What is an easy way to remove contaminants from bicycles or motorcycles?
Use a detergent/cleaner suitable for the type of contaminant.
Contaminants can be water-soluble or oil-soluble
"Contaminants adhered to the body of a bicycle or motorcycle are water-soluble, whereas contaminants adhered to the chain are mixed with grease or oil so are oil-soluble.
For water-soluble contaminants, cleaner mixed with water and surfactant, the main component of soap, is suitable. For oil-soluble contaminants, organic solvent, such as thinner capable of dissolving oil, is suitable."
How solvents remove contaminants
When a solvent is applied to a contaminant...
it dissolves the oil content, making the contaminant easier to remove.
Now, you can wipe it off using cloth!
When washing metal such as steel, a cleaner that contains water may cause rust or corrosion. Also, using an organic solvent to clean resin parts may cause the resin to deteriorate. Select the cleaner suitable for the type of contaminant and material.
We recommend aerosol type parts cleaner!
The aerosol type parts cleaner developed by ThreeBond, containing organic solvent as its primary component, is suitable for cleaning oil contaminants on metal parts. You can aim directly at the contaminated part to clean it. The jet pressure and action of the solvent dissolves and washes away the contaminant, which has the advantage of improving work efficiency.
- ※After washing a chain, re-apply appropriate lubricant or grease to prevent rust and provide proper lubrication.