The novice mechanic part 3: essential cleaning gear

In part three of our series, we dive into the maintenance products you should have at home to clean and care for your bike. Read part 1 and part 2 here.

#1 Degreaser

To thoroughly clean moving parts, you'll need a degreaser. There isn't a single best solution, as there are many products on the market that all work – each with its own pros and cons. Some are specifically made for bikes, but that doesn't necessarily make them better. Some are more aggressive than others, some are biodegradable, and some are not. Some can be used on the entire bike, while others cannot. Here are a few popular options:

• Dasty. Cheap and effective. Usable for the entire bike. Note that, contrary to some claims, Dasty is not biodegradable.
• Brake cleaner. Available at stores like Action or online. Fairly aggressive and convenient in a rattle can. Works well on the chain, chainrings, cassette, and of course on brake discs and pads.
• Turpentine or white spirit. Quite aggressive, and therefore quite effective. Certainly not a sustainable option.
• Lamp oil. Similar to diesel. It’s much less aggressive than turpentine and has a slightly oily texture.
• Soapy water. A bit of water with dish soap also works as a cheap, effective degreaser for the entire bike. However, it doesn't degrease as thoroughly as the options above.
• Special bike degreasers. Brands like Cyclon, Decathlon, and Muc-off produce these products. They generally work well and are often biodegradable. The main drawback is the price, which is usually five to ten times higher than the alternatives above.

Photo: when it comes to cleaning, the more rags, the better!

#2 Rags

Every home mechanic has a box full of rags on hand. These can be old bed sheets, towels, t-shirts, or anything else.

#3 Chain cleaner

There are countless ways to clean a chain. You can run it through a rag, remove it and shake it in an old water bottle, or even put it in an ultrasonic cleaner. Personally, I’m a big fan of the chain cleaner. Firstly, because you don’t have to remove the chain, and secondly, because it delivers excellent results. Any model will do the job, but the main advantage of Park Tool’s version is that the brushes are available as replacements.

Photo: the chain cleaning device is one of the most effective ways to clean a chain thoroughly.

#4 Wash mitt and microfiber cloths

To clean the bike (except the moving parts) effectively, a standard microfiber cloth works well. A ‘wash mitt’ (see photo), often used for car cleaning, also does an excellent job. You can buy one for a few euros at a hardware or auto parts store.

Photo: cleaning brush, dish brush, wash mitt, and a small paintbrush.

#5 Brushes and small paintbrushes

For the drivetrain, it’s best not to use microfibre cloths or wash mitts, as grease is difficult to remove from them. You’ll find special brushes on the market for cleaning parts like the cassette and chainrings. In my experience, an old dish brush and an used tooth brush work just as well. A small paintbrush is also often handy for this purpose.