Washing Soap

[kunalraiker]

All,

What "safe" liquid or powder we could use in washing the bike without damaging the paint.

[human909]

All,

What "safe" liquid or powder we could use in washing the bike without damaging the paint.

All of them!? There is something VERY wrong with your paint if you can damage it with detergent! Otherwise just use car wash if you're paranoid.

But I don't see the point of a detergent. Clean water and a rage should get your bike clean from everything but grease. If you want to clean grease off then careful application of a rag soaked in degreaser should do the job.


Personally I just use a hose.

[RonK]

Clean water and a rage should get your bike clean from everything but grease.

Not too much rage though, or you might wear the paint off.

[HappyHumber]

I generally hose the bike down, then get a bucket of warm water, some brushes and a cake of basic ol' shop branded yelow laundry soap (cheapest and most cheerful) I lather up on the brushes and lightly go over the frame, rims and tyres. Rinse off with the hose again.

Careful though, this topic is only a shade away from the old chain maintenance conundrum.

[kunalraiker]

The reason I ask this question is because I have been using either Washing Machine powder or utensil cleaning liquid for last few weeks and have noticed some staining or watermarks at the base of the frame, (can't really describe what I've seen).
So I just want to make sure its not by the chemicals I'am using.

[clackers]

The reason I ask this question is because I have been using either Washing Machine powder.

A no-no because of the salt content (corrodes your metal bits). Doesn't explain your paint discolouration, though.

[HappyHumber]

The reason I ask this question is because I have been using either Washing Machine powder or utensil cleaning liquid for last few weeks and have noticed some staining or watermarks at the base of the frame, (can't really describe what I've seen).

Rinse with fresh water more thoroughly ? Dry with a chamois ?

[jacks1071]

Dish washing liquid is OK if you can't afford car wash which would be preferable.

Don't use clothes washing detergents or powders on anything made of metal.

[familyguy]

Angel tears ONLY!! Nothing more harsh. Your bike will dissolve.

Jim

[DaveOZ]

I only use Evian water because it comes from the French Alps and contains the sweat of every TdF cyclist mixed with a little Goats milk soap.

[il padrone]

CT-18 Truck Wash has been very fine as a bike cleaner for me. Only need to use very sparingly though. It works very well, diluted and pumped through a pressurised weed-sprayer.

[Mulger bill]

I wouldn't use dishwash, contains salt.

Who's making Angels cry? That's mean

[Apple]

I use car wash in warm water or Mr sheen on a cloth

[MREJ]

For a big wash, I use car wash in warm water, with brushes. Mostly I just wipe it down with a baby wipe, and clean the drivetrain with a rag. A few drops of lube and you're away.