What can I soak my bicycle chain in to clean it? can I use gas?

Answer 1

Gasoline works just fine. So does simple green, kerosene, white spirits, ...etc. Many companies market products towards the bicycle crowd, because they know bicyclists will pay more for a product that is geared towards bicycles.

The plain truth is that any degreaser will work just fine. Grease isn't any harder to remove from a bicycle chain, than it is from automotive parts. You aren't going to ruin your chain either.

Just wipe off your chain after cleaning it, let it dry then lube it.
It doesn't have to be a fancy bicycle lube either as I have used many different lubes on my bicycle chains. My personal preference is a teflon based lube.

I'm not sure why some of these people are having a cow, because a degreaser removes the grease from the links. Hello! You want to remove the grease from the links because that is where the chain pivots. That is also the area you should be reapplying your lube.

So in the end, save your money, use what you have and don't worry about all those ads in bicycle magazines.

Answer 2

soaking it would probably not be the best idea, as that can break down the lubricant inside the chain, which is where it is actually needed.

If the chain is so bad that wiping it off isn't good enough, i would recommend just getting a new one. All chains today come with factory installed lubricant, which should last for several thousand miles before it runs into any problems.

Answer 3

I would also advise against using gasoline. If you want to soak the chain you can use de-natured alcohol or simple green works well also. I wouldn't let things soak too long though as you don't want to completely remove all the lube from the chain. What ever you choose to clean it with, make sure you dry it well before re-lubing. When applying the new lube, be sure to wipe off the excess lube. and remember, you can't wipe off too much.

Answer 4

White spirits - nothing beats it. Immerse it completely overnight, you wont have to expend an ounce of elbow grease and it will come out looking cleaner than the day you bought it.

Don't worry about lube - if it needs cleaning chances are the lube is already dead - air dry it by leaving it out in the sun while you have a cup of Joe. Once it's dry, drown it with nice new fresh lube and you're sweet as. I recommend any lube for your local climate made by "Finsh Line" - they rock.

Answer 5

Most guys look better clean shaven. But then you get guys like Dominic Monaghan, who definitely looks better with a little scruff. The thing is, scruff is a small bit of hair, not the full blown beards hipsters are sporting these days. That just looks like Duck Dynasty - nasty.

Answer 6

You could, but I wouldn't advise it. The least expensive, and much safer alternative would be kerosene. Carburetor cleaner would do well, but that might be a bit expensive if you want to submerge the whole chain in a solution. "KROIL" from Kano Laboratory in Nashville, TN is a very good product to remove rust, grease or oil from metal. KROIL is expensive, but it is worth it.

Answer 7

The problem with a lot of spirits is that they work too well as a de-greacer. They de-greace everywhere, including between the links. You might be better off using a de-greacing kit. failing that, use white spirit/petrol etc, but apply with a tooth brush and whipe off.

Luck

Answer 8

never use petroleum products to clean anything
stay away from the fumes and the mess
get an orange oil based degreaser
or Dawn dishwashing detergent works well
dry very well
then lube immediately after

Answer 9

why not use chain cleaner????
pedros and other brands are biodegradable cleaners.
they are designed for bike chains. increase chain life by useing bike lube.
p.s. do any of you people actually ride and maintain your own bikes.???

Answer 10

Gas works great on all greasy parts. I know, I used to clean alot of engine parts for my hubby and father in law.