Experts recommend that we must hose our bicycles after every run. It may be too much if your kid loves cycling and takes it out for a spin every day. Some mud on the bicycle is okay, however if it builds up, it can interfere with your child’s bicycle performance. To keep the bicycle in top class condition, you must clean it regularly.
Regular cleaning of your kid’s bicycle is also important to ensure that it is safe for your children. After all, they will be making direct contact with the bicycle seat and handle. A bicycle may look simple but it has a lot of parts. While cleaning, you must ensure that you’ve taken care of everything. From seat to the bicycle chain to the bike cables.
Here are some tips on how to clean a bicycle to make the process easy for you.
1) Cleaning Bike Frame
Prepare cleaning solution using lukewarm water and dishwashing liquid. Soak a sponge in the cleaning solution and scrub all the areas of the frame with it. Use a water hose to get rid of the soapy layer. After cleaning, you can disinfect the brakes and handles for better hygiene as they are frequently touched. You can use products such as Domex Multi-Purpose Disinfectant Spray. It contains Sodium Hypochlorite as recommended by leading health organisations for disinfecting surfaces. It kills germs on frequently touched surfaces and protects against infection causing germs. Always test on a small hidden area first and follow instructions on the pack for usage and compatible surfaces.
2) Cleaning Bicycle Chain and Bike Degreaser
Remove lose dust and dirt from the bicycle chain using a water hose. Keep the water pressure soft. You do not want to disturb the chain with too much pressure. Adjust the gear so that you can clean the chain properly. The front should be at the highest gear and the back at the lowest. Use a bike cleaner as per the instructions on the product. Scrub the chain using an old toothbrush. Get rid of the cleaning product using plain water. Now, apply a bike degreaser to remove oil deposits in between the chain links. Finally, end by lubricating the chain. Read the instructions on how much lubricant you need to use. Too much lubricant will attract dirt and too little can cause the chain to rust. So, for optimum functioning of your bike chain, using appropriate quantities of a lubricant is a must.
3) Cleaning Bike Cables
Wipe the bicycle cables clean using a cleaning cloth. Apply the lubricant to keep these cables looking smooth and shiny. The best way to apply a lubricant on the cable is to massage it. Ensure that it seeps into the individual fibres of the bike cable. It will prevent them from cracking and breaking.
While cleaning your child’s bicycle, your hands may get dirty and greasy. Do not worry. Removing grease from your hands is child’s play. Simply rub some cooking oil in your palms and wash your hands with an effective handwash. You can also use a dishwashing liquid to cut through the grease.
Do not polish your bicycle. Polishing the saddle can interfere with the grip and cause you to slip. While polishing the wheels can reduce the effectiveness of your brakes.