{"id":864,"date":"2023-08-10T01:30:17","date_gmt":"2023-08-10T05:30:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/?p=864"},"modified":"2023-08-21T00:59:03","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T04:59:03","slug":"how-to-clean-a-bike-chain-with-household-products","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikefinest.com\/how-to-clean-a-bike-chain-with-household-products\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Clean A Bike Chain With Household Products Easily!?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We all know that chain cleaning is essential in keeping the bike chain in good condition. Sadly, some of us don\u2019t do it because we assume that commercial chain cleaners are expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what if I show you how to clean a bike chain with household products?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, it takes these steps to clean a bike chain using household products:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Secure the bike and wear protective gear<\/strong><\/li>
  2. Take a few pictures of the chain as you inspect it<\/strong><\/li>
  3. Disengage the bike chain to degrease it using household products<\/strong><\/li>
  4. Wipe off the degreaser before reattaching the chain<\/strong><\/li>
  5. Lastly, grease up the chain<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Now, I\u2019ll explain all the above steps in detail to help you clean your bike chain comfortably. I\u2019ll also recommend household products that you can use as a degreaser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Let\u2019s start!<\/p>\n\n\n

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    \"how<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

    How To Clean A Bike Chain With Household Products \u2013 A DIY Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Here are the steps to follow when you want to clean a bike chain at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Step 1 \u2013 Gather Necessary Supplies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    You need these supplies to clean your bike chain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    • Protective gear (which includes gloves, an overall, gumboots, and a gas\/face mask)<\/li>
    • Camera (your smartphone camera can work here)<\/li>
    • A rag (which can be an old cloth)<\/li>
    • Degreaser (which can be white vinegar, baking soda, kerosene, turpentine, or borax)<\/li>
    • Chain lubricant<\/li>
    • Chain tool<\/li>
    • Empty spray bottles<\/li>
    • Clean, warm water<\/li>
    • Bucket<\/li>
    • Chain checker<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Note that if you choose to use vinegar as your degreaser, you\u2019ll need to mix it with water at a ratio of 1:4. And if you opt for baking soda, you\u2019ll need to mix it with water at a ratio of 1:5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      But if you choose to use borax, you\u2019ll need to mix it with laundry detergent and water at a ratio of 4:1:12.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      After mixing all the degreaser ingredients, you should put the mixture in a spray bottle awaiting use. It\u2019s essential to use it immediately to avoid clogging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Step 2 \u2013 Secure the Bike<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      You must position your bike on a stable surface when learning how to clean bike chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      If you have a bike stand, which I advocate for, use it to hold the bike. One choice you can go for is the Park Tool PCS 9.2 Bicycle Stand<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n

      \n
      \"What<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

      Don\u2019t worry, nonetheless, if you don\u2019t have a bike stand. After all, you can always turn your two-wheel upside down to let it rest on the seat and handlebar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Step 3 \u2013 Wear Protective Gear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Chain cleaning is a dirty job, but that\u2019s not the worst thing. Some degreasers, especially kerosene, borax, and turpentine, are unhealthy for your respiratory system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      So, you have to wear gas masks\/face masks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Your hands need protection from the grease and degreaser, and so you have to wear some gloves. Also, wearing an overall can protect your clothes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Don\u2019t forget to put on gumboots to protect your feet. Once you suit up, proceed to the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Step 4 \u2013 Take Picture While Inspecting the Chain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      If it\u2019s your first time cleaning a bike chain or you haven\u2019t done it a lot of times, it\u2019s easy to get confused when reattaching it. That\u2019s why you should take a few photos of it before detaching it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      While at it, inspect the chain\u2019s condition to confirm that it\u2019s okay. Watch out for missing links, rust coat, and chain wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Remember to use a chain checker to detect chain wear, and I recommend the Park Tool CC-2 Chain Checker<\/strong>. This checker will show you if your chain is worn out or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Step 5 \u2013 Disengage the Bike Chain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Now detach the chain using these steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n