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Columbia , MO
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Fantasy
I used to use Simple Green for my bike washing but now it seems like it doesn’t work as well as it used to. What is everyone’s go to for bike wash these days?
Get this stuff by the gallon at Dollar Tree
Good stuff? I’ll definitely give it a try!
That stuff will clean everything! Don't dilute it, just run it full strength in a spray bottle. I keep a gallon of it in a pump sprayer.
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I'm glad this subject came up again because the discussion often gets lively. Different people have different results with the same product. Got me wondering if there are various acids or PH's or whatever in different soils that can change how well a cleaner works? I am no chemist but if one of you guys are, could that be a factor?
Anyway, for me, I do a general wash at the self service car wash place and then a little more detailed work at home with Muc-Off. That stuff seems to work really well for me but it's kinda expensive hence the reason for the pre-wash.
I use a few different products-
Regular car wash soap in a bucket, and I spray the bike with Shout laundry spray.
Magic eraser on graphics to get boot scuffs off, works great on matte graphics.
I use awesome or spectro bike wash on the tires and engine if needed.
You have to be careful with cleaners like simple green, awesome and purple power because they are very strong and can harm the finish/anodize on forks and other bling parts.
Yes, different soils have different PHs based upon many factors. Not a chemist but worked my way through high school and college at greenhouse/nursery and we had different plants for different soils based on PH. For instance, pine trees thrive in acidic conditions and we had geraniums and daisies that preferred basic soil.
"Dollar" stores are great for bargains. I buy toilet brushes there to clean my bikes. Nobody ever steals them!
Muc off or shout
CT18 as a general cleaner, BP degreaser to remove chain lube and simple green and 3M scourer on tough stains. Finish it off with some Muc-Off silicone shine on plastics/graphics, lower fork tubes and shock shaft and CRC 5.56 on anything metal (aside from brake pads/rotors).
I do the same. Works great!
GREASE LIGHTNING
Shout, straight up no dilution. Garden hose with high pressure tip, spray bike down to get loose stuff off, hit the bike with shout in a pump sprayer, hit the bowl while it starts to do its magic, come back and agitate with a soft brush and then hose off. Always remove the seat, install airbox cover, and wash and dry the seat off the bike. Blow it off with the compressor, apply Honda Polish to the plastics, and then finish off with SC1.
Are you talking Shout laundry detergent?
Yep
I use Eagle Grit Bike Wash with about 15-20% Shout as an added booster. Works awesome.
This has been my latest routine, and it works great! I still use a power washer first and last, though before drying and detail.
Maybe it’s just my location, but I haven’t had to break out the pressure washer in 5-6 years for the bike. Once I bought a nice high quality high pressure tip for my garden hose I immediately regretted all the wasted time for setup/takedown of the pressure washer.
Shouts Legit, and what I use if i'm not feeling lazy.
Simple green (and while I didnt look at an MSDS for AWESOME, i'm sure its similar) is not PH neutral, and will dull and discolor decorative Ano (the fancy finishes on all the bling parts people buy).
Simple green in an ultrasonic cleaner absolutely ruined all the zinc plating on a set of triple rack carbs on a vintage snowmobile of mine. I should of known better.
9.9 out of 10 times I dont need soap, hot power washer For the win.
Pit Row
Simple Green FTW. I've never noticed any discoloration or etching on my parts, but then again I don't run a lot of bling. Natural and hard ano colors for me. I spray that stuff on and rinse pretty quickly, also; don't need it to sit on the bike for long.
Suzuki/Ecstar Bike Wash is pretty dang good, too. I used to get that for cheap, so I tried it. I was pleasantly surprised how good it is.
What do you use in your ultrasonic? I have used simple green many times in mine (on vintage parts) and yes I have pulled the zink off some but I have not found anything else that works. Any Ultrasonic cleaner suggestions (that are not too expensive of course) would be aappreciated.
^ I don't use an ultrasonic cleaner. Dmm698 may have a recommendation, though.
SHOUT! Try it and you'll never go back.
Simple Green absolutely will dull colored rims. At least the Blue or Black Yammie rims.
Do you dilute simple green at all? Been washing my YZ with simple green lemon scent no issues so far. I'll keep an eye on the rims. Shout works very well have used it in the past.
Is anyone diluting the Shout? Or just straight? Wait time?
I have picked up some vintage bikes that have sat covered in mud for years, and it's glued on. Some parts are just stained. Anyone have solutions on those?
Straight, I’ve found it’s not really worth a damn diluted. I have a few different brushes I need depending on my needs, or scotchbrite pads.
Straight Mr Clean.
Cycle wash from Motorsport.
Fabuloso in the ultrasonic cleaner. I should actually give it a try on the bike as well instead of simple green
What scent?? Haha
Does anyone remember a product called Dirt Squirt? Literally the best product ive ever used but it's been long gone.. soak bike, spray with dirt squirt, rinse in 5 mins n it pulled off all the dirt stains without even brushing.
Im a simple green guy. Tried shout and it didn't cut grease n stuff off sprockets like simple green.
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