Written By: Jonathan
Fact Checked By: Caroline Dezendorf
Reviewed By: Matt Tanner
If your bicycle isn’t moving smoothly at all or you’re having to pedal harder than before, your cassette may be very dirty.
There is a set of gears on your rear wheel called a cassette, and over time it accumulates a lot of dirt, dust and obviously grease, threads and everything possible.
Therefore, it is important to clean it if any dirt or other items get accumulated in it which can cause noise, poor gearing and even damage your bicycle’s parts.
In this guide we will show you step by step an easy, tried and tested method for cleaning a bicycle cassette.
Tools Needed to Clean Bicycle Cassette
| Tool / Item | What It’s For |
|---|---|
| Degreaser | It breaks down oil and dirt |
| Toothbrush or Small Brush | to scrub between gears |
| Rag or Cloth | Needed to wipe off grime and dry the cassette |
| Water (Bucket or Spray) | To rinse and clean the cassette |
| Gear Floss (Optional) | Getting into tight spaces between cogs |
| Bike Stand (Optional) | This will keep the bike stable while you clean it |
| Chain Lube | So you can re-lubricate your chain after cleaning |
Step 1: Set Up Your Bicycle
Simply secure your bicycle in a stable position, you can even use a bike stand, and then place your bicycle on it so that the rear wheel is up and you can move it around freely.
Or you can carefully turn the bicycle upside down and rest it on the seat and handlebars, and this is perfect to carry on the process.
Then, shift the chain into the middle gear as this will give you an accessible cassette.
You should avoid the smallest or largest gear as this can make it harder to clean the cogs effectively, so the ideal gear is the middle gear which ensures the chain is in the ideal position to clean it without unnecessary efforts.
Step 2: Apply Degrease
You will need to apply a bicycle degreaser and then spray it in slow and easy way around the cassette, especially between the sprockets where dirt tends to accumulate the most.
So if necessary, ensure full coverage by slowly rotating the paddle and spray it on all sides of the cassette.
After applying the degreaser you have to wait for 3 minutes as it removes the accumulated grease, oil, and dirt.
Step 3: Scrub the Cassette
After the degreaser has done its job you will need to use a stiff bristle brush such as an old toothbrush, a cassette brush or you can use a 1$ toilet cleaner brush.
Then clean the cassette thoroughly and you will need to focus on each cog to completely remove dirt, debris and old grease.
For more tight spots where the brush can’t fully reach, you need to use gear floss or a thin cloth that can be slid between the cogs like dental floss and pulled back and forth to thoroughly clean out the trapped dirt.
Rotating the crank helps expose all areas of the cassette and allows you to ensure thorough and even cleaning.
This is the step that removes most of the grime that causes problems in gear shifting and also harms its behavior.
Step 4: Rinse with Water
When cleaning is complete, it’s time to wash the degreaser and dirt out of the cycle cassette.
You can use water and a sponge to carefully wash the cassette, making sure all traces of degreaser and loose dirt are removed from between the cogs.
Do not use high-pressure water directly as this may cause unnecessary rusting problems in the long run.
With just a gentle wash, the residue can be completely washed off and it also prevents the mechanical parts of the bicycle from rusting problems.
You will then need to turn the bicycle pedals a few times to allow the excess water to drain out completely from the cassette.
Step 5: Dry Thoroughly
Now you need to absorb all kind of moisture from the cassette, so just use the towel to dry the cassette completely.
You have to be very careful as there should be no moisture between the gears to prevent rusting problems.
So allow it to dry and wipe off the water with a towel or use leaf blower to blow off the water and dry mud particles.
Step 6: Check & Lube the Chain (Optional)
Finally, inspect and lubricate the chain to ensure optimal performance.
You need to make sure to lubricate the chain as poor shifting can occur even after cleaning the cassette and even after, so you can check out how to clean a bicycle chain to find out if you need to clean the chain as well.
Conclusion on How to Clean a Bicycle Cassette
I have listed the tried and tested method on How to Clean a Bicycle Cassette without removing it, as it is a straightforward process that is very useful as it improves the overall performance and also reduces the incidences of chain slipping and coming out of the cassette.
And after the cleaning cassette process you will feel your bicycle is running smoothly like a new bicycle.
You just need to make sure that you maintain it on a regular basis so that you can find out if there is any build up that is causing unnecessary wear and tear in the long run.
This is a time saving and easy method to clean the bicycle cassette and you don’t even need to remove it from the wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much time does it take to clean a bicycle cassette?
This usually takes a maximum of 15 to 20 minutes, and also depends on the level of dirt, grease and other deposits on the cassette. If the cassette is very dirty and has a lot of grease deposits, it can of course take a little longer than usual.
Q. What tools do I need to clean my bicycle cassette?
Essentially, you will need some basic household tools such as a degreaser, a soft-bristled brush (as even an old toothbrush will suffice), a clean cloth, and water to rinse and clean thoroughly.
Q. Can I clean my cassette without removing it?
Yes, of course you can do this without removing the cassette, since you are using a degreaser, a brush and water which can effectively clean the cassette while still on the cycle. This is a really smart method that saves a lot of time and effort.
Q. Should I oil my cassette after cleaning it?
It is not completely necessary to oil the cassette after cleaning, as the lubrication will come from the chain, and if you are concerned about rust or corrosion then lightly oil the cassette to protect it from further damage and corrosion.
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Jonathan, the passionate owner of Bicycle Time, brings a lifelong love for bikes and automotive craftsmanship, that reflects into every corner of the shop. With deep passion in both cycling and automotive accessories, Jonathan is more than just an expert.