Cleaning stuff

TinyExplosions

DeepBlue wrote: »

Slightly off topic but along the same lines - what do people use to clean the cloths used for cleaning a bike?

They're far too manky to go into a washing machine and I tend to throw them away. Is there something that they can be dunked into to make them clean enough to re-use?

I use a roll of disposable J Cloths, they work great!

alfalad

TinyExplosions wrote: »

I use a roll of disposable J Cloths, they work great!

How did i never think of that?? Thats so much easier and prob costs less than trying to wash other clothes!

AstraMonti

Bringing back the thread to ask if carbon needs any specific handling on the wash. Muc off and regular citrus degreaser will do as well?

Chips Lovell

I wouldn't go mad with degreaser on any frame (including carbon) since it's quite harsh. Now, I don't have the science behind it. That's just me being cautious. Soap and water will get it clean.

Lumen

el tonto wrote: »

I wouldn't go mad with degreaser on any frame (including carbon) since it's quite harsh. Now, I don't have the science behind it. That's just me being cautious. Soap and water will get it clean.

I am also mostly ignorant of the chemistry, but AFAIK washing up liquid contains salts whereas degreaser doesn't.

If I was being paranoid I'd use car shampoo, as that doesn't have the salts in in, but tbh as long as you rinse well and aren't using brake fluid you'll probably be fine.

Chips Lovell

All I know is that degreaser literally causes surgical gloves to dissolve (yes, that's how bad I am that I use them working on my bike).

niceonetom

All sorts of things come labelled as "degreaser", I got some W5 "chain cleaner" from LIDL that is unbelievably noxious. It cleans the chain by vaporising anything it comes in contact with. I will not be using it again. On the other hand citrus degreaser is little more than strong soap so I can't see that being a problem. Is it?

I did buy a set of bike-hut brushes that I'm reluctant to use as hard nylon bristles can't be good for the finish. That white PX is lovely but I hope you like cleaning Astra.

Chips Lovell

niceonetom wrote: »

On the other hand citrus degreaser is little more than strong soap so I can't see that being a problem. Is it?

It's Pedros citrus degreaser I have and that's the one that dissolves gloves

ROK ON

I clean the muck from the bike,
Then scrub everything with a J-cloth and some Fairy washing up liquid.
It really cleans chains to quiet a gleam.

Wash and dry everything off.

Apply lube to chain (I use the spray on lube in green can - can't recall name).

Wipe excess lube off and clean chain.

Then I use Moltom Brown Naran Ji to clean the bar tape (but this is mostly done to annoy the missus).

Always use disposable surgical gloves.