BICYCLE CLEANING: CARE TIPS FOR AT HOME AND ON THE GO

Many people are drawn outdoors again in spring when the days start to get longer and the weather gets better. The bicycle is often present. However, following a trip through forests or meadows or on dirt tracks or dusty roads, a thorough cleaning of the bicycle is in order. Because anyone who wants to have fun on their mountain, city or electric bike for as long as possible should take good and regular care of their bicycle. With the right device and the appropriate accessories this is a piece of cake – whether in front of the garage, in the garden or on the go.

bike cleaning with the KHB 5

Cleaning the bicycle at home

A few utensils are required for thoroughly cleaning the bicycle at home:

pressure washer or the KHB 5 medium-pressure washer are suitable cleaning devices. While the pressure washer generally has to be connected to the power and water supply, the handheld medium-pressure washer is battery-powered and therefore only needs the water connection. It is also suitable for the fast intermediate cleaning of the bicycle in the garden and wherever there is no power connection nearby.

Wherever there is no water connection available, pressure washers in classes K 4 to K 7 and the KHB 5 can suction water from a barrel or canister. All that is needed is a compatible suction hose for the pressure washer or medium-pressure washer as an accessory.

bicycle cleaning with high-pressure

Cleaning the bicycle on the go

The Mobile Outdoor Cleaner OC 3 is suitable for cleaning dust and dirt from the bicycle on the go, so that, for example, the boot of the car does not get dirty. Thanks to the compact dimensions it even fits into a bike basket, the handpiece and the 2.8 metre long spiral hose are stowed under the removable 4-litre tank without taking up too much space. 

In order to clean with the OC 3, simply remove the tank and fill with water, take the spray gun from the device and secure the tank again properly. Then aim the spray gun at the bicycle and pull the trigger. The lithium-ion battery has a runtime of 15 minutes. Using the vehicle adapter, the OC 3 can also be operated with the car battery.

The optional bike box contains a universal brush, detergent and a microfibre cloth – in other words, everything you need for the fast intermediate cleaning of the bicycle. With an appropriate suction hose, water can also be pumped from a canister.

Step by step towards a clean bicycle

position the bicycle

First of all, position the bicycle on level ground and either clamp it into an assembly stand or lean it against a wall or big tree. 

For cleaning on the go: remove the OC 3 tank, remove spray gun, secure tank again and switch on device. For cleaning at home: connect pressure washer or KHB 5 to water supply and, if necessary, the power supply and switch on device. The flat jet nozzle should be used on all devices for bicycle cleaning.

cleaning the bicycle

Now hose down the bicycle with the OC 3, KHB 5 or a pressure washer. Do not aim the water stream directly at the bearings, shock absorbers or electrical connections, e.g. for e-bikes. When cleaning with high pressure, maintain sufficient distance to tyres and small parts (approx. 30 cm). 

Tip: If cleaning from bottom to top, it is easier to see where the bicycle is already clean. 

using detergent

In the case of stubborn dirt, it is also advisable to use a detergent. The Bike Cleaner 3-in-1, for example, is suitable: before cleaning apply the detergent evenly to the dirty areas, leave it on for a short period and then rinse off.

Important: To protect the environment, the detergent should only be used on sealed floors (e.g. asphalt) with feed line to the sewer system. 

rubbing the frame dry

If there is still a greyish haze on the frame, this can be quickly removed using a wash brush. Then rub the frame dry at the cleaned areas using a soft cloth (e.g. microfibre). Oil the chain and gears again after cleaning.

Tip: In order to save water when cleaning with the OC 3, dampen the universal brush and scrub the bicycle. Then hose down the loose dirt.

Appropriate devices and accessories

Mobile Outdoor Cleaner OC 3 - Bike Box

Compact, simple to transport and easy to store. With integrated battery and water tank for diverse applications without power and water connection.

Handheld Cleaner KHB 5

Handheld medium-pressure washer with 18V exchangeable battery for fast, versatile intermediate cleaning around the house – without power connection.

High-pressure washers and accessories

The right performance class and product line for every requirement, as well as a comprehensive range of accessories and detergents.

You may also be interested in:

Cleaning surfboards and Co.

Getting everything clean after camping, hiking, surfing and co

Weekend! It's time to pack your hiking boots or bike and head off to the countryside. It is just one of those things that equipment gets dirty. To get rid of dust and mud in next to no time, Kärcher has a practical aid and some useful tips for almost every holiday situation: the mobile, OC 3 low-pressure cleaner.

> read more

D-I-Y Car washing

D-I-Y Car washing

Is it getting more and more difficult to see through the car’s dirty front windscreen? Or have the dear little ones left loads of biscuit crumbs and juice on the back seat? In that case, it is really time to give the car a thorough clean again. With the right equipment that is done quickly – and is even fun.

> read more

Patio with PCL 4

Wooden patio cleaning made easy

Eating outdoors, sunbathing or simply sitting together quietly – for many people, a wooden patio is like a second living room during the warm months. To really enjoy the hours spent out there, the surface and surrounding area need to be thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis. With the PCL 4 Patio Cleaner it's a piece of cake.

> read more