Efficiently clean your bicycle with a jet wash
Cleaning your bicycle with a pressure washer is easy. Our guide shows you how and includes some helpful tips.
12.07.2023
What to consider when power washing your bicycle
Pressure can dissolve even the most stubborn dirt. That’s why a pressure washer is a good option for getting your bicycle clean. While there are strict legal regulations around washing your car with a high-pressure cleaner, there are generally no legal restrictions when to comes to using a high-pressure cleaner to wash your bike. However, we advise you to contact your local authority for information on any regulations that may be in place just to be sure. There are a few precautions you should take to avoid causing any problems or damage.
- First, before you start cleaning, make sure your bike is standing securely by leaning it against a wall or tree or securing it in a bicycle holder.
- Work with a pressure setting of 20 bar. If your pressure washer does not have a setting this low, make sure you keep it a sufficient distance from the bike. This is because excessive pressure can damage paintwork and stickers. Start at a larger distance and then gradually ease closer; if it seems like the dirt isn’t coming off, you can reduce the distance further. Use the fan jet nozzle of the pressure washer to create the softest possible jet for cleaning your bicycle. Do not aim the jet directly at bearings or seals, as this could force water and dirt inside them and accelerate wear.
- Do not use the pressure washer on the bicycle chain.
Use protective equipment before using a jet wash on your bike
Working with powerful tools is fun and means you can extend your abilities, which is great as long as you are relying on effective and safe protective clothing while using them. Always wear personal protective equipment when working with high-pressure cleaners. This includes safety glasses, ear protection and more. Please see the operating instructions for your product for further details. Before using your device for the first time, you should familiarise yourself thoroughly with it and make sure that it is in flawless condition before each use. On request, your STIHL dealer will be happy to prepare your tool for its first use, and will also advise you on models and sizes of protective clothing that you can try at your leisure. Please remember that personal protective equipment is no substitute for safe working techniques.
How to jet wash your bike: instructions
First, rinse the bike with plain water from the high-pressure cleaner to soak and loosen coarse dirt. Use low pressure (ideally 20 bar) and work at a good distance from the bicycle. Do not aim directly at bearings and seals – the water that runs off onto these is enough to loosen any dirt.
Fill the foam nozzle with vehicle shampoo according to the instructions for use, and attach it to the pressure washer. Now apply the cleaning agent to the bicycle, being sure to avoid delicate parts such as the chain and bearings. Gently remove stubborn dirt with a soft brush. For rims and gear wheels you can use a stiffer brush if necessary.
Use the high-pressure cleaner to remove the cleaning agent and rinse the bicycle with clear water. Dry the bike thoroughly. Pay particular attention to seals and other areas where water may gather to prevent corrosion.
Apply oil to moving parts such as the bicycle chain and bearings using a cloth. This method prevents excess oil from accumulating on the bicycle, which would allow larger quantities of dust and dirt to build up.
How often should you clean your bike?
You can give your bike a thorough cleaning with a pressure washer at regular intervals or as required. It’s usually sufficient to give it a proper clean every few months. In fact, cleaning your bike too often could actually cause damage to it by attacking the seals and bearings. A little bit of dirt on your bicycle will not cause any problems, though if you’ve been on a wet bike ride, it’s best to remove any mud immediately so that it does not dry out. Happy cycling!
Summary: How to clean a bike with a pressure washer
A pressure washer can help you clean your bicycle effortlessly and thoroughly.
Make sure that the bicycle is standing securely. Use low pressure (ideally 20 bar) and work at a sufficient distance from the bicycle.
- Do not aim the water jet directly at bearings, seals or the bicycle chain.
- Always wear personal protective equipment while you work, as directed in your operating instructions.
- First rinse off the coarse dirt with water and then use the high-pressure cleaner to apply the cleaning agent. Remove dirt with a soft brush, then rinse the bike with clean water.
- After cleaning with the pressure washer, thoroughly dry the bicycle. Finally, oil all moving parts.
- You should clean your bike thoroughly every few months, if you use it frequently. In between, it is usually sufficient to give your bike a quick clean as necessary and to remove heavy dirt. If you only use your bicycle infrequently, one to two washes every year is enough.
Yes, jet washing your bike can be a quick way to remove caked-on mud. However, there are a few things to watch out for such as making sure your bike is secure and avoiding spraying the jet too closely to the bike or directly at the bearings or seals.
Giving a bicycle a jet wash can help quickly remove dirt and grime. After giving a good power wash, use a scrub brush and a cleaning agent to gently remove dirt from hard-to-reach places. Make sure to rinse and thoroughly dry your bike with a cloth to avoid corrosion.
It is best to avoid using a jet wash directly on a bike chain. Using a chain cleaner and de-greaser will remove dirt and grime on the chain. Afterwards, apply bicycle chain grease using a cloth.
