Quick Steps to Clean a Mountain Bike Chain Properly And Lube It
Riding your mountain bike with a dirty chain leads to efficiency loss, decreasing your power by approximately 1-2%. Ignoring your dirty bike chain can also damage it and make it wear out quicker. To minimize the friction between the links, and to make your chain last longer clean and lubricate your mountain bike chain regularly. In this article we’ll discuss how to clean a mountain bike chain and lubricate it.
To clean a mountain bike chain, use a chain degreaser, dish soap, or a homemade degreaser. Use a brush to remove loose dirt, gravel, or rocks. After cleaning the chain, lubricate it to keep it running smoothly.
While there are many ways you can clean your bike chain, below are some of the best options to consider. Whether you have a specific bike chain degreaser or want to clean the chain using household products, you will find everything you need to know about cleaning, maintaining, and lubing your mountain bike chain. As a matter of interest check out our article that discusses degreasing alternatives for some handy tips.
How Often Should You Clean A Bike Chain?
A bike chain needs to be cleaned and lubricated so that it can run optimally to transfer sufficient power from the pedals to the drive wheel. But how often should you clean your bike chain for it to function properly?
A bike chain should be cleaned at least once a week when the bike is ridden regularly, ideally after every ride. If the bike has been ridden through mud and lots of loose dirt that can clog up the gears, then the chain should be examined and cleaned thoroughly before the next ride.
While you should clean your bike chain at least once a week, you should also consider several factors that affect the frequency at which a bike chain should be cleaned. The type and frequency of your riding, weather conditions, and the trail type are some of the variables that influence how often you should clean your bike chain.
When riding a mountain bike, you will most likely encounter trails full of dirt and mud. If this is the case, you should clean your bike chain after each ride. At the very least, use a clean rag to quickly wipe down the chain after each ride to prevent dust and mud from accumulating, as this could lead to damage as we explain in our article on how to fix a mountain bike chain that keeps breaking.
If you ride your mountain bike on rainy days, you will need to clean your bike chain more often. If you prefer riding your bike on sunny days, using a brush or a piece of cloth to get rid of dust and dirt after each ride should be enough.
For those riding their mountain bike once in a while, thoroughly cleaning the bike chain every month (or after 3-5 rides) is enough. However, if you ride your mountain bike a few times a week, you should consider cleaning the bike chain at least 1-2 times a week. For more information, be sure to take a look at our step-by-step guide explaining how to clean mountain bike gears.
If you do a lot of bike rides in muddy conditions, check out our tips and tricks for installing mudguards on your mountain bike to keep your drive train and chain cleaner.
Cleaning A Bike Chain with WD40 or Bike Chain Degreaser
The easiest way to clean a bike chain is by using WD-40 or a bike chain degreaser that efficiently removes gunk, grime, dirt, mud, and rust from the chain. While all-purpose degreasers can also remove grease from your bike chain, they might not be strong enough to get rid of the heaviest gunk and grime that clogs the chain. Purchase a bike chain degreaser if possible.
To clean a bike chain with WD40 or bike chain degreaser, first, apply the degreaser and use different-sized brushes to scrub off dirt and grease. Use a wire brush to remove rust if necessary. Next, take a clean sponge or rag to rinse the chain with water and remove the remaining dirt. Finally, allow the bike chain to dry and prepare for lubrication.
Below are the materials you will need and the steps you should follow to clean a bike chain with WD40 or bike chain degreaser.
Materials needed to clean a mountain bike chain with degreaser:
| Material/Tool | Why it is Needed | Amazon Link | Approximate Price |
| Multi-Use WD40 Cleaner | To remove dirt, mud, gunk, grime, rust, and grease from a bike chain. | Two-pack WD40 | ~$15 |
| A Bike Chain Degreaser | To remove dirt, mud, gunk, grime, rust, and grease from a bike chain. | Finish Line Citrus Degreaser Bicycle Degreaser | ~$15 |
| A Bike Chain Cleaning Brush Kit | To scrub off as much dirt and grease as possible with different-sized brushes. | Anndason 8 Pieces Precision Bicycle Cleaning | ~$20 |
| A Wire Brush | To remove rust from the bike chain. | Amazon Basics Soft Grip Wide Stainless Stripper Brush | ~$10 |
| Sandpaper | Used as an alternative to a wire brush to remove rust from the bike chain. | 24 Piece Sand Paper Variety Pack | ~$10 |
| A Clean Sponge or a Clean Rag | To remove remaining dirt when washing the bike chain with water. | Mr. Siga Non-Scratch Cellulose Sponge, 12 pack | ~$15 |
Step 1. Degrease the Chain Using WD40 or Bike Chain Degreaser
Whether you have decided to use WD-40 cleaner or a specific bike chain degreaser like this, you will first need to degrease the chain. To do so, spray the solution of your choice onto the bike chain and let it set for about 15 minutes to loosen the grime.
Keep in mind that the duration might vary for different products, so make sure you read the instructions before spraying the solution onto the bike chain.
Step 2. Scrub the Dirt and Grease off
If you have already soaked the bike chain in WD-40 or bike chain degreaser, it is time to remove the dirt and grease. The best way to scrub off the gunk is to use a set of cleaning brushes like this. While you can purchase a specific bike chain cleaning brush kit, you can also use an old toothbrush as an alternative.
Note that rigorous scrubbing may damage your bike chain, so you should scrub the dirt off as gently as possible. If you feel like the grease is not coming off easily from the bike chain, consider spraying the degreaser one more time.
Step 3. Use a Wire Brush to Remove Rust
WD-40 can also be used for removing rust from the bike chain. However, regular bike chain cleaning brushes will not do the job at this time. Instead, you should scrub the rusty areas of your bike chain using a wire brush after soaking the chain in the solution. You can also use sandpaper like this as an alternative.
Step 4. Use a Clean Sponge/Rag and Water to Wash the Chain
While scrubbing off the dirt and gunk requires using different types of brushes, it is still not enough to thoroughly clean a bike chain. To make your bike chain look spotless and work properly, you should also use a clean sponge like this or rag and some water to wash off the remaining dirt.
Step 5. Let the Bike Chain Dry
Allowing your bike chain to dry completely is an essential step for cleaning and maintaining your mountain bike. Ideally, you should leave it under the sun to ensure that there are no water droplets left. Drying the bike chain is an essential step in preparing it for lubrication with lubricant like this and preventing rust build-up.
You may also find interest in learning these easy fixes for a mountain bike chain hitting the frame. If so, be sure to take a look at our related article for more details.
How to Clean A Bike Chain Without Degreaser
While bike chain degreasers often come in handy as they are strong enough to remove the heaviest grime and gunk, you don’t need fancy stuff to clean and maintain your bike chain. Even if you don’t have a chain cleaner or degreaser, dish soap or other detergents can work as a suitable alternative.
Clean the bike chain without a degreaser by using dish soap, kerosene, a homemade degreaser, or even a brush instead.
Materials Needed To Clean A Bike Chain Using Dishwashing Liquid
| Material/Tool | Why it is Needed | Amazon Link | Approximate Price |
| Liquid Dish Soap | To make a bike chain cleaning solution. | Dawn dish soap | ~$10 |
| A Bucket or Container | To mix soapy water. | Rubbermaid Roughneck square bucket | ~$10 |
| Several Clean Rags | To clean the bike chain. | Amazon Basics microfiber cleaning cloths | ~$15 |
| A Brush | To scrub the bike chain. | Amazon Commercial all-purpose scrub brush - 2 pack | ~$15 |
Related articles:
How to tighten a mountain bike chain derailleur
What to do if a mountain bike chain is too short
How to easily fix a mountain bike chain that won't shift to low gears
How To Clean Bike Chain With Dish Soap
Dish soap like this is by far the cheapest alternative to a bike chain cleaner or degreaser. Believe it or not, many pro bikers consider Dawn liquid dish soap a go-to for thoroughly cleaning different drivetrain components.
Besides, using dish soap can be beneficial as it is not too harsh to remove all the lubricant from the chain rollers. Since lubricating the inside of the chain rollers requires removing the chain and soaking it in a lubricant bath, removing all the factory lube from the chain should be the last thing you want to do.
To clean a bike chain with dish soap, you should first dilute liquid dish soap in hot water. Next, soak the chain in the soapy solution. Whether you leave the chain on the bike or remove it is up to you. Then, you should use a brush to scrub the chain for thorough cleaning. Finally, rinse the bike chain with water and let it dry.
The amount of time you will need to clean your bike chain with dish soap depends on how muddy or greasy it is. On average, it takes around 30-40 minutes to prepare soapy water and thoroughly clean the bike chain.
Cleaning and maintaining your chain is easier if you keep your drivetrain clean and protected by choosing mountain bike fender extensions. Not only will this help to keep your bike protected but also you and your fellow cyclists.
Step 1. Dilute Liquid Dish Soap with Hot Water
While you can spray a bike chain cleaner or degreaser directly onto the chain, you will need to dilute liquid dish soap first. Just pour some hot water into a container and dissolve a few squirts of liquid dish soap in the water.
Step 2. Soak a Clean Rag in Soapy Water and Wrap It Around the Bike Chain
Since the solution described in the previous step is too watery, spraying it onto the bike chain will not do the job. Instead, you should take a clean rag, soak it in hot soapy water, and wrap it around the bike chain. Let it sit for a couple of minutes and then hold the chain in a soapy rag while rotating the cranks.
Depending on how greasy or dirty your bike chain is, you might need to repeat this step several times. As liquid dish soap is milder than a bike-specific degreaser, you can’t remove all the grime and gunk from the bike chain with one try.
Step 3. Soak a Brush in Soapy Water and Scrub Off the Dirt
No matter how clean your bike chain looks, you should take your time to clean it properly. After removing the rags from the chain, use a brush like this to gently scrub the dirt and grease off. To keep your bike chain intact, avoid using a dry brush and soak it in hot soapy water first.
Since dish soap does not remove rust from the bike chain, there’s no need to use a wire brush. If you have a rusty chain, consider using a stronger bike chain cleaner, degreaser, or rust remover like this instead.
Step 4. Soak a Clean Rag in Hot Water to Remove Any Remaining Dirt
After scrubbing off the dirt from the bike chain, soak a clean rag in hot water to remove the remaining dirt and soap from the chain. Hot water will make it easier to dissolve mud and grease when cleaning a bike chain thoroughly. Hold the chain in a rag while rotating the cranks to remove any leftover dirt.
Step 5. Use Some Cold Water to Rinse the Bike Chain and Let It Dry
For the final step, rinse the bike chain with cold water to remove the remaining soap from the chain. If you see that your bike chain is still dirty after rinsing it with water, repeat step 2 and wrap soapy rags around it one more time.
In some cases, dish soap might not be enough to remove the heaviest gunk and grime from a bike chain. If this is the case, you should use a bike-specific degreaser like this instead. But if you clean your bike chain on a regular basis, high-performance dish soap will be enough to remove dirt, mud, and grease from the chain.
Materials needed to clean a mountain bike chain with kerosene
| Material/Tool | Why it is Needed | Amazon Link | Approximate Price |
| Nitrile gloves | To protect your skin while using kerosene | Nitrile Gloves 100Pcs | ~$60 |
| Ov/p95 mask | To protect your lungs while using kerosene | 3M 53P71 Large Dual Cartridge OV/P95 Respirator Assembly | ~$25 |
| Safety Goggles | To protect yourself while using kerosene | Amston Safety Goggles | ~$15 |
| Kerosene | To use as a bike-specific degreaser alternative and clean a bike chain. | 1gallon Kerosene | ~$40 |
| A Small Container | To pour some kerosene in. | 12 pack 8 oz reusable containers | ~$25 |
| A Bucket | To put under the bike and collect any kerosene dripping from the bike chain. | Rubbermaid Roughneck square bucket | ~$10 |
| Clean Rags | To clean the bike chain. | AmazonBasics microfiber cleaning cloths | ~$15 |
| Bike Chain Cleaning Brushes | To scrub off dirt and gunk from the bike chain. | Dynalion Bike Brushes | ~$10 |
| A Wire Brush | To remove rust from the bike chain. | Wire brush | ~$10 |
How To Clean Bike Chain With Kerosene
If you want to dissolve the existing lubricant while removing grease and dirt particles, opting for kerosene (paraffin) as a bike chain degreaser alternative could be the right choice. Although kerosene is cheaper than bike-specific cleaners, it performs just as well as more expensive degreasers and has other uses as well, as Nationwide Fuels explain in this article. The problem is that prolonged exposure to kerosene can cause burns, itchy skin, and other adverse health-related symptoms as explained in this article released by the New Jersey Department of Health. However, kerosene is stable and safe when handled properly. Just be aware that it has a distinctive pungent smell and is bad for the environment.
To clean a bike chain with kerosene, wear a max, goggles, and gloves, then use kerosene like chain degreaser. Soak the chain in kerosene, then let use a brush to remove any remaining dirt and debris left on the chain.
So, as long as you wear a mask, goggles, and gloves while cleaning your bike chain with kerosene, there is nothing to worry about. Make sure you dispose of the remaining kerosene in an environmentally-friendly way.
The process of cleaning a bike chain with kerosene like this is pretty similar to cleaning it with a bike-specific degreaser. You use kerosene just as you would use a degreaser. The only difference is that you should be more careful when using kerosene since it can be toxic if you do not follow the safety rules. Below you will find detailed instructions on how to clean your bike chain with kerosene and discard it after you are done.
Kerosene is a strong cleaning agent that easily dissolves grease and gunk accumulated on a bike chain. Therefore, the overall process of cleaning a bike chain with kerosene takes around 20-30 minutes. Keep in mind that you will need some extra time to take the remaining kerosene to a nearby hazardous waste treatment facility.
Step 1. Get the Required Safety Equipment
As exposure to kerosene can be toxic, you should always wear a mask, gloves, and goggles as 3M outlines in this guide, when cleaning your bike chain. While wearing an apron is optional, it will protect your clothes from getting dirty or damaged in the process.
Step 2. Pour Some Kerosene into a Container
To clean your bike chain, you will need to pour some kerosene into a small container. While bike-specific degreasers are often eco-friendly, kerosene should not be sprayed directly into the air. You should use as little kerosene as possible and the best way to do so is to use a small container rather than its original packaging or a spray bottle.
Step 3. Wet a Clean Rag With Kerosene and Wrap It Around the Bike Chain
Next, take a clean rag and wet it with kerosene. Make sure to wear nitrile gloves so that your skin does not come into contact with the oil. To soak the bike chain in kerosene, simply wrap the saturated rag around the chain and rotate the cranks. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to dissolve any lubricant, grease, or dirt before you proceed.
Step 4. Use Brushes to Remove Dirt or Rust from the Bike Chain
As kerosene is a harsh cleaning agent, it easily dissolves grease, mud, and gunk on the bike chain. However, you should still use brushes to scrub off the remaining dirt. Along with using regular brushes, you can use a wire brush if your bike chain has rust. Make sure you scrub the chain gently so that you do not damage it during the cleaning process.
Step 5. Rinse the Bike Chain with Water
After thoroughly cleaning your bike chain, you should rinse it with water. However, you should not let the remaining kerosene pour directly onto the ground. Instead, you should put a bucket under your mountain bike to collect kerosene and properly discard it afterward.
Step 6. Dispose of the Remaining Kerosene without Polluting the Environment
Disposing of kerosene is essential for protecting yourself and keeping the environment clean. You should never pour kerosene down the drain or a local sewer. Instead, you should take it to a local waste collection facility and let them dispose of it in a safe manner. For detailed instructions on how to discard of kerosene after cleaning your bike chain, check out this ultimate guide from Hazarous Waste Experts. Be sure to check your local government website as well for proper rules and regulations for disposing of hazardous waste.
How To Clean A Bike Chain With Household Products
While it may sound iffy to some of you, using a DIY degreaser is yet another alternative to using a bike-specific degreaser. Believe it or not, a homemade degreaser can do wonders for your greasy and muddy bike chain.
The cool thing is that you do not even need any fancy tools or solutions to clean your bike chain. Whether you are on a budget or do not have enough time to get bike-specific cleaners and tools, lemon juice, baking soda, and a few more household supplies will allow you to make your own degreaser.
To clean a bike chain with household products, first make a cleaning solution, and then soak the chain in the cleaning solution for 15 minutes. Homemade degreaser might not be strong enough to dissolve all the gunk and dirt in a single go.
You might need to let your bike chain soak in the degreaser for some time or repeat the steps several times to make the chain squeaky clean.
On average, it takes around 5-10 minutes to make an all-purpose degreaser with household products and another 30 minutes to properly clean your bike chain.
Materials needed to clean a mountain bike chain with DIY degreaser:
| Material/Tool | Why it is Needed | Amazon Link | Approximate Price |
| White or Regular Vinegar | Degreaser component | 1 gallon white vinegar | ~$15 |
| Baking Soda | Degreaser component | Baking soda, pack of 3 | ~$10 |
| Dish Soap | Degreaser component | Dawn dish soap | ~$10 |
| Table Salt | Degreaser component | Morton salt, pack of 3 | ~$15 |
| Borax | Degreaser component | Millard borax powder, 1 lb. | ~$10 |
| Clean Rags | To clean the bike chain. | Amazon Basics microfiber cleaning cloths | ~$15 |
| Brushes | To scrub off the remaining dirt from the chain. | Amazon Commercial all-purpose scrub brush - 2 pack | ~$15 |
Step 1. Mix a DIY Homemade Bike Chain Degreaser Cleaner
If you have decided to make your own homemade bike chain degreaser, you have a few options to choose from. Depending on how dirty your bike chain is or what household products you have at your disposal, you can select one of the following cleaning solution recipes.
DIY Degreaser Recipes
1. Vinegar and Baking Soda
- White Vinegar - 6 tbsp
- Baking Soda - 2.5 tbsp
- Dish Soap - 2 tbsp
- Water - 8 tbsp
2. Vinegar and Borax
- White Vinegar - 8 tbsp
- Table Salt - 2 tbsp
- Borax - 2 tbsp
- Water - 8 tbsp
Step 2. Clean the Bike Chain With Your DIY Degreaser
The next step is to clean the bike chain. As your homemade degreaser is pretty mild, it will take more time to clean the chain than it would with a bike-specific degreaser.
Ideally, you should remove the chain from the bike and soak it in the DIY degreaser. If you don’t want to remove the chain, soak a rag with the solution and wrap it around the chain while rotating the cranks. Next, take a brush, wet it in the cleaner, and gently scrub the chain.
If you are removing your chain, be sure to check out our article on the ultimate list of tools needed for mountain bike maintenance to make sure you have everything you need.
Since the DIY degreaser is not harsh enough to remove the heaviest gunk from the bike chain, you might need to repeat the steps several times. If your bike chain is too greasy and your homemade cleaner does not seem to be working, use a bike-specific degreaser instead.
Step 3. Rinse the Bike Chain and Allow It to Dry
The last step is to rinse the bike chain and get rid of the remaining dirt particles and degreaser. Finally, let the chain dry to prepare it for lubrication.
Materials Needed To Clean A Mountain Bike Chain With Brushes
| Material/Tool | Why it is Needed | Amazon Link | Approximate Price |
| A Bike Chain Cleaning Brush Set | To gently scrub the dirt off the bike chain. | Dynalion Bike Brushes | ~$10 |
| A Clean Rag | To remove the remaining dirt from the bike. | Amazon Basics microfiber cleaning cloths | ~$15 |
How To Clean A Bike Chain With Brushes
If you do not want to dissolve the existing lubricant but want to get rid of the dirt, you can use brushes instead of a bike-specific degreaser.
Bike chain cleaning brushes like these are good enough if rocks and loose dirt need to be cleaned out. However, brushes will not be enough if your bike chain is all muddy and greasy. At this point, it would be essential to use a degreaser and thoroughly clean the chain.
To clean a bike chain with brushes, ensure that it does not require more advanced cleaning solutions and degreasers. Next, select brushes to avoid damaging the bike chain, then, gently scrub the bike chain to remove as much loose dirt as possible. Finish up by cleaning the bike chain with a damp rag to remove the remaining dirt particles.
Cleaning a bike chain with brushes is a pretty straightforward process and takes only 10-15 minutes to complete the task.
Step 1. Check to see How Dirty Your Mountain Bike Chain Is
Before you even decide to clean your bike chain with brushes, you should ensure that these tools are enough to remove the dirt. If you have been riding on a muddy trail recently, your bike chain will probably need a degreaser and a thorough cleaning.
Step 2. Select the Right Type and Size Brushes
Selecting the right brushes to clean your bike chain is essential for cleaning it properly. Besides that, using a set of suitable brushes helps you avoid damaging the chain.
While you can purchase bike-specific cleaning brushes like these that are supplied by Park Tool, you can also get individual bushes from home improvement or automotive stores near you.
Ideally, you should get a thin brush for cleaning narrow spaces and a larger one for scrubbing the entire surface of the bike chain.
Step 3. Gently Scrub Off the Loose Dirt from the Bike Chain
When cleaning a bike chain with brushes, you should gently scrub the surface to remove loose dirt or stones. Do not forget to use a thin brush to access the narrow spaces and properly clean your bike chain. Note that using a wet brush will make the chain all muddy, so you should always use a dry brush to scrub the dirt off.
Step 4. Use a Damp Cloth to Remove the Remaining Dirt
For the final step, you should use a slightly damp cloth to remove the remaining dirt. Make sure the rag is not too wet to avoid making your bike chain muddier. After wiping your bike chain with a damp rag, check if it needs some lubricant.
Is There A Bike Chain Cleaning Tool?
If you do not have enough time to purchase bike chain cleaning tools separately, you should consider opting for a bike chain cleaning kit instead.
A bike chain cleaning kit includes all the basic tools needed for bike chain maintenance, including a degreaser, a gear brush, and a chain cleaning tool.
A bike chain cleaning device is ideal for cleaning your bike chain without removing it from the bike. It thoroughly cleans the chain and removes dirt from the narrowest spaces in just a few minutes.
Bike Chain Cleaning Kit
An average bike chain cleaning kit comes with a degreasing solution, a gear brush, and a chain scrubber device, allowing you to easily and efficiently clean your bike chain.
This bike chain and drivetrain cleaning kit costs only $40 and includes all the tools you might need for cleaning the chain. The main reason why you should consider buying a cleaning kit instead of purchasing the tools individually is that you save some money while getting all the solutions and tools you might need to thoroughly clean your bike chain.
How to Clean and Lubricate a Bike Chain
Since cleaning and lubricating a bike chain is an important part of bike maintenance, it should not be left out of your routine. Believe it or not, lubricating a mountain bike chain is just as important as keeping it clean.
Lubricating the mountain bike chain is as important as cleaning it. To clean and lubricate a bike chain, select a cleaning agent, use a scrubber to thoroughly clean the chain, rinse the cleaning agent, let the chain dry in the sun, and lastly lubricate the bike chain with mountain bike chain lubricant to minimize friction, reduce corrosion, and maintain proper shifting performance.
Below are the materials you will need and the steps you should follow to properly clean and lubricate your mountain bike chain.
And be sure to check out this article by the experts at REI on how you should clean your whole bike.
Materials needed to clean a lubricate a mountain bike chain:
| Material/Tool | Why it is Needed | Amazon Link | Approximate Price |
| A Bike Chain Cleaning Agent | To dissolve any dirt, gunk, and grime on the bike chain. | Sta-bil bike chain cleaner and lubricant | ~$15 |
| A Set of Bike Chain Cleaning Brushes and Scrubbers | To scrub off and remove dirt and grease from the bike chain. | Dynalion Bike Brushes | v~$10 |
| Clean Rags | To remove the remaining dirt and grease after scrubbing the bike chain. | Amazon Basics microfiber cleaning cloths | ~$15 |
| Lubricant | To lubricate the bike chain after thoroughly cleaning it to minimize friction. | Finish Line dry bike lubricant | ~$15 |
You might also find interest in learning how to easily fix a mountain bike chain that keeps coming off. If so, be sure to read our related article to find out more.
Step 1. Select a Bike Chain Cleaning Agent
Selecting the right type of bike chain cleaning agent is key to removing as much dirt and gunk from the chain as possible.
If your bike chain is not muddy and you do not want to dissolve the existing lube, there is no need to use a harsh or even a mild chain cleaner/degreaser. Instead, you can gently scrub the chain with brushes to remove loose dirt and stones stuck in the chain.
If your bike chain is moderately dirty, you can opt for a DIY bike chain degreaser that you can prepare using a few household products, such as vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, and water. This will remove some mud and dirt from the bike chain without dissolving all the lubricant.
If your bike chain is pretty muddy and greasy, dish soap might not be enough to remove the gunk and grime. At this point, use a bike-specific degreaser to dissolve the grease and remove all the dirt from the bike chain.
You might find interest in these mountain bike chain lube alternatives. Be sure to check out our ultimate list to find out more.
Step 2. Pick a Scrubber and Cleaning Tools
The next step is to buy a suitable scrubber and cleaning tools. Ideally, you should get specific bike chain cleaning brushes to thoroughly clean the chain without damaging it. Such brushes are designed to easily access the narrowest parts of the drivetrain components and remove as much dirt and grease as possible.
Step 3. Clean Your Bike Chain
After selecting the right solutions and tools, you should clean your bike chain.
First, decide whether you want to keep the chain on the bike or remove it to clean. While it all depends on your personal preferences, cleaning a bike chain without removing it from the bike will minimize the risks of damaging it.
However, removing the chain is recommended for thoroughly cleaning it. Still, if the chain is not super dirty, there is no need to remove it to clean it properly.
To clean your bike chain, soak it in a degreaser or wet a rag in a DIY chain cleaner and wrap it around the chain. Next, scrub the chain with a clean brush to remove the dirt and grease from the bike. Finish up by gently removing the remaining dirt with a clean damp rag.
For detailed instructions on how to get a perfectly clean bike chain, check out this quick YouTube video tutorial by Global Cycling Network.
Step 4. Rinse the Bike Chain with Water and Let It Dry
Before lubricating your bike chain, it is important to rinse it with some water and remove the remaining degreaser or soap. And you must let the bike chain dry in the sun before applying any lube. So, before you proceed with the next step, make sure your bike chain is completely dry and there are no water droplets inside the narrow spaces between the individual links.
Step 5. Lubricate Your Bike Chain and You’re Ready to Go!
Once your bike chain is clean and dry, you should apply lubricant like this. Bike chain lubricants range from greases to oils, so you can choose the best option for your bike. Make sure the chosen lubricant offers lasting lubricating properties as this is really important for a bike chain. Besides, it is recommended to use a wet lube in winter and a dry lube in summer.
Our article about alternative lubricants gives some great ideas on what you can use instead of ordinary lubricants.
For detailed instructions on how to lube a bike chain, check this YouTube video tutorial by GCN Tech. Additionally, be sure to read our related article explaining how to lube a mountain bike chain for more details.
