Cleaning your machine chain, especially on bicycles or similar equipment, is crucial for longevity and performance. It involves removing grit, grime, and old lubricant before applying fresh lubrication. As a general rule of thumb, you'll always do the drivetrain (including the chain) first when cleaning your equipment.
Here's a breakdown of the cleaning process:
Why Clean Your Chain?
A clean chain runs smoothly, shifts efficiently, and lasts significantly longer. Dirt and debris act like sandpaper, grinding down the chain links, sprockets, and chainrings, leading to premature wear and costly replacements.
Step-by-Step Chain Cleaning Process
Cleaning a machine chain can be done using dedicated tools or simple brushes. The process typically involves degreasing, scrubbing, rinsing, drying, and re-lubricating.
- Prepare Your Workspace: Lay down some newspaper or a rag to catch drips. Have your cleaning supplies ready: degreaser, brushes, rags, water, and chain lubricant.
- Apply Degreaser: Apply a suitable chain degreaser directly to the chain. Rotate the cranks backward slowly to ensure all parts of the chain are coated. Let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the grime, but don't let it dry.
- Scrub the Chain: Use a stiff brush (a toothbrush or a dedicated chain brush works well) to scrub the chain links thoroughly. Pay attention to the inner and outer plates and the rollers. This helps loosen the dirt and old lube broken down by the degreaser.
- Rinse the Chain: This is where water is useful, especially if you are washing the rest of your machine. If you're going to wash the rest of your bike, that is the time you'd go ahead and do it. Rinse the chain thoroughly with water to wash away the degreaser and loosened grime.
- Dry the Chain: It's essential to dry the chain completely to prevent rust and ensure the new lubricant adheres properly. Use a clean rag to wipe the chain dry while rotating the cranks backward. For best results, let it air dry for a while or use compressed air if available.
- Lubricate the Chain: Once the chain is dry, apply a suitable chain lubricant. Apply a small drop to each roller link while rotating the cranks backward.
- Wipe Excess Lube: After applying lube, give the lubricant a few minutes to penetrate. Then, use a clean rag to wipe off the excess from the exterior of the chain. Excess lube attracts dirt.
Cleaning Tools
You can choose between various tools:
- Chain Cleaning Tool: These devices clamp onto the chain and use brushes and degreaser reservoirs to clean the chain quickly without removing it.
- Brushes and Rags: A simple, effective, and often preferred method for a deep clean. Use a stiff brush and multiple rags.
- Ultrasonic Cleaners: For a truly deep clean, some people use ultrasonic cleaners, but this is typically for detached chains and more advanced users.
Remember, cleaning the chain first is a good practice, especially when washing the entire machine, ensuring the dirtiest part is addressed before moving to cleaner components.
