Washing your bike at a touchless car wash is a quick way to remove dirt from your bike, even the driest. This method, however, has generated a lot of controversy. Some people wonder if it is at all safe to wash a bicycle with a karcher or other washer. In today’s article, we write about the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution and suggest what to look for when visiting a car wash.
What will you learn from this post?
- Is it safe to wash a bike at a touchless car wash?
- What accessories will come in handy when washing a bike with a karcher?
- How to wash a bicycle with a pressure washer?
At a glance
Washing your bicycle with a carburetor is safe, as long as you follow a few basic rules. Above all, do not direct the stream to the unicycle horizontally, but from above at an angle. Keep the lance at an appropriate distance from the equipment and use caution when rinsing parts with bearings, moving parts and crevices. Never use a pressure washer for spot cleaning. When visiting the car wash, choose a program with clean water to avoid the application of aggressive detergents and rinse agents.
Can I wash my bike with a karcher or other pressure washer?
The question of whether a bicycle can be washed with a karcher is a source of heated debate among two-wheeled enthusiasts. Some claim that a strong jet of water washes out the grease, acting destructively on the bearings and drive. For others, washing the bike with a pressure washer is the only right solution. As is often the case, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. A poorly used washer can obviously cause damage, so a traditional bucket and sponge is safer. On the other hand, after a ride in very muddy terrain, it can be used to quickly bring the equipment up to scratch, while manual dirt removal can take ages. With a sponge, it is also difficult to get rid of dried mud and insect residue that remains on the frame after being carried on the roof of the car. It is also worth considering that washing the bike at a touchless car wash is a necessity for some. Not everyone has access to a garden or other place where you can quietly take care of pummeling your unicycle. The good news is that you only need to follow a few simple tips to make washing your bike with a karcher, or other washer, not only effective, but also safe.
Before you start washing your bike with a pressure washer
Before washing, remove all electrical components from the bike. Even if they are waterproof, they were designed for rain, not high-pressure spray. If you have decided to wash your bike at a touchless car wash, be sure to use only a program with clean water. The automotive detergents used there can harm your unicycle. For the first several seconds after starting the lance, direct the spray at the substrate to rinse cleaning and shine agents from the system after a previous user. You probably don’t want car wax on your chain? Remember that a pressure washer is not a piece of equipment for spot washing smaller items – a bucket and sponge will work better for them.
How to safely wash a bicycle with a washer?
Always wash your bike from top to bottom, so that the dirt flowing down does not settle on the previously rinsed parts. When washing, do not approach the lance directly to the bike and do not direct a horizontal stream towards it. Pour water from above, at a slight angle. Particularly watch out for components with bearings: the bottom bracket, hubs, rudders and the inside of the pedals. Wiping grease out of them can have unpleasant consequences, so rinse them from a distance and don’t keep the spray on them for a long time. Also, do not directly aim at gaps, seals, cable ends or moving parts. Instead, you can use a slightly stronger spray on the rims, the center of the frame or the tires. After you get the equipment clean, remember to dry it. Set the bike aside in an airy place and wipe it with a clean cloth. The last point is to lubricate the chain and the rest of the drivetrain – a must-do after every wash. By the way, it’s worth doing a minor inspection and checking for any cracks, damage or looseness.
Washing a bicycle with a pressure washer – accessories you may need
Do you often drive on muddy terrain? Think about buying a special pressure washer for bicycles. Such devices are usually portable, so you can use them in the field, for example, before packing your unicycle in the car. They also generate lower pressure, safe for sensitive components, and you can buy dedicated bicycle detergents for them. If you are washing your bike with a pressure washer in your own garden, additional accessories will come in handy to make your job much easier. The first is a stable bicycle stand that will minimize the risk of tipping over and damaging your equipment. Virtually all models from RTR Bikes will work well in this role: the Brutus and Brutus Up Pro.
Wondering how to thoroughly wash your bike? We wrote about it in the following article:
How and with what to wash the bike?
Sturdy racks, handy hangers and other bike storage accessories can be found at rtrbikes.com.