Cycling is a great way to stay active and healthy, but your bicycle can become dirty and covered in grime, especially when cycling through the countryside. A high pressure washer can be an effective tool to clean your bike and restore it to its original condition. Despite the common myth that pressure washers are too powerful for cleaning bikes, most machines come with different power settings and gentle nozzles which are perfect for cleaning delicate surfaces such as bicycles and cars.
Here's how to clean your bicycle with a high pressure washer:
What you need: high pressure washer, a gentle spray nozzle (provides maximum cleaning power without the risk of damage, a soft-bristled brush, detergent, gloves, and eye protection.
- Prepare your bike: Remove any loose dirt or debris from the bike with a soft-bristled brush. This will prevent debris from getting into the nooks and crannies of the bike and causing damage.
- Apply detergent (optional): Using the foam sprayer on your pressure washer or alternatively just spray it on if you don’t have one, apply the detergent to the dirtiest areas of the bike, such as the chain, gears, and pedals. This will help to break down the dirt and grime, making it easier to clean.
- Start cleaning: Attach the gentle nozzle to your machine and begin cleaning. Keep the nozzle at distance of around 1m and keep your pressure washer moving to avoid damage to the surface. We recommend using a low bar setting of around 50-100. Clean the bike thoroughly, working your way from top to bottom.
- Brush off any dirt: Using your brush (either attached to your pressure washer or separately) wipe off any stubborn dirt and rinse your bicycle again.
- Dry your bike: After rinsing the bike, let it dry completely. You may want to wipe it dry with a microfibre cloth to ensure there are no streaks. Letting your bike dry properly will prevent rust and other damage from developing.
Finally, once your bike is dry don’t forget to grease up the moving parts again, such as the chain and gears, to ensure that they are functioning properly.
Cleaning your bicycle with a high-pressure washer can be a quick and effective way to restore its appearance and performance. By following these steps, you can ensure that your bike is in top condition and ready for your next ride. Regular cleaning will also help to extend the life of your bike and keep it running smoothly.
