Most people prefer outdoor activities, and cycling is one of the most popular types of such recreation. We all love to hop on a clean, shiny bike in the sun and take a short trip around the area. Unfortunately, the route does not always run along clean asphalt paths. On the contrary, we are driving on dusty dirt roads, through puddles and mud. After such walks, your clean, shiny bike no longer looks as impressive as it did before the walk, and in order to restore its shine and beauty, it must be washed.
Instructions
Step 1
First you need to decide what to wash your bike with. The best and most convenient option is to use a garden watering hose. If you don't have a hose at hand, then you can do it even easier. Pour a bucket of water, but you need to make sure that the water in the bucket is always clean, that is, you will have to change the water periodically. Therefore, it is desirable that the source of water is still nearby. You can also use a bicycle washer.
Step 2
Now let's figure out what equipment to use to wash the bike. It is better not to use a sponge, as small particles of sand are stuffed into it, and you will scratch the frame. These scratches are barely noticeable in the shade, but perfectly visible in the sun, which will spoil the look of your two-wheeled friend. For large parts (frame, seat, fenders) it is better to use a small soft brush. An old toothbrush is suitable for cleaning small and hard-to-reach parts (bushings, wheel rims, pedals).
Step 3
First you need to water the bike with a hose. The water will wash away the dust and loosen the stubborn dirt. While the bike is soaking, you can prepare a solution with which you will wash the bike. To do this, pour water into a bucket and add car shampoo, shake the water until a copious foam forms. Rinse the bike with water again, using less water on the bushings and chain. After that, you can proceed directly to washing. After applying the foamy solution, the shampoo has eaten away the remaining dirt, but do not let it dry and rinse it off.
Step 4
After you've washed all the shampoo off your bike, wipe it off with a soft, dry cloth. If your bike frame is a little tarnished, don't be alarmed - it's bad water sludge. Take some car polish, drop it on the frame and polish it, and your bike will shine again in the sun. If small rust spots appear on shiny parts of the bike, they can be easily removed with WD-40, which is sold in any car dealership.
Step 5
If you want to wash the chain too, take a small jar and pour gasoline and kerosene into it. Be very careful as these liquids are highly flammable and their vapors are hazardous to human health. Take an unnecessary toothbrush and rinse off the old grease, then remember to apply fresh grease.
Step 6
After you've washed your bike, wiped it dry and polished your bike, be sure to lubricate all derailleurs, bushings and mechanisms with new grease. Washing your bike will not take you so much time, from half an hour. But on the other hand, how pleasant it will be to roll out a clean bike and set off on it. And remember that a bicycle, like a car, loves "caress, cleanliness and lubrication."
