Written By: Jonathan
Fact Checked By: Caroline Dezendorf
Reviewed By: Matt Tanner
A dirty bicycle chain not only makes your bicycle look bad, it also restrict the smooth functioning of your bicycle, requires you to pedal harder than necessary and can also damage the drivetrain.
The good news?
Cleaning your bike chain is easier than you might think, and it doesn’t require expensive tools or having to take it to the bike shop to have it cleaned.
This is a complete beginner’s guide, as you will learn a fast and totally beginner-friendly method for cleaning your bicycle chain at home using basic tools.
No matter if you commute daily or use it for weekends, you can enhance the performance and extend the life of your components by keeping the chain clean, and enjoy a quiet and efficient ride.
So let’s get started without wasting a moment.
| 📝Aspect | 📌Details |
|---|---|
| 🧽 Why Clean the Chain? | It easily increases efficiency, reduces wear, prevents corrosion, and improves gear shifting. |
| ⏱️ How Often? | Every 100-200 miles when you travel on dry roads, but after every wet/muddy trip. |
| 🧰 Tools Needed | Degreaser, brush/chain cleaner, rags, bicycle chain lube. |
| 🔄 Step-by-Step | 1. Apply degreaser 2. Scrub the chain 3. Wipe and rinse 4. Apply lubrication |
| ⌛ Time Required | 10–15 minutes max |
| ⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid | Do not over lube it, you should not skip cleaning, avoid extreme water pressure, don’t use harsh chemicals. |
| 🧴 Best Lubes to Use | Bicycle-specific wet or dry chain lubricant. |
| 🚨 Warning Signs Chain Needs Cleaning | creaking, chain slipping and visibly dirty chain. |
Why Cleaning Your Bicycle Chain Matters
When you are riding a bicycle, everything feels great, like the wind is blowing in your face and your bicycle skips middle the pedals.
It’s so annoying, isn’t it?
More than that, it’s a sign that your bike is trying to tell you something – “I need some care”.
The chain is the hardest working part of a bicycle that handles all the power from your legs and keeps the rider moving.
And with every mile you ride your bicycle, dirt, grime, and dust accumulate on the chain, slowing it down, damaging its parts, and eventually leading to costly maintenance repairs.
And the cleaning process makes you realize that while it may seem like a small unnecessary task, it actually makes a huge difference down the road.
Since it significantly improves your ride quality, you will feel like you are riding this cycle like a brand new one.
Plus, the cleaning process is easy and can be done in a short amount of time, without even requiring a mechanic’s toolkit.
Tools You’ll Need to Clean the Bicycle Chain
Cleaning a bicycle chain does not require any professional equipment or workshop as it is a basic job and can be done with some simple things.
- Bike Degreaser: This will make it easier to remove all the old grease and dirt on the chain, and you can use a bicycle-specific degreaser to avoid damaging the components.
- Chain Cleaning Tool or Brush: You can use a dedicated chain scrubber which works best, but an old toothbrush can also work without a doubt.
- Clean Rags or Paper Towels: Wipe the chain before and after cleaning to remove grease and dirt.
- Bicycle Chain Lube: Just make sure the chain is clean and dry, and then re-apply lubricant to keep things running smoothly.
- Gloves and old towels: This is totally up to you to use or not, as you can use gloves and old towels that will keep your hands clean during this entire process.
NOTE:- Do this cleaning only outside or on a surface which you won’t mind getting dirty.
How to Clean a Bicycle Chain (Step-By-Step Guide)
After arranging all the necessary tools that will be used in the cleaning process, now you just need to follow these simple steps, and you will have a smooth and clean chain, completely ready for riding.
1. Shift to the Smallest Gear
You will need to shift your bicycle’s gear to the smallest chain ring and the smallest rear cog, so that you can have easy access to all the chain rings and the cleaning process becomes easier.
2. Apply Degreaser
Simply grab a rag or you can place a used towel underneath the chain to catch the drips, and then spray or apply a degreaser slowly to the chain and turn the pedal backwards. Let it soak for a minutes to remove the dirt.
3. Scrub the Chain
You can use chain cleaning tool, otherwise a used toothbrush is enough to clean the chain thoroughly. Rotate the pedal backwards in the same way, as you have to clean the entire chain.
4. Wipe Down the Chain
When the dirt starts to come loose, simply take a dry cloth and wipe the chain so it’s completely clean. Keep turning the pedals and gently press the chain with the cloth to completely remove any remaining debris.
5. Let It Dry
Allow the chain to air dry completely before applying lubricant. Applying lubricant to a wet chain can trap moisture and sometimes even lead to rust.
6. Reapply Chain Lube
Slowly drip a small amount of bicycle chain lube onto each link while turning the pedals; you should not apply too much, as a thin and even layer is enough to make the chain efficient.
7. Wipe Off Excess Lube
If you feel the lubricant applied is too much, gently wipe the chain again with a clean cloth to remove any excess lubricant, as too much lubricant may attract more dirt over time.
How Often Should You Clean Your Bicycle Chain?
You should keep your bicycle chain clean, this will not only improve the performance but also save you from unnecessary maintenance costs, so just follow this simple rule.
- Do this after every 100 to 200 miles in dry riding conditions.
- If your ride is on dirty, muddy or wet condition, clean the chain as needed.
- If you hear a clicking noise or feel a lot of resistance when you pedal, it’s time to clean the chain.
You can also ride in dry weather as it keeps the bicycle chain clean from unnecessary mud and dirt, but remember that dirt accumulates faster in muddy, rainy or dusty roads so you need to clean it after every ride.
Likewise, if you hear strange clicking noises or have difficulty in pedaling, this is a sign that your chain needs attention from you.
Conclusion On How to Clean a Bicycle Chain
A well-cleaned bicycle chain means a great ride. After all, this is one of the easiest ways to take care of your bicycle as it saves you a lot of money on repairs, and at the end of the day, your bicycle will be much effortless and smoother.
You don’t need to be an expert or spend a lot of time cleaning your chain, just a little cleaning and proper lubrication will go a long way.
If you are one of those people who always keep their things in good condition, then include checking or cleaning things in your routine and you will be able to add many miles to your bicycle.
FAQ’s On How to Clean a Bicycle Chain
1. How do I know if my chain needs cleaning?
It’s very easy to know when your chain needs cleaning, as if your chain looks black and dirty, makes clicking noises or feels rough when you pedal then it’s time to clean it.
2. Should I remove the chain to clean it?
This is not necessary. You can easily and I would say effectively clean a bicycle chain with the help of a brush, cleaning tool and degreaser without removing the chain.
3. Can I use dish soap to clean my chain?
This is perfectly fine for light maintenance, as dish soap mixed with warm water works well for general cleaning, but you need to be aware that it won’t completely remove grease as effectively as a degreaser does.
4. What happens if I never clean my chain?
This can damage the chain, cassette and chain rings, meaning it will lead to poor gear shifting, reduced efficiency on the road and you will have to bear the unnecessary cost of the bicycle from your finances.
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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.