What should a bike be washed with?

A bike can be washed with car shampoo mixed at the ratio on the label and a soft sponge or microfibre mitt, then rinsed with low-pressure water. For the chain, use the chain cleaner and lube recommended by the manufacturer.

Can a bike be washed with a pressure washer?

A pressure washer can force water into bearings, hubs, suspension seals and electrical connections and cause damage. Wash the bike with low-pressure water; if you use a pressure washer, keep your distance and do not aim it at these areas.

Guide · Car wash and vehicle care · October 20, 2026

How to Wash a Bike

Q: Should the chain be lubricated after washing a bike?

Yes. After washing, dry the chain thoroughly with a dry cloth and lubricate it with the chain lube recommended by the manufacturer; wipe off excess lube with a cloth.

A bike quickly picks up mud, dust, road grime and chain lube; dirt builds up on the chain and sprockets and affects shifting and ride comfort. The aim of washing a bike is not just to clean the frame, but to remove dirt without getting water into the bearings and electrical connections, and to leave the chain cared for after washing. This guide explains how to wash a bike step by step and what to watch for when cleaning the chain, rims, brakes and e-bikes.

Before you start

Wash in the shade: wash the bike in the shade and when it is cool, not in the sun, so that the shampoo does not dry on the surface.
Secure the bike: keep the bike upright in a stand or leaning against a wall; remove bags, lights and accessories.
On an e-bike, check the manual: remove the battery according to the manufacturer's instructions and close the charging socket cover.

How to wash a bike? Step by step

Pre-rinse: remove loose dust and mud with gently running water, from top to bottom.
Wash with shampoo: wash the frame, fork and mudguards from top to bottom with START Car Shampoo mixed at the ratio on the label and a soft sponge or microfibre mitt.
Wheels and drivetrain: clean the wheels, sprockets and drivetrain separately with a soft brush; do not use the sponge you used on the frame here.
Rinse: rinse off the shampoo from top to bottom with plenty of low-pressure water.
Dry: dry the frame with a microfibre towel; wipe the chain, sprockets and gear cables separately with a dry cloth.
Check: test the brakes and gears with a short ride; wet brakes may bite later, so brake carefully at first.

Where not to aim pressurised water

Do not aim a pressure washer closely at the wheel hubs, bottom bracket, headset or pedals; water can get into the bearings and wash out the grease.
Do not spray water at the suspension fork and shock absorber seals.
On an e-bike, do not aim a pressure washer at the motor, battery housing, display or cable connections.

How to clean a bike chain?

The chain darkens as road grime and chain lube build up, and shifting starts to feel heavy. Clean the chain with the chain cleaner recommended by the bike or chain manufacturer and a suitable brush, then dry it thoroughly with a dry cloth and lubricate it with the chain lube recommended by the manufacturer; wipe off excess lube with a cloth. Do not use strong alkaline products such as oven degreaser on the chain, aluminium parts or painted surfaces (how to use a degreaser).

Bike rims and brakes

Clean the rims and spokes with car shampoo solution and a soft brush, then rinse. On bikes with disc brakes, do not get oily products, polish, silicone sprays or tyre shine on the disc rotors and pads; these products can reduce braking power. On rim-brake bikes, keep the rim surface where the brake blocks make contact clean and free of grease. Do not use tyre shine on bike tyres. For car wheels, see how to clean car wheels.

How to wash an electric bike?

On an e-bike, the motor, battery, display and cable connections must be protected from water. Remove the battery according to the manufacturer's instructions, close the connection covers and clean the bike with low-pressure water or a damp cloth instead of a pressure washer. Wipe the display and control buttons with a well-wrung damp cloth. Refit the battery and connections only once they are completely dry, and follow the cleaning instructions in the manufacturer's user manual.

Saddle, handlebars and accessories

Wipe the saddle and handlebar grips with a well-wrung cloth dipped in car shampoo solution, then dry them.
On leather saddles, use the leather care product recommended by the manufacturer; do not soak the saddle.
For helmets and helmet padding, follow the same method as for motorcycle helmets (how to wash a motorcycle).
For bike bags: how to wash a bag.

Common mistakes when washing a bike

Aiming a pressure washer closely at bearings, hubs and electrical connections.
Washing with products not made for vehicles, such as dishwashing liquid and degreaser (what is car shampoo).
Leaving the chain undried and unlubricated after washing.
Getting oily products or tyre shine on disc brakes.
Storing the bike wet in a closed, damp place.

For bike hire and courier fleets

For bike hire businesses, courier and delivery fleets, municipal bike stations and hotels, a regular washing and chain care plan helps extend the life of the bikes. START Car Shampoo is produced in 5 kg, 20 kg and 30 kg packs. For a product list, see car wash supplies and chemicals; for bulk purchases, you can request a quote.

Prepared by: Tetikoğlu Kimya — cleaning chemicals manufacturer since 1997. When using products, always follow the instructions and warnings on the pack.