10.1 frame

Frame Cleaning

Frame Cleaning. Step-by-step procedure for bike maintenance — tools, time, and what to watch out for.

Difficulty ★☆☆ easy
Time ~15 min
Applies to All bikes

Tools

  • Bike-specific soap
  • soft brush
  • sponge
  • hose or watering can
  • microfiber towels

Procedure

  1. Pre-rinse the bike

    with low-pressure water — wash off loose mud and dirt.

  2. Apply soap

    to the frame. Allow to soak for 1–2 minutes (loosens grime).

  3. Scrub with a soft brush

    — work top-down to avoid pushing dirt back onto cleaned areas.

  4. Rinse thoroughly

    with low pressure. Avoid blasting bearings or seals with high-pressure water.

  5. Dry with a microfiber towel

    to prevent water spots and to drive water out of crevices.

  6. Lift the bike and bounce gently

    to shake out water from internal frame areas.

  7. Lube the chain

    after washing — water displaces lube.

Do not use a pressure washer at close range — it forces water past bearing seals (BB, hubs, headset) and into bearings, where it kills them.