What I Learned About Bike Maintenance the Hard (and Dirty) Way

1. The Ride That Taught Me Everything

I was halfway through a 60-mile gravel ride when my chain started skipping. The gears weren’t shifting smoothly, and every rotation felt like my bike was begging for mercy. I stopped, looked down, and realized the drivetrain was caked with mud, sand, and weeks of neglect. I hadn’t cleaned it in over a month. That day, I walked my bike the last 8 miles home. That was the moment I decided to take bike maintenance seriously.

Keeping your bike clean and well-maintained isn’t just about making it look good—it’s about performance, safety, and saving money in the long run. Over time, I developed a reliable system for cleaning and maintaining my bike that keeps it riding like new, and today I’m sharing it with you.

2. What You Need Before You Start

Before diving into the actual cleaning, you’ll want to gather a few essentials. These don’t have to be expensive. Here’s what I use:

• Two buckets: one for soapy water, one for rinsing
• Bike-specific degreaser
• Chain cleaning tool or stiff brush
• Soft brushes or sponges for the frame
• Old toothbrush for small parts
• Microfiber cloths for drying
• Bike lubricant
• Optional: a bike stand (makes life easier but not required)

3. Step-by-Step Bike Cleaning Routine

3.1. Rinse the Bike First

I always start by giving the bike a gentle rinse with a hose or a bucket of clean water. The goal is to remove loose dirt and grit without forcing it deeper into the components. Avoid using high-pressure hoses directly on bearings or bottom brackets—learned that lesson the hard way when I blew water into my hubs and had to get them re-greased.

3.2. Clean the Drivetrain

The drivetrain is where most grime builds up. I spray degreaser onto the chain, cassette, and chainrings and let it sit for a minute. Then I use a chain-cleaning tool or a stiff brush to scrub away the muck. I spin the pedals backwards while scrubbing to get every side. You wouldn’t believe how much smoother shifting becomes when your chain is clean.

Once scrubbed, I rinse off the degreaser thoroughly. Never leave degreaser on—it can attract even more grime if not washed off.

3.3. Wash the Frame and Wheels

Using soapy water and a soft sponge, I clean the frame starting from the top and working down. I learned to never use the same sponge for the drivetrain and the frame—it spreads grease everywhere. The wheels, including spokes and hubs, get their own round of gentle scrubbing.

Don’t forget the undercarriage. Mud often hides underneath the bottom bracket area and the chainstays. I once missed a clump of dried clay under there and wondered why my bike kept creaking until I found it on the next clean.

3.4. Rinse and Dry

After a thorough rinse with clean water, I use microfiber cloths to dry everything off. It’s important not to let water sit, especially around bolts and crevices. I also take this time to check for cracks, scratches, or any signs of wear.

4. Lubricating and Post-Wash Maintenance

4.1. Re-lube the Chain

Once the bike is dry, I re-lubricate the chain using a bike-specific lube (wet or dry, depending on the conditions I ride in). I drip one drop per link while slowly rotating the chain, then wipe off the excess with a clean rag. Too much lube is just as bad as too little—it attracts dirt like a magnet.

4.2. Check Tire Pressure and Brakes

I always finish by checking my tire pressure with a gauge and topping it off if needed. I also inspect the brake pads for wear and make sure the cables or hydraulic systems are functioning properly. One time I skipped this step, only to discover I had a slow leak right before a big weekend ride.

4.3. Inspect Bolts and Moving Parts

As a final step, I go over all major bolts (especially stem, seat post, and crank arms) to make sure they’re tight but not overtightened. I also flex the wheels side to side to check for play in the hubs or bottom bracket. Early detection of issues saves a lot of money down the line.

5. How Often Should You Clean and Maintain Your Bike?

The answer depends on how often and where you ride. If I’ve been out on dry pavement, I might clean my bike every couple of weeks. But if I’ve been riding in rain or gravel, I clean it immediately. A good rule of thumb I follow:

• Chain: Clean and lube every 100–150 miles or after any wet ride
• Full bike wash: Every 2–3 weeks, or sooner if visibly dirty
• Brake and gear tune-up: Every 2 months or after 500 miles
• Deep maintenance (hubs, bottom bracket, headset): Every 6–12 months

I track all of this in a little notebook—an old-school habit, but it’s helped me keep my bikes in top shape. I’ve avoided expensive replacements by catching wear early, and my rides have never felt smoother.

If you're not sure how to begin or want guidance tailored to your bike and style, I highly recommend visiting Healthy Cycling. They’ve helped me with everything from gear upgrades to choosing the best tools and lube for my climate. It's the kind of support that turns a casual rider into a confident cyclist.

Clean bikes ride better, last longer, and—let’s be honest—look awesome. After every wash, I can’t help but feel proud rolling down the road, knowing I’m riding a machine that’s as ready for adventure as I am.