How To Wash Your Frame & Major Components

2 july 2024; cape town SOUTH AFRICA | step by step guide to washing a bicycle frame and components as published on youtube and bike network by myles kelsey

In continuing with our series of Bike Care explainers, here’s the lowdown on how to clean your frame and major components.

You’ll need a soft brush or sponge, a lint-free cloth, bike-specific cleaner and a light pressure hose.

There’s really two ways to clean the frame and major components. If it’s been a muddy ride or the bike has a build-up of dirt then a wet clean is the way to go. Alternatively, if your bike is not very dirty — perhaps just a little dusty with no real build-up of grit — then a dry clean may be all that’s needed. We are using the Motul Frame Clean and Motul Dry Clean for the job and here’s the lowdown, (in video and written format) on the best way to clean your machine.


How to wash your frame and major components: Step-by-step guide

If it’s been a muddy ride or the bike has a build-up of dirt then a wet clean is the way to go.

2 july 2024; cape town SOUTH AFRICA | step by step guide to washing a bicycle frame and components as published on youtube and bike network by myles kelsey
STEP 1 | Use a light pressure to wet the bike.
2 july 2024; cape town SOUTH AFRICA | step by step guide to washing a bicycle frame and components as published on youtube and bike network by myles kelsey
STEP 2 | Spray the Frame Clean on and let it soak for 5 or 10 minutes in an area where it won’t dry.
2 july 2024; cape town SOUTH AFRICA | step by step guide to washing a bicycle frame and components as published on youtube and bike network by myles kelsey
STEP 3 | Run a soft brush or sponge through the bike to remove any grit.
2 july 2024; cape town SOUTH AFRICA | step by step guide to washing a bicycle frame and components as published on youtube and bike network by myles kelsey
STEP 4 & 5 | Give the bike a rinse taking extra care not to high pressure hose any of the bearings or moving parts. Let it stand for a couple of minutes, then wipe it dry.

When the bike isn’t too dirty, a dry clean might be all that’s needed.

2 july 2024; cape town SOUTH AFRICA | step by step guide to washing a bicycle frame and components as published on youtube and bike network by myles kelsey
STEP 1 | Spray the dry cleaner onto the dry frame and wheels taking extra caution not to spray directly onto the brake rotors or caliper.
2 july 2024; cape town SOUTH AFRICA | step by step guide to washing a bicycle frame and components as published on youtube and bike network by myles kelsey
STEP 2 | Wipe the cleaner off with a lint-free cloth.

Review: Motul Frame Clean & Dry Clean

Motul Frame Clean is formulated for cleaning all sensitive surface materials on modern bikes, including paint-coated carbon fiber, aluminum and plastics. It’s strong formulation is designed to ‘dissolve’ dirt away, with less brushing required.

2 july 2024; cape town SOUTH AFRICA | step by step guide to washing a bicycle frame and components as published on youtube and bike network by myles kelsey

Details: Motul Frame Clean

Deep cleans frames and major components
Water-based formula
VOC Free
100% recycled and recyclable bottle
Use on all bicycles and all surface types
±R230 for a 500ml bottle | Learn MORE

Motul Dry Clean is also a water-based formula, but is designed for a waterless clean. You’ll literally spray it directly onto the frame and wheels and then wipe it with a micro fiber cloth.

2 july 2024; cape town SOUTH AFRICA | step by step guide to washing a bicycle frame and components as published on youtube and bike network by myles kelsey

Details: Motul Dry Clean

Water-less frame and component cleaner
Water-based formula
Silicone free
100% recycled and recyclable bottle
Use on all bicycles
±R200 for a 500ml bottle | Learn MORE

Impressions

The Frame Clean is an impressively powerful cleaner. It does stick to the frame and do a lot of the cleaning itself and although there is less foam, there’s definitely less scrubbing required. It doesn’t have a very ‘chemical’ smell to it and dries without leaving any streaks. I’m on track to get about 15 bike washes out of one 500ml bottle.

With the Dry Clean, it’s a completely water-less wash process that is super quick to do. I like the waterproof protective film that is left behind after wiping the cleaner off and it’s very effective at cleaning mild dust and grime. This is a great product that gives your bike the “it’s just been serviced” look. //

| WORDS: Myles Kelsey | IMAGES & FOOTAGE: Max Sullivan |


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