If you're an avid cyclist, you know how important it is to keep your bike chain clean. A clean chain helps to ensure smooth pedaling and prevents premature wear. The best bike chain cleaner will remove all the dirt, grime, and debris from your chain, leaving it looking and functioning like new.
There are a few considerations when choosing a bike chain cleaner. First, you'll decide what type of cleaner you want. There are both manual and automatic cleaners available. Manual cleaners are less expensive, but they are more time-consuming to use. Automatic cleaners are more expensive, but they're much easier to use.
You'll also need to decide what cleaning solution you want to use. Various cleaning solutions are available, each designed for different types of dirt and grime. Be sure to choose a solution that is compatible with your chain cleaner.
Finally, you'll need to decide how often you want to clean your chain. For most cyclists, it's recommended to clean your chain at least once a month. However, you may need to clean your chain more frequently if you ride in dirty or dusty conditions.
In this article, we'll look at some of the best bike chain cleaners available, as well as give tips on keeping your chain clean and properly maintained.
How We Have Chosen The Best Options
Knowing which bike chain cleaner is best for you and your needs takes a lot of work.
With so many bike chain cleaners on the market, it can take time to know which one is right for you.
We've researched for you. Our editors have taken the time to learn about each product, read all consumer feedback, and select only the best options. Now you can rest assured that whichever bike chain cleaner you choose from our list will be a quality product that meets your needs. Remember, what works for one consumer, may only work for some.
5 Best Bike Chain Cleaners
1. Park Tool's CG-2.4 Chain Cleaning System
Park Tool CG-2.4 has an excellent bike chain cleaning system for your bike chains, rear cogs, and chainrings. This handy little set includes a chain scrubber, gear brush, and degreaser - everything you need to keep your bike components clean and running smoothly.
The Cyclone Chain Scrubber will clean your chains quickly and easily, while the GearClean brush reaches deep between gears and other dirt-collecting areas.
When you're done cleaning, use the included bottle of Chain Brite to finish by spraying off the excess grime and lubricating your drivetrain. The ChainBrite Chain and Component Cleaning Fluid are plant-based and gentle on alloy, plastic, rubber, and carbon fiber surfaces.
So whether you're a casual rider or a hardcore cyclist, this Park Tools bike chain cleaning tool CG-2.4 is the perfect choice for keeping your bike in tip-top shape!
What We Like:
- Quick and easy to use.
- Cleans chains quickly and effectively, without removing the chain.
- The plant-based formula is gentle on materials.
- Reaches deep into nooks and crannies.
- Versatile – can be used on different parts of the bike.
2. Ultrafashs Bike Cleaner kit
Ultrafashs bike chain cleaning kit is a handy little kit with everything you need to keep your bike chain clean and in good condition, including a wet lubricant, a biodegradable degreaser, a chain scrubber, a gear brush, and cleaning gloves.
The degreaser biodegradable is made with a non-corrosive formula. It will not harm alloy, plastic, rubber, or carbon fiber - so it's safe to use on cassettes, chainrings, pulleys, and other components that accumulate muck and grime.
The wet lubricant is dust, rust, and waterproof, providing optimal lubrication in all temperatures and conditions. The chain scrubber works quickly and cleans your chain with little effort - usually in less than a minute. And the gear brush is curved to reach deep between cassette gears, with tough nylon bristles that clean the derailleur, chain, or other components where dirt collects.
This versatile oil can also be used for locks, hinges, gates, windows, garage doors, and outdoor furniture & tools. They offer a 100% no-risk money-back guarantee if you're not thrilled with your purchase.
What We Like:
- Easily clean your bike chain with the chain scrubber.
- The cleaning brush tool helps you to clean various parts of your bicycle quickly and easily.
- The cleaner concentrate (17 oz) and degreaser (10 or 17 oz) help to keep your bike clean and protected.
- The wet lubricant (2 oz) helps to keep your bicycle chain lubricated and protected.
- The kit comes with everything you need to clean and protect your bicycle.
3. Finish Line 1-Step Cleaner and Lubricant
The Finish Line 1-Step Cleaner and Lubricant is a convenient, all-in-one solution for keeping your bike chain clean and lubricated.
Apply the cleaner/lubricant to your chain whenever it looks dry or dirty. It will quickly penetrate and flush out any old lube and contaminants while lubricating the chain with each new application.
This makes it an ideal choice for occasional cyclists or those who often store their bikes for extended periods of time, as it provides maximum rust protection and prevents the need for frequent cleaning and lubing.
Additionally, the 1-Step Cleaner and Lubricant is explicitly engineered for anyone, whether you're a commuter or recreational cyclist that seeks a quick, easy-to-use solution that will keep their chains running smoothly, mile after mile.
What We Like:
- Fast and easy to use.
- Penetrates and flushes out old bike chain lube and contaminants.
- Lubricates with each new application.
- Provides maximum rust protection.
- Perfect for occasional cyclists or bikes often put into storage.
4. Finish Line Shop Bicycle Chain Cleaner
The Finish Line Shop Bicycle Chain Cleaner is a heavy-duty chain cleaner that clips directly to the chain, making it quick and easy to clean without removing the chain from the bicycle. The three-brush rotating design and scrubber pads make short work of cleaning the chain, usually in less than a minute.
The 30-degree exit angle eliminates mess, and the magnet at the bottom collects metal filings and various contaminants. This makes it an ideal choice for occasional cyclists or those who often put their bikes into storage, as it provides maximum rust protection.
Attach the cleaner directly to your chain; with one hand, hold onto the cleaner, and with the other hand, rotate your pedals. Then you'll have a clean chain running smoothly and without noise in just seconds.
The rotating brush removes dirt and grime quickly, while each scrubbing pad works together to remove stubborn grease and dirt.
The exit angle was designed, so the mess lands on the ground instead of all over your back, like with other cleaners. A magnet at the bottom collects metal filings allowing for easy disposal later.
What We Like:
- Heavy-duty and durable.
- Quick and easy to use.
- Cleans chain quickly and efficiently, without removing the chain.
- The magnet at the bottom collects metal filings and various contaminants.
- 30-degree exit angle eliminates mess.
5. Clenzoil Chain & Sprocket Bike Chain Cleaning Kit
Clenzoil's Chain & Sprocket Bike Chain Cleaning Kit is an all-in-one bike chain cleaning and lubrication solution.
The cleaning and penetrating oil removes grime and leaves a dry lube finish, while the premium base oils provide optimal lubrication in all temperatures and conditions. The kit also includes a Clenzoil Chain Brush and Clenzoil Lube Applicator Pad for easy application.
This combo kit includes everything you need to clean and lube your bike chain, including a bottle of our premium cleaning and penetrating oil, a brush for scrubbing away grime, and a convenient carrying pouch.
The oil is specially formulated to remove grime and leave behind a dry lube finish that will protect your chain in all conditions. It's also great for pivot joints and loosening rusted or corroded nuts and bolts. And because Clenzoil is an all-American brand, you can be sure you're getting a high-quality product that vets back.
What We Like:
- Easy to use.
- Effective at removing grime.
- Works in all conditions.
- Multi-purpose.
- All-American brand.
How to Clean Your Bike Chain
Cleaning your chain is easy with many options. You can clean your chain quickly by using a lint-free cloth. Wrap it around the chain and backpedal. Next, apply the lubricant you choose and backpedal your chains for a few turns to mix it in.
You can use a brush and bike chain degreaser to give your chain a deeper clean. Many people will use an old toothbrush or one of the stiffer ones left over from the dentist to clean the chain.
Use a little degreaser on the brush to mix it in. You can now use the brush to do the same thing as with a cloth, but using a brush.
This will allow you to go deeper into the chain and get rid of some grit. Brush over the cassette, derailleur pulleys, and chainrings. You can now spray the entire drivetrain with water.
You can take apart your entire drivetrain and clean it individually. It would be best if you did not do this every day, but it can be a fun way to keep your bike sanitized and pass the time. You will only sometimes be doing this, so I will only get a little into it. If you do, then you likely already know what you are doing.
Using an Electric Bike Chain Cleaner
A bicycle chain cleaner is another excellent choice for a medium clean that takes little effort and little time. This tool can be clipped onto your chain to clean it while you are cycling the chain.
The first step is to pour the cleaning solvent into the container. Next, hold the container in one hand and cycle your chain with the other. The bike chain cleaner solvent automatically degreases your chain and gets into every rivet. This is a much easier process than manually scrubbing.
After cleaning the chain a few times, you can remove the solvent and add warm water and soap. You can put the chain cleaner on again and cycle it for a few more turns until the chain sparkles clean.
You can now apply the lube to the chain. Use a clean cloth to wipe the lube off the chain. The chain cleaners can only clean the chain, so you'll need to clean the cassette, derailleur pulleys, and chainring with a cloth.
How to Choose The Best Bike Chain Cleaners?
Keeping your bike clean can be a chore. But, when it comes to your chain, it's essential to ensure it's clean and well-lubricated - not only for the sake of your bike but for your own safety.
A dirty or dry chain can cause skipped gears and potentially serious accidents. Fortunately, plenty of great products on the market are designed to make chain cleaning quick and easy.
We'll give you tips on keeping your chain clean and properly maintained. One of the most popular chain cleaners on the market is the Park Tool Chain Scrubber. This handy little tool attaches to your bicycle frame and features two rotating brushes that scrub all the dirt and grime off your chain as you pedal.
It's also one of the easiest cleaners to use - simply pedaling backward for a few minutes is all it takes to get a deep clean. Another great option is the Bicycle Chain Cleaner Tool from Muc Off.
This compact device features three different chain-cleaning brush heads that are perfect for getting into all those hard-to-reach places on your chain. It's also rechargeable, so you don't have to worry about running out of batteries mid-clean.
If they want their bike to last several years and perform well, cyclists must take care of it. There are many benefits that bike chain cleaner bunnings can offer. Before we get to the essential features, let's briefly mention a few.
Reduce Rust
A dirty chain can cause damage, affecting the bike's performance over time. It is essential to keep your bike in top condition. The chances of your bicycle chain rusting are also reduced by using cleaners.
Cleans Dirt
In addition to improving its performance, cleaners effectively remove dirt and greases from the chain, which can affect the drivetrain.
Protects
A cleaner keeps your bike chains clean and provides excellent protection from corrosion. We recommend getting the most extensive package that includes all the tools you need to clean your bike. You can also fill one of these ergonomic tools using a fluid degreaser and attach it to the bike chain. This will make your bike shine in no time.
These features are also essential to consider when choosing the best bike chain cleaner from this list.
Size
The frequency at that a biker uses the cleaner will determine its size. A larger package is better if you use the cleaner daily.
Riding conditions
A chain cleaner will only work if it is used on roads and highways. A high-quality cleaner is required if the bikers intend to use it for street or off-road cycling.
Drying Time
The bike will become unusable after cleaning. It should be left to dry for a while. Use a dry lube that doesn't take too long to dry.
Chemical Used
Make sure that cleaners are safe for your bike. They should not rust after application. The ability to remove dirt faster should be the norm.
Comfortability
The last thing you should consider when cleaning your bike is how easy it is to use—three factors determining whether a tool is simple to use are portability, simplicity, or compactness.
This feature is easy to find, as bikers can use most chain cleaners without prior experience or skill. Many manufacturers provide a guide that can be used to help bikers clean their chains.
The Different Types of Bike Chain Cleaners
There are three main types of bike chain cleaners: degreasers, solvents, and brushes.
Degreasers break down the grease and grime that build up on your chain, making it easier to clean. Solvents dissolve the grease and grime, making it easier to wipe away. Brushes help scrub away the dirt and debris that can accumulate on your chain.
Which bike chain cleaner is best for you depends on how often you ride, what kind of conditions you ride in, and how much time you have to clean your chain.
If you frequently ride in dirty or wet conditions, you may want to use a degreaser or solvent more often than if you only ride occasionally in dry conditions. A brush may be all you need if you only have a little time to clean your chain.
Experiment with different types of cleaners to find the one that works best for you and your riding habits.
How to Use a Bike Chain Cleaner
If you have a bike, you will eventually need to clean your chain. A dirty chain can make pedaling more complex and cause your bike to feel sluggish.
Fortunately, there are several ways to clean your bike chain, including using a bike chain cleaner.
Bike chain cleaners help remove dirt, grease, and other build-up from your bike chain. Most bike chain cleaners have bristles or brushes that scrub the chain as you pedal.
Some bike chain cleaners also have a small container that holds cleaning solution, which helps loosen stubborn dirt and grime.
To use a bike chain cleaner, start by attaching the device to your bicycle frame. Then, pedaling backward, run the bristles or brushes over each link in the chain.
For best results, use a back-and-forth motion as you clean the links. You may need to apply some pressure to get the bristles into all the nooks and crannies of the link.
Once you've cleaned all the links, detach the device from the frame and rinse off any remaining cleaning solution with water. Allow the chain to dry entirely before lubricating it with bike chain lubricant.
Tips for Keeping Your Bike Chain Clean
If you ride your bike frequently, it's important to keep your chain clean to last longer and function properly. Here are some tips for keeping your bike chain clean:
- Use a bike chain cleaner tool or degreaser to clean your chain regularly.
- Be sure to remove any debris or dirt that has built up on the chain before applying any cleaner.
- Apply the cleaner to the chain, and then use a chain cleaning brush to scrub the chain clean.
- Rinse the chain with water after cleaning, then dry it completely.
- Lubricate the chain with bike chain lubricant after cleaning and drying it off.
Frequently Asked Questions
How frequently should I clean my chain?
The quality of your chain, the mileage you put on it, how aggressively you ride, and how often you clean it all determine how often you clean it.
You won't need to clean your chain if you're only driving on pavement for a few kilometers per week.
If you are a pro rider constantly ripping through mud and pushing your gear beyond its limits, you will need to clean your chain more often.
How can I tell if I should purchase a bike chain cleaning?
When a bike chain is new and clean, it has a high level of lubrication in the form of fresh oil and doesn't squeak. As it gets older and dirtier, the oil recedes, and the squeaking begins.
Several times people throw away perfectly clean chains because they thought they are worn out. The best way to tell if the bike chain is worn out is to look at it.
If it is shiny and has a lot of give, it is worn out and should be replaced. But if it is dark and has no give, it has a lot of life left in it.
Can I use WD40 on my bike chain?
This is the short answer. There is a lot of debate in the community over whether WD-40 should be used to lubricate your chain. I won't tell you what you should do, but I will give you the facts so you can make your own decision.
First, WD-40 is Water Displacement-40th Attempt - The 40 was their 40th formula. It is basically a solvent/degreaser to help get things moving again. It leaves behind a light oily lubricant. It would be best to wash the degreaser with soap and water after using it.
Many people can use WD-40, but I don't recommend it. I could use it to clean my grime chain, but I recommend using proper lubricant afterward.
WD-40 recently released a bike-specific lubricant. This would indicate that they intend to use something other than their regular WD-40 on bikes. Although you can probably use WD-40, I recommend spending a little more to get proper bike lubricants.
Is it necessary to degrease your bike chain?
While cleaning your bike chain, you should always degrease it. A degreaser can make it much easier to clean the chain.
What should you do if your bike chain is damaged?
You should replace your bike chain if it is very old and loose. Also known as stretched. A chain cleaning will not remove dirt or grime or repair a damaged one.
Conclusion
The best bike chain cleaner is the one that suits your needs the best. There are many different types and brands of chain cleaners on the market, so it's best to take some time to find the one that's best for you.
Some factors to consider when choosing a chain cleaner include the type of bike you have, the frequency with which you ride, and the amount of money you are willing to spend. Once you have found the perfect chain cleaner for you, follow the instructions carefully to ensure that your bike chain is clean and well-maintained.
What Option of Bike Chain Cleaner Is Best For You?
At the end of the day, you must find a cleaner that works for you and your bike. All the products we presented in this bike chain cleaner review post can be great options for some people, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
We hope that this article has given you some clarity on what bike chain cleaner you want in your home.
Just remember, what works for one consumer may only work for some.
Items reviewed:
1. Park Tool's CG-2.4 Chain Cleaning System
2. Ultrafashs Bike Cleaner kit
3. Finish Line 1-Step Cleaner and Lubricant
