MTB Cleaning & Maintenance

Bike Care: Cleaning and maintenance for your mountain bike

Bike Care means: washing the bike, degreasing the drivetrain, lubricating the chain, and properly maintaining brakes and suspension. At MTB-Raceshop, you will find bike cleaners, drivetrain cleaners, brushes, chain oil, brake cleaners, and care products for forks and shocks.

A clean bike runs quieter and wears down more slowly. And while cleaning, you can spot damage early: loose screws, cracks, or oil on seals.

MTB care products: which product for what?

Bike cleaner

For frames, wheels, and components. A bicycle-specific cleaner dissolves dirt without attacking paint, carbon, rubber, or seals. Spray on, let it work for a short time, loosen with a brush, and rinse off.

Drivetrain cleaner

Degreaser for chain, cassette, and chainrings: It dissolves old chain oil and dirt. Rinse thoroughly afterward and dry so the new chain oil adheres well.

Chain oil and chain wax

Oil for wet conditions sticks longer; wax stays cleaner in dusty conditions. Sunflower-based organic chain oils from Danico Biotech: Ketten Kaiserand Chain Lube.

Brake cleaner

For brake discs: removes oil, grease, and detergent residues and evaporates without leaving residue. The Galfer Brake Cleaner, according to Galfer, does not attack rubber, plastic, aluminium, or carbon.

Suspension maintenance

After washing, wipe down stanchions and dust wipers and treat them with a bit of fork oil such as Danico Fork Lube. For the lower leg service, there are oils like WPS FL01.

Brushes and cloths

Soft brushes for frames and components, hard bristles for tyres and drivetrain, a narrow brush for gaps. For drying, use a clean, lint-free cloth.

Greases and oils for bearings, suspension, and brakes can be found in the adjacent category:

To Oils & Lubricants

Washing your MTB in 4 steps

1. Pre-rinse and spray

Rinse off coarse dirt with a gentle water jet, apply bike cleaner, and let it work briefly. Do not let it dry in direct sunlight.

2. Degrease drivetrain

Apply drivetrain cleaner to the chain, cassette, and chainrings, scrub with a brush, and rinse thoroughly.

3. Rinse and dry

Rinse everything with clear water, avoiding high-pressure jets on bearings, seals, and suspension. Dry the bike, wipe the chain dry with a cloth.

4. Lubricate and maintain

Apply chain oil sparingly to the chain, let it soak in briefly, and wipe off the excess. Wipe down and maintain stanchions.

Important: Care sprays, oil, and silicone should never be applied to brake discs or pads. Oiled pads brake poorly and usually need to be replaced – you can find new ones under Brake pads.

Frequently asked questions about Bike Care

Which bike cleaner is suitable for an MTB?

A bicycle-specific, biodegradable cleaner that does not attack paint, carbon, rubber, or seals. Products with wax or silicone content should not be used near brakes because they can leave a film on discs and pads.

What is the difference between drivetrain cleaner and bike cleaner?

A bike cleaner is mild and intended for the entire bike. A drivetrain cleaner is a degreaser: it dissolves oil and grease and should only be used on the chain, cassette, and chainrings, not on bearings, seals, or brakes. Always rinse thoroughly afterward.

How often should I lubricate the chain?

After every wash and after riding in rain or mud; otherwise, as soon as the chain looks dry or becomes audible. Better to apply a little bit regularly than a lot rarely – excess chain oil attracts dirt and should be wiped off.

How do I clean dirty brake discs?

With brake cleaner such as the Galfer Brake Cleanerand a clean cloth, while the brake is cold. Remove the pads beforehand so that no dissolved dirt gets into them, and let the cleaner evaporate completely. You can find more on Galfer brake parts on the Galfer brand page.

Can I wash my MTB with a pressure washer?

Better not to. The hard jet can force water past seals into bearings, hubs, and suspension and wash out grease. If you do, keep a large distance and never spray directly on bearings, seals, or the headset – a garden hose with a gentle spray is enough.