How to Wash a Bike the Right Way

Olle Spegel
Sep 15
2 min read

After a few rides on the La Crosse River Trail or a weekend exploring Driftless gravel, your bike starts to look like it’s been through a mud pit. And honestly, it probably has. Cleaning your bike isn’t just about keeping it pretty—it’s one of the easiest ways to extend its life, improve performance, and avoid costly repairs. The trick is knowing how to do it right.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to wash a bike without ruining your components or wasting an afternoon.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need a professional setup. Just a few basics will do:

A bucket of warm water + mild bike-friendly soap
Soft brush for the frame
Old toothbrush for drivetrain detail
Clean rags or microfiber cloths
Bike-specific degreaser
Chain lube

Skip the dish soap—it’s too harsh on grease and can strip vital lubrication.

Step 1: Rinse Gently

Use a garden hose on low pressure or even a spray bottle to loosen dirt. Never blast your bike with high-pressure water. It forces grit into bearings and seals, which means expensive fixes later.

Step 2: Wash the Frame

Start at the top and work your way down. Use a soft brush to scrub away dirt and sweat. Pay attention to the underside of the downtube and chainstays—places that collect grime.

Step 3: Clean the Drivetrain Last

This is the dirtiest part. Spray bike degreaser onto your chain, cassette, and chainrings. Let it sit for a minute, then scrub with an old toothbrush. Wipe off the excess with a rag.

If your chain is making crunchy noises even after cleaning, it may be stretched—time for a replacement. We can check chain wear quickly at our service shop.

Step 4: Dry Thoroughly

Wipe the bike down with clean rags. Pay attention to bolts and moving parts where water tends to sit. Moisture left behind is the fastest way to rust.

Step 5: Re-Lube the Chain

Apply bike-specific chain lube, one drop per link. Spin the pedals a few times, then wipe off the extra. Too much lube just attracts more dirt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the chain: Most performance issues start here.
Using high-pressure water: Bad for bearings.
Over-lubing: A greasy mess that collects grit.
Forgetting wheels: Rims and rotors need to be cleaned too.

Pro Tips for La Crosse Riders

Driftless gravel = lots of dust. Clean and lube more often if you ride off-road.
After rainy rides, dry and lube the chain immediately to prevent rust.
Store your bike indoors when possible—moisture and winter salt are brutal on components.

Stop by Wrench & Roll Bikes in La Crosse for pro-grade cleaning supplies, or book a full service and let us wash, tune, and lube your bike so it’s ready for the next ride.