Regular cleaning and lubrication of a bike chain ensures soft shifting, extends drivetrain life, and expands power efficiency. However, most people don’t like to regularly clean a bike chain.
It’s essential to invest in a quality bike chain cleaner. That’s why in this article, we’ve rounded up the best bike chain cleaners on the market. Each of these cleaners will help you to improve and speed up your chain cleaning process. Here we have discussed their features and benefits. So, if you are going to purchase a new bike chain cleaner, just read it!
How to Clean Your Bike Chain?
In many ways, you can clean your bike chain.
Step 1.
For a quick clean, take a lint-free cloth, and wrap it perfectly around your backpedal and chain.
Step 2.
Then apply your proper lube and for a few rotations backpedal your chain so that it gets lubricated and mixed.
Step 3.
For a little deeper cleaning, you can get a new brush and degreaser. Many people use an old toothbrush to scrub the chain.
Step 4.
Apply some degreaser on a brush and blend it. Repeat from here essentially as if you had a cloth but a brush.
This allows you to go deeper into the chain and get some jerkiness out of it. Actually, you’ll want to brush the chainring, cassette, and derailleur pulley wheels.
Step 5.
From here you can spray this chain with some water. And apply your lube making sure to change gears to lubricate the entire drivetrain.
Step 6.
For a very deep clean, you can take your entire drivetrain apart and scrub everything separately.
You don’t do this regularly. But in winter if you want to do something then you can pass the time by cleaning your bike. We won’t go into feel because you don’t need to clean it regularly.
11 Best Bike Chain Cleaners Reviews
Below we have put together a list and brief description of some of the best bike chain cleaners out there.
1. Finish Line Speed Bike Degreaser
- Dry degreasing technology
- This is great when traditional cleaning isn’t an option
- Dry-style degreaser
- Most powerful and popular products
The fastest and most effective way to clean the drivetrain is with a speed degreaser. In addition, to rapidly remove pollutants, its turbo sprayer uses mechanical excitement. Using special solvents can break the grime and grease and other solvents.
It can repel water, and prevent the accumulation of dirt. After using this cleaner, your bike and tools will stay clean for longer breaks. Since this lube comes with advanced anti-wear additives and water-resistant polymers, it provides a maximum smooth drivetrain.
At the finish line, Wet Lube uses the longest, strongest-lasting, and water-resistant lubricant. So, if you find a quick get drivetrain where a complete wash is not possible this degreaser is an amazing option.
Eva Lin gave a great review about this greaser who lives in Mexico. He also gave it a 5 star and said that this is the most effective and strongest degreaser.
Pros:
- Perfect for decontaminating disc brakes
- Quickly removes pollutants
- Expensive
- No need for any brush or water rinsing
Cons:
- No bulk purchases are available
2. Simple Green Industrial Degreaser
- High-grade penetrate
- Industrial Cleaner and Degreaser
- Comes from trusted formula
- It’s non-toxic, no flammable, and biodegradable
Our other amazing bike clean product name is Simple Green Degreaser. This amazing degreaser performs to cut through all stubborn dirt, mud, and grease without exhausting bike tools. Basically, this degreaser is a safe option for other toxic solvents, cleaners, and beaches.
Typically, it’s an all-purpose spray and you can use it as a cleaner, degreaser, or even deodorizer. Thus, if you want you also can use it to clean tiles, countertops, floors, etc. Nevertheless, you can get this degreaser in one size.
This degreaser is certified as Climate Pledge Friendly and US EPA Safer Choice. That means, the product contains elements that are safe for people and the environment. Ergo, without any hesitation purchase this product and use them in your important place.
Kenneth Hoffman said it’s environmentally safe and removed strong stains on any hard surface. He also gave a 5-star after using this product. Besides this, it’s a very powerful degreaser and uses 55-gal containers aboard their ships.
Pros:
- All-in-one purpose products
- Safe for any surface
- Non-corrosive
- Remove heavy dirt, grease, food residue
Cons:
- Strong smell
3. Finish Line Bicycle Chain Cleaner
- Made with high-quality ingredients
- Comes with three rotating brushes
- Industrial quality resin body
- 30-degree exit angle and industrial-quality foam sponge
The next product on our list is the Finish line bicycle chain cleaner is the most trusted product best for a bicycle. Generally, this product comes from high-quality materials. For that reason, this cleaner can effectively remove grime and dirt that bikes give peak performance.
Plus, it keeps the entire drivetrain much healthier as it reduces wheel friction. Every busy driver will love this product like us because its use process is easy. Normally, this product comes with a single lightweight design connected to cleaner clips.
And you can install it directly on your bicycle chain. Overall, it can maximize the bicycle can life and make a smooth and efficient drivetrain.
Zippo88 gave a review where he said that he used it and was satisfied. It’s because it’s extremely easy to use and quick you can use it. Use it and keeps your chain functioning and looking new.
Pros:
- Removes grime and dirt
- Keeps full drive train and conveying friction
- Easy to apply
- Quickly clean your bike chain
Cons:
- Beach cruisers need bike chain slack
4. Muc-Off 250 kits 8 in 1
- High-quality brushes
- Durable and long-lasting
- Nano-technology bike cleaner
- Offers High-quality frame protection
The Muc-Off Bicycle Cleaning Kit makes a great gift for anyone who loves to keep their bike clean. In general, this kit has 8 different elements and everything you need to clean the bike.
The bristles, brushes, and plastics are high-quality and you can use them for a long time with proper care. Furthermore, if you are talking about bike protecting and cleaning it can cover all the bases.
Particularly, this mega bike cleaning kit comes from some Muc-Off best essentials. That’s why it provides you with the ideal cleaning kit ever.
To keep your ride looking factory fresh, you can also buy a can that is the ultimate liquid bike protection. The biodegradable Nano technology bike can break down any grime and microscope levels. Ultimately, it’s one of the best bike cleaning kits for any biker.
Rob Potter gave a 5-star excellent review and said that this is an excellent product and he will buy it again.
Pros:
- Suitable for all types of bike
- Including cleaning brushes and sponge
- ultimate liquid bike protection
- Keep looking nice and tidy
Cons:
- Not the cheapest
5. STA-BIL Sport Bike Cleaner & Protectant
- Versatile and simple spray
- Easy application
- Powerful cleaner
- Easily remove the dirt
For people who want to keep their bikes looking new, this STA-BIL sport bike cleaner is one of the best bike cleaners. Remember that, if it is exposed to harmful grit, dirt, dust, and UV rays it can produce poor performance.
In particular, this protectant is engineered to keep bikes looking new. That is the reason, you can’t ignore it ever. Likewise, that is exactly what you are expecting which has preserved and protected millions of cars over 60 years.
For riders who do not have much time to clean their bike, this is ideal for them. With a Powerful special formula cleanser, you can easily and quickly remove nasty grit, dirt, and dust.
Notably, without any problem, you can apply it on your bike easily and quickly. After using this lube, it dries quickly and leaves a protective shield that protects your bike from corrosion.
Pros:
- Also suitable for dull rubber, plastic, and carbon fiber surfaces.
- Prevent rust and corrosion
- Offer shining look
- Shields against rust, UV rays, and grit
Cons:
- Can’t clean perfectly
6. WD-40 Bike – All Conditions Bicycle Lube
- Its ideal for pedals, carbon fiber, wheels aluminum, and rubber
- fast acting professional grade formula
- Durable coating
- Strong biodegradable formula
WD-40 bike or bicycle lube is another best lubricant for cleaning your bike or bicycle. Riders who want a real bike maintenance product can choose this product for their bike.
Designed especially for bikes, and to optimize bike safety these lines can simplify your bile maintenance. In fact, these cleaners can improve all types of riders’ performance and give them confidence while they ride.
In other words, this WD-40 bike’s foaming action formula can clean your chain gear. It can even remove stubborn grime from all moving parts. With this best motorcycle engine, cleaners keep your bike driving in harsh conditions.
Comes for extremely muddy and wet conditions, and also can offer a robust coating. More importantly, it can help to repel mud and water, as well as protect your chain for long life. Ergo, if you love to pick a product that offers bike maintenance and cares just choose it.
Pros:
- Prevent squeaks and extend your chain life
- Removes grease and grime
- Safe for bike finishes.
- Repel dirt in dusty conditions.
Cons:
- Expensive
7. Muc Off Waterless Wash High-Performance Bike Cleaning Spray
- Waterless cleaning spray
- Steek-free-finish
- Produced with a powder-free formula
- Spray color may vary
The most effective and most useful product from our list is this Muc Off Waterless wash. After using this product you will say this is the best product I have ever seen. It’s because to use this product you don’t need any water because it is a waterless cleaning spray.
When you use it, your bike will look new, even if its smell is nice. The using process of this cleaning spray is to spray on your bike chain and leave it for a minute.
Then wipe it away without using any water which makes this product much easier. Particularly, the easy-to-use cleaner spray provides streak-free shine. Products come with electrical plugs designed for use in the United States.
Voltage and power outlets vary internationally. To use this product at your destination you may need a converter or adapter. Before buying this product you should check the compatibility.
Pros:
- Perfocey for removing light pollutants
- Ideal for cleaning bikes, motorcycles
- Get a long-lasting lustrous shine
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Tough to buy
8. Finish Line Citrus Degreaser Bicycle Degreaser
- Safe and strong biodegradable formula
- Made with orange peel and soy-based extracts
- Non-toxic
- Low surface tension
Adequately, the other amazing product from the Finish line brand is the Finish Line Citrus degreaser. Accordingly, this kit provides a chain lube, degreaser, a can scrubber. As its price, it performs very well.
The special feature of this product is it’s an industry-real orange peel-based chain cleaner. Super fast and strong chain cleaner also provides fart clean up. Citrus chain degreaser from Finish line comes with natural and powerful citrus extracts.
With due to use of this cleaner, your bicycle drivetrain can clean your can quickly with less scrubbing. On that note, during your cleaning process, though it may seem to work we always say that protect your working surfaces or area.
Make sure your bike chain doesn’t get stained or dirty. Remember that, after cleaning your can with it, your chain will be dirty quickly. That’s why you should re-lube your bike chain after some days.
Pros:
- Faster clean up the chain
- Remove grease, and oil quickly
- Amazing chain degreaser
- Easy cleaning process
Cons:
- Little bit expensive
9. Finish Line Buy quality bicycle chain cleaner
- Shop-grade plastic
- Eco-tech chain lube
- 30-degree draft eliminates clutter
- Rotating three-brush design
1n 1988, Finish Line started innovating chain cleaners. For the first time, a chain can clean thoroughly without removing it in a minute or two. The 47° draft angle virtually removes spills and drips.
Because of its extra row scraper pads, you can clean your bike chain side plates perfectly. Remarkably, it comes with a large magnet and you can find it under the chain cleaner. For riders who want to keep their drive trains in race-ready conditions, this cleaner will make this task easy.
Use this Pro cleaner once or twice a month to increase your bike chain life. Use it easily and enjoy a smoother, cleaner, and more effective drivetrain.
No one can ignore this amazing bike chain cleaner because of its pro-level properties and features. Since applying this cleaner is an easy task, busy riders will love to use this cleaner for their lovely bike.
Pros:
- Provides a more efficient drivetrain
- No need to remove the chain to use
- Can clean your chain quickly
- Maximize the chain life
Cons:
- Not very good as other model
10. Muc-Off 277 x3 Chain Cleaning Kit
- Heavy-duty construction and convenient design
- Innovative design separates the excess dirty fluid
- Comes with one 75mL bottle with an X-3 Dirty cleaning machine
- Fast-acting degreaser
We believe that a clean chain is a happy chain. From Muc Off, this cleaning kit can clean your bike chain thoroughly in seconds. Usually, this is the fast-acting degreaser and comes with an excellent formula that guarantees you instant results.
Certainly, it can increase a heavy-duty cleaning capacity and useful design. In reality, it allows you to clean your chain easily. The X-3 bike chain cleaning kit offers an amazing cleaning session without increasing oil, grease, and stubborn grime.
There is an X-3 Dirty Cleaning Machine with a 75mL bottle that we can use over and over again. You don’t have to spend much to buy the same product unlike with other brands. The reason is that you can use this cleaning kit again and again. All of these parts are disassembled and disposable.
Pros:
- Actual bike chain cleaning tool
- Provide deepest clean
- Remove dirt, chain oil, and grease without any hassle
- Fully biodegradable
Cons:
- Comes with a small cleaning tool
11. Park Tool Unisex CG-2.4 Cleaning System
- High-quality chain cleaner
- including a chain scrubber, gear brush, and degreaser
- 100% biodegradable degreaser
- Durable and sturdy.
Park Tool CG-2.4 can cleaning kit is the most famous cleaning kit on the market due to its durability and quality. Chain Scrubbers are very sturdy, and with proper care, you can use them for a long time.
Similarly, it comes to work on any bike because of its ergonomic handle. Including a brush and with it you can use for cassettes cleaning, pulleys, chainrings. In this case, you don’t need to buy any extra brushes.
Regardless, it’s a biodegradable degreaser that is best for the environment. Overall, this 3-piece cleaning kit is enough for regular use. Cyclone chain cleaners will clean your chain effectively and quickly.
Stay tension free and use this amazing bike chain-clearing kit on your bike. The complete cleaning solution comes with a gear brush, chain rubber, and degreaser.
Pros:
- Can clean the chain quickly and easily
- Can be going too deep
- Provides complete cleaning solution
- Perform well on any bike
Cons:
- This cleaning kit runs out quite quickly
What To Look For When You Are Buying Your Bike Chain Cleaner:
Before buying the best bike chain cleaner, you should look for some important things that we giving below:
Chain Wear
Before using a chain cleaner on your bike, it’s important to check whether the chain requires to be completely replaced. You can determine if your chain is worn by using a tool like the Park Tool Chain Wear Indicator. If you require a new cleaner, it’s best to replace it immediately and skip the process of cleaning.
Cleaning Setup
The chain cleaning job is a messy hassle. That’s why it’s important to set up it accurately before you start. Ideally, due to a bike stand, you can easily turn the pages and rotate the back wheel easily. Generally, you should wear clothes that can tolerate grease stains. To make your cleaning process easier think about a trap under the bike.
Chain lubricant
The cleaning process can remove all the grease that is already there. This includes road grime and all the dirt that gets stuck in that grease while you ride. Because using chain cleaner, your bike chain will sparkling clean, but it should be dry.
Before you start cleaning, make sure you have your favorite brand of bike chain lubricant on hand. It’s because you can lube the chain properly and get your bike ready to ride again.
Final Word:
One of the most important components of our bicycles is the chain. Its functionality and performance have a considerable impact on the performance of the bicycle. Cleaning a bike chain doesn’t take much time if we have the best bike chain cleaner among the above-mentioned products.
Liquid formulations were once extremely effective and popular. In contrast, biodegradable formulations and dry lubes have become more renowned for their protection and effectiveness. They have the added advantage of not damaging the bike’s finish.
All of the products in this review aren’t expensive. Each rider can choose their best products from here we hope. Lastly, if you want to buy any bike chain cleaners you may contact thebikespy.com.