Let me share a story with all of you guys! – It is about the time of lockdown that time I was in Austin and everyone was bored because you can not do many things. So, rather than ordering online groceries, I thought let’s go to the nearest supermarket but when I checked my ebike was like this (below image).

I got a little bit sad that time cause I wanted to go out badly then my father suggested what can I do, so I’m going to share the same with you guys in this article.

How you can clean your e-bike chain with household products no need to rush to the market, simply check my list, pick the product and start cleaning.

Tools & Materials You Need for Cleaning Bike Chain

• Steel Brush
• Scrubber (Any scrubber would work)
• Clean Dry cloth
• Bucket
• Spray Bottle
• Hose
• Gloves

In case, you don’t have a steel or brass brush you can take 2 toothbrushes and put the brush-up and down on the chain.

E-Bike Chain Cleaner Alternatives

There are plenty of DIY alternatives that you can easily make at home using common household items, have a look.

Let me clear up one thing more, I’m recommending only those cleaners which can be found at every home easily.

1. Dish Soap

Ingredients:

• Dish soap
• Warm water

Method:

The cleaning method is simple, just like stated below. Follow the steps and boom you got your shining chain.

Benefits:

Dish soap is gentle yet effective at cutting through grease and grime. It’s also safe to use on various bike components without causing damage.

2. Kitchen Degreasers

Ingredients: Kitchen degreaser (e.g. Mr Muscle, Lizol)

Method:

The cleaning method is the same.

Tip – After applying the kitchen degreaser let it sit for a few minutes so it can break the grime and you will also start noticing it.

Benefits:

Kitchen degreasers are formulated to tackle tough grease, making them effective for cleaning bike chains. They are also easy to find in most households.

3. Transparent Vinegar

Method:

Again, the cleaning steps are almost the same only the applying step is a little bit different. If it has a thin layer of grease then you can soak the cloth in vinegar and apply a little force to wipe it down or if it has a grime then put it in the undiluted vinegar for a few minutes of course cleaning with vinegar will cost a lot.

Benefits:

White vinegar is a natural and non-toxic cleaner that effectively cuts through grease and grime. It’s an environmentally friendly option.

4. Baking Soda

Ingredients:

• Baking soda
• Water

Method:

The cleaning process is the same.

Benefits:

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that helps scrub off dirt and grime without damaging the bike chain. It’s also safe and non-toxic.

5. Lemon Juice

Ingredients: Lemon (Fresh or Bottle)

Method:

after applying let it sit for a few minutes so it can break the grime and you will also start noticing it.

Tip: Get a lemon juice bottle from the market that would cost less.

Benefits:

Lemon juice is a natural cleaner with degreasing properties. It’s also fragrant and leaves your bike chain smelling fresh.

6. Nail Paint Remover (Acetone)

Method:

Put nail paint remover on the cloth and wipe it instantly otherwise it will evaporate or you can do one thing more if it has a thick layer of grease put the chain inside the acetone for a few minutes.

Benefits:

Rubbing alcohol is highly effective at removing grease and evaporates quickly, leaving no residue. It’s great for quick clean-ups but it’s pretty harsh.

7. Sanitizer (Rubbing Alcohol)

Method:

Sanitizer shares the same properties as acetone but always remember to buy sanitizer that contains 80-90% ethanol/isopropyl alcohol as it will work great.

Benefits:

Sanitizer is also highly effective in removing sticky dirt. It’s great for cleaning up things like chains.

How to Degrease E-Bike Chain and Sprockets

1. Optional: If you know how to put the chain back on the plates, you should consider removing the chain, putting it in the cleaner bucket and washing it well.

2. But if you don’t know it’s ok, take the steel/brass wire brush, rotate the bike chain and scrub it well.

3. Now, Rinse the chain with clean water to remove the cleaner and loosen the dirt.

4. Drying the chain with a clean dry cloth is a must step, don’t skip it otherwise, you will see rust on your chain.

5. Final step put the chain back and apply lube to prevent rust and make the riding smooth.

FAQs

Q1. What’s the best way to clean to ebike chain at home?

Ans. You can take any degreaser that is available in the market or we have listed above, some brushes & pressure water. This is the best way to clean your bike chain.

Q2. How to de-rust the bike chain?

Ans. WD-40 works great to de-rust.

• Apply to the entire affected area.
• Rub with the wire brush
• At last clean with a microfiber cloth.

Q3. Can I use Kerosene to clean the bike chain?

Ans. Yes, you can clean bike chains with kerosene but be careful while cleaning with that. After cleaning make sure you have cleaned the whole area so, it doesn’t catch fire.

Remember one thing, kerosene leaves a layer of oil so rinse it with pressure water otherwise it will attract dirt.

Q4. Can Liquor help in cleaning the bike chain?

Ans. As vodka contains ethanol and ethanol can be used as a grease cutter. So, liquor can be used to clean the bike chain.

My Opinion on This

Choosing one chain cleaner is difficult, you check what you have at your home. But I would like to give you 1 tip, try to have that cleaner with alcohol in it.

Personally, I would prefer doing it on my own by using multiple DIY products cause I know 1 cleaner would not be sufficient and will not give that level of satisfaction, so I would use dish soap and rubbing alcohol to clean the chain.

Obviously, it might cost you a little bit more but in the end, you end up saving your time and money too (in your case). I love to do DIY and it feels great when I see things work.

I hope we have ended up with another fantastic blog that may have made your life easy by 0.05%. If yes, comment below and suggest some blog ideas, too.

Thank you!