DIY Methods

DIY Cleaning Methods for Bicycle

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for your bicycle. Keep your bike in top shape with simple tips and tricks for effective maintenance at home.

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Lemon Juice and Salt Scrub

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

President at E-Cloth

Updated July, 20

Baking Soda Paste and Toothbrush

Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to dirty areas of your bicycle using a toothbrush. Gently scrub to remove grime and stains, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. This method is effective for lifting dirt without harsh chemicals.

Baking Soda Paste and Toothbrush: How to Clean Your Bicycle

Gather your supplies: You’ll need baking soda, a small bowl, water, an old toothbrush (soft-bristled is best), and a clean cloth. If you’re working on a greasy chain or gears, keep a separate brush for those parts.

Mix your paste: In the bowl, combine about three parts baking soda to one part water. Stir until you get a thick, spreadable paste—think toothpaste, not soup. This consistency helps the paste cling to surfaces instead of running off.

Spot test first: Before you go wild, dab a bit of paste on a hidden spot of your bike’s frame. Let it sit for a minute, then wipe away. This helps you check for any unexpected reactions with your bike’s finish.

Apply the paste: Dip your toothbrush into the paste and gently scrub areas with built-up grime—think handlebars, pedals, spokes, and the frame. Use a circular motion and don’t press too hard, especially on painted or delicate parts.

Focus on details: The toothbrush is perfect for getting into tight spots like around bolts, between gears, and in the nooks of your chainrings. For stubborn spots, let the paste sit for a few minutes before scrubbing again.

Wipe away residue: Use a damp cloth to wipe off the baking soda paste. Make sure you remove all residue, as leftover powder can attract more dirt or leave a chalky film.

Dry thoroughly: After cleaning, use a dry cloth to wipe down all parts you cleaned. This helps prevent water spots and keeps your bike looking its best.

Lubricate moving parts: If you cleaned your chain, gears, or any moving parts, reapply lubricant as needed. Cleaning can strip away existing lubrication, and a dry chain is a squeaky chain.

Limited Deep Cleaning

Baking soda paste and a toothbrush offer only limited deep cleaning for bicycles, as they may not effectively remove stubborn grime, grease, or reach tight spaces, leaving some areas inadequately cleaned.

Streak-Free Wherever You Need It

E-Cloth is committed to delivering a clean you can see—effortlessly erasing messes with just water for a spotless shine, free of streaks and added chemicals.

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Vinegar and Water Spray

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto your bicycle’s frame and components, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. This natural cleaner removes dirt, grease, and grime without damaging the bike’s finish.

Vinegar and Water Spray for Cleaning Your Bicycle

Mix up your solution: Combine equal parts plain white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Give it a good shake. This blend is popular for its ability to help wipe away grime, dust, and light road residue from your bike’s frame and components.

Spot test first: Before you go wild, spray a small, hidden area of your bike—especially if it’s got a fancy paint job or custom decals. Vinegar is acidic, so you want to make sure it doesn’t mess with the finish.

Spray and wipe: Lightly mist the frame, handlebars, and wheels. Avoid soaking the bike—just a light spritz is enough. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened dirt. Microfiber is great because it grabs onto dust and grime instead of just pushing it around.

Steer clear of sensitive parts: Don’t spray directly onto your bike’s chain, gears, or any bearings. Vinegar can be tough on metal if it sits too long, and you don’t want it sneaking into places where it could cause issues down the line.

Rinse if needed: If you notice any leftover vinegar smell or residue, wipe the area with a damp cloth (just water this time) to clear it off. This helps keep your bike looking and smelling fresh.

Dry thoroughly: After cleaning, go over everything with a dry cloth. This step helps prevent water spots and keeps your bike from looking streaky.

Final check: Once you’re done, give your bike a quick once-over. Make sure you didn’t miss any sticky spots or leave behind any streaks. If you did, just repeat the spray-and-wipe on those areas.

Corrosion Risk Factor

Vinegar is acidic and can accelerate corrosion on metal bike parts if not thoroughly rinsed off. Residual moisture from the spray can also promote rust, especially on steel components, increasing the risk of long-term damage.

Streak-Free Wherever You Need It

E-Cloth is committed to delivering a clean you can see—effortlessly erasing messes with just water for a spotless shine, free of streaks and added chemicals.

Shop Now

Lemon Juice and Salt Scrub

Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt on the cut side. Rub the salted lemon directly onto the bicycle’s metal parts to remove rust and grime. Wipe clean with a damp cloth for a shiny, refreshed finish. This natural scrub gently lifts dirt and oxidation.

Lemon Juice and Salt Scrub for Your Bicycle: A Straightforward Guide

Gather your supplies: You’ll need fresh lemon juice (bottled works in a pinch), table salt, a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush, a clean rag, and a bowl for mixing. If you’re working on a painted or delicate part, grab a microfiber cloth instead of a brush.

Mix your scrub: In your bowl, combine enough lemon juice and salt to make a thick, gritty paste. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive, while the lemon juice helps break down grime and surface stains. (If you’re wondering, “abrasive” just means it’ll help physically scrub away stuck-on gunk, not that it’ll sandblast your bike.)

Spot test first: Before you go wild, dab a bit of your mixture on a hidden spot—especially if your bike has a fancy finish or custom paint. Lemon juice is acidic, and you want to make sure it won’t dull or discolor anything.

Apply the scrub: Dip your brush or cloth into the paste and gently work it onto the area you want to clean—think chrome handlebars, metal spokes, or stubborn spots on your frame. Use small, circular motions. Avoid getting the mixture on your chain, gears, or brake components, since the acid and salt can be tough on those parts.

Let it sit (but not too long): Give the paste a minute or two to do its thing, but don’t let it dry out. Lemon juice can be harsh if left on too long, especially on metal surfaces.

Wipe and rinse: Use a damp rag to wipe away the paste, then follow up with a clean, wet cloth to remove any leftover residue. Make sure you get all the salt off—lingering salt can attract moisture and lead to rust over time.

Dry thoroughly: Pat the cleaned area dry with a towel. If you’re feeling extra, buff with a dry microfiber cloth for a bit of shine.

Final check: Inspect your work. If you see any leftover grime, repeat the process. If you notice any dulling or discoloration, stop and switch to a milder cleaning method for next time.

Residue Build-Up Potential

Lemon juice and salt can leave behind sticky or gritty residue on bike parts, attracting dirt and causing components to gum up or corrode if not thoroughly rinsed off after cleaning.

Ready for an Easier Way to Clean?

Skip the mixing, spraying, and scrubbing. With E-Cloth, you get a streak-free shine using just water—no added chemicals, no hassle. Make every window sparkle the simple way.

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WD-40 and Microfiber Cloth

Spray WD-40 onto a microfiber cloth and gently wipe down the bicycle frame, chain, and metal parts. The WD-40 helps dissolve grime, remove grease, and protect against rust, while the microfiber cloth lifts away dirt for a clean, polished finish.

How to Use WD-40 and a Microfiber Cloth to Clean Your Bicycle

Gather your supplies: You’ll need a can of WD-40, a clean microfiber cloth, and (if possible) a soft brush for any stubborn grime. Make sure you’re working in a well-ventilated area, since WD-40 has a strong smell and can linger in closed spaces.

Prep your bike: Give your bicycle a quick once-over to knock off any loose dirt or mud. A dry brush or a quick rinse with water (avoiding electrical components) helps prevent scratching the frame when you wipe it down.

Apply WD-40 sparingly: Lightly spray WD-40 onto the microfiber cloth—not directly onto the bike. This gives you more control and helps avoid overspray on parts like brake pads or tires, where you don’t want any residue. WD-40 is a water-displacing spray that can help loosen grime and gunk, but it’s not a heavy-duty degreaser or lubricant for bike chains.

Wipe down the frame and metal parts: Use the dampened microfiber cloth to wipe the frame, handlebars, and other metal surfaces. Microfiber is great for picking up dust and grime without scratching. For tight spots, fold the cloth or use a soft brush to get into crevices.

Buff with a dry section: After wiping, use a clean, dry part of the microfiber cloth to buff the surfaces. This helps remove any leftover residue and brings out a bit of shine on the metal parts.

Avoid sensitive areas: Be careful not to get WD-40 on your brake pads, rotors, or tires. It can affect braking performance and traction. If you do, wipe it off immediately with a clean, dry cloth.

Final check: Once you’re done, give your bike a quick look-over to make sure you didn’t miss any spots or leave behind any streaks. If you notice any stubborn grime, repeat the process as needed.

Missed Hidden Grime

This method may leave behind hidden grime in hard-to-reach areas, as WD-40 and a microfiber cloth can’t fully remove deep-seated dirt or grease, leading to incomplete cleaning and potential long-term wear on your bicycle.

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