Bike wash

Sonax Bike Cleaner fietsreiniger 1 liter

Sonax Bike Cleaner in its Special Edition, a bike cleaner in a 1 litre pack. You use it to loosen dirt from the frame and parts before any finishing step.

What you get

1 litre content
Sonax brand, Bike Cleaner
Special Edition

Why a bike wash?

Mud and road salt eat away at your bike. They creep into the lube, the brakes and the bearings. Regular washing extends the life of your drivetrain and of many components.

A clean bike also shows up problems: a crack in the frame, a worn cable or a loose bolt are easier to spot than under a layer of mud. Washing doubles as an inspection, and a safety check.

Washing-up liquid can do the job, but bike washes are made for the dirt that sticks to a bike and leave no greasy film on braking surfaces and rims. Many products are pH-neutral or gentle on paint and carbon. Still read the instructions on the pack.

You need little water. A bucket, a sponge and a few brushes are enough for most rides. A pressure washer is unnecessary and can damage bearings.

Types of bike wash compared

The form decides how you use the product and which dirt it handles best.

Type	How you use it	Strength on dirt	Water needed	Suits
Ready-to-use spray	Spray, let it work, rinse	Moderate to strong	Yes, to rinse	Convenience, regular washing
Concentrate	Dilute as the pack says in a bucket	Strong, depending on dilution	Yes, a bucket and rinse water	Many washes per bottle
Foam cleaner	Apply foam, let it work, rinse	Strong on mud	Yes, rinse well	Muddy rides, gravel and MTB
Waterless cleaner	Spray and wipe with a cloth	Light to moderate	No	Dust, light dirt, after the ride

A general guide. Products differ, so read the instructions on the pack.

Choose it if

You want a large volume of cleaner for regular washes
You prefer a well-known brand for maintenance
You regularly ride on wet, muddy or salted roads.
You want to get your bike clean quickly and safely after a ride.

Choose something else if

You only need a small travel amount, where a smaller bottle is enough
Your bike is only lightly dusty. A damp cloth is usually enough.
You want something to degrease the chain. For that you need a degreaser.

How to use a bike wash

Rinse off the coarse dirt
Use a garden hose or a bucket of soft water. Do not aim a jet straight at the hubs, bottom bracket or headset.
Apply the wash
Spray or sponge the wash onto the frame, wheels and components, from top to bottom. Leave the chain until later.
Let it work and brush
Wait for the time in the instructions, usually a few minutes. Brush the chainrings, cassette, brakes and awkward corners with soft brushes.
Rinse and dry
Rinse off all the soap at low pressure. Dry the bike with a cloth or leave it to drip dry in the shade.
Re-lube the chain
Washing strips the lube from your chain. Dry it, lubricate it again and wipe off the excess.

Good to know

Read the label for dilution and contact time
Do not use it on discs and pads without following the instructions
Avoid high pressure on hubs, bottom bracket, headset or suspension. Water can get behind the seals and wash out the grease.
Do not wash in full sun on a hot frame. The product dries on and can leave marks.
Discs and pads must stay free of cleaner, soap and lube. Use a dedicated brake cleaner for the discs if needed.
Stick to the dilution on the pack. A mix that is too strong or too weak does not help.

What you get

Why a bike wash?

Types of bike wash compared

Choose it if

Choose something else if

How to use a bike wash

Rinse off the coarse dirt

Apply the wash

Let it work and brush

Rinse and dry

Re-lube the chain

Good to know

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