Dirt and debris can cause a lot of damage to vehicles, and that includes things like bikes. That is why keeping them clean is so important. Leaving dirt and debris to cake up can start to create wear and tear on parts that are vital to the bike working properly.
So having a good cleaning schedule and a process that will help you maintain the bike and prolong its use. So you may be thinking, why not just wash it with water and soap?
You will use water and soap, but you have to be careful of the type of soap you use. You want a non abrasive and harsh soap that has grease-cutting capability.
Other than that, there are some things you must also consider, and that is what we will cover in this article. So if you want to extend your bike’s life and ensure it is working to its fullest, keep reading!
Which Parts Can You Wash With Soap and Water?
When it comes to cleaning your bike, there are very few parts that can’t be handled with soap and water.
Of course, you have to have the right type of soap, and you want to be gentle with certain parts, but in the end, every inch of your bike can be cleaned with soap and water.
That is except for if you have a bike that has disc brakes. In this case, you want to make sure you keep the soap away from the brake pads and rotors, as they require specific cleaners to ensure they stay in top-notch condition.
Can It Cause Rust?
Water and metal are not necessarily the best of friends. That means that when you clean your bike, you will need to ensure that you completely dry the bike.
If the water is left on the metal, it could, in the end, leave you with quite the rust problem, which will decrease the life expectancy of your bike.
So when you go to wash your bike, you want to make sure that directly after you are completed with the process, you towel dry very well. Leaving any type of moisture can cause problems, which would be a shame because you would lose access to utilizing your bike.
How Often Should You Do It?
The answer to how often you should clean your bike depends on how much wear and tear and use it gets. Typically if it’s addressed, most people suggest cleaning up. But if you’re hard on your bike, you may want to wash it every 20 to 25 rides.
If, however, you utilize your bike in very muddy and dirty terrain, it may require more washings.
Unfortunately, that means that you have to be even more careful with the washing process as your bike’s components are going to be more exposed than the typical everyday bike.
Soap and Water Can Instantly Ruin Which Parts?
The truth is almost any part of the bike can be cleaned with soap and water, and as long as you keep them dry afterward, you should have no problem with any damage being done.
However, one particular area of the bike needs to be carefully taken care of regarding soap and water.
If your bike is outfitted, ensure that the soap and water, as we said above, stay clear away from them. There is a special cleaner that is specifically made for this part of the bike.
Water can get in the disc brakes and cause problems with the breaking capabilities of the system. Other than that, no part of the bike shouldn’t be cleaned with soap and water unless, of course, you have any type of electrical system.
Does Soap Damage Metal?
The type of soap you utilize in cleaning your bike is vitally important period this is because certain types of soap can damage some metals. For example, if you utilize an abrasive and detergent-based soap, you may find yourself dealing with scratches and possible corrosion.
This is why using gentler soaps like dish soap is so great. In the end, the soap you choose to use needs to be able to be used on a wide range of metals so that you can ensure your bike is safe from any type of damage or corrosion.
Final Thoughts on Can You Wash a Bike With Soap and Water
Making sure your bike stays clean is not only an aesthetic choice but also one that should be made for maintenance purposes. With dirt and debris caking up on your bike, you will see that the parts and components will not last as long.
You have to choose the right type of soap and ensure that you dry your bike completely when it’s done. We hope that this has answered his question and helped you out.