the hubs inside, etc.
What is a bike wash?
Like the car wash, the bike wash is a high-pressure cleaning service for bicycles. It is only available at Bike Point Bourse, and costs €1 for 2 minutes. We ask you to bring your own equipment: a brush and a clean cloth or rag. If you forgot to bring it, you can also buy a kit on site for €19. As stipulated before, it's better not to take your bike to the bike wash too often.
Our tips and tricks for a successful bike wash
- Don't use more soap than needed. It's a very effective product, so that would be a waste. Note that it's also potentially harmful for your health and the environment.
- Keep the spray at a distance of 40cm from the bike, especiallu around its moving parts (to avoid removing the grease needed to keep the bike's bearings run smoothly).
- Don't forget to tidy up the space when you finish.
- Wait until your bike is completely dry before lubing it again.
