sawtooth Posted September 14, 2013 Report Share Posted September 14, 2013 Is it safe to steam clean a trials bike once in a while? I currently use Muc-Off and a pressure washer, results are pretty good but could be better in hard to reach or stained areas. You see some really really shiny bikes around, so either they use a steam cleaner, they never get ridden properly or they spend 6 days a week cleaning it with a toothbrush? Obviously would have to be careful with steam around the stickers but will seals etc be OK? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie chitlins Posted September 14, 2013 Report Share Posted September 14, 2013 I've seen plenty of problems with pressure and steam. They force water into places it shouldn't be. Better to live with a little grunge. Or break out the toothbrush. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guys Posted September 14, 2013 Report Share Posted September 14, 2013 I've seen plenty of problems with pressure and steam. They force water into places it shouldn't be. Better to live with a little grunge. Or break out the toothbrush. +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilh Posted September 14, 2013 Report Share Posted September 14, 2013 I pressure wash mine very quickly to get the loose crap off it. Then I use truck wash or TFR or any other cleaning chemical I can nick from work for free and brush it on with a 2 inch toothbrush.... Then blast it off with a pressure washer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
technowaldo Posted September 14, 2013 Report Share Posted September 14, 2013 Buy a cheap pressure washer for washing your bike I would never use a steam cleaner as they are too powerful ive used a pressure washer on all my bikes for the last 30 years and not had any problems as long as your sensible with it i cant see how you would properly clean an off road bike without one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nelly1 Posted September 14, 2013 Report Share Posted September 14, 2013 dont pressure wash the rear linkages just leave em dirty if the engine is a bit stained i just spray a little gunk on it let it soak for a few mins and blast it off Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nigel dabster Posted September 14, 2013 Report Share Posted September 14, 2013 be very careful with truck wash and tfr they can seriously spoil aluminium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadof2 Posted September 14, 2013 Report Share Posted September 14, 2013 (edited) Only use a pressure washer (and then on a low setting) to get heavy mud off, never direct it a bearings, seals, brake calipers, carbs or electrics. To be honest I would advise against the use of a pressure washer full stop - I've seen them do lots of damage. NEVER wash the bike hot and don't use steam. I have seen bikes (motocrosrs mainly) with every bearing wrecked and the radiator fins bent by careless pressure wasking. Best way is just a hose and soft brush and something like muck off, jizer, janitol or gunk. Then rinse it off and spray all the pivots / bearings etc with WD 40 or duck oil, give whole bike except brakes and bits rider touches a very light mist of wd40 or duck oil. This stops the dirt sticking and it will rinse off much easier next time. Edited September 14, 2013 by dadof2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sawtooth Posted September 14, 2013 Author Report Share Posted September 14, 2013 Only use a pressure washer (and then on a low setting) to get heavy mud off, never direct it a bearings, seals, brake calipers, carbs or electrics. To be honest I would advise against the use of a pressure washer full stop - I've seen them do lots of damage. NEVER wash the bike hot and don't use steam. Best way is just a hose and soft brush and something like muck off, jizer, janitol or gunk. Then rinse it off and spray all the pivots / bearings etc with WD 40 or duck oil, give whole bike except brakes and bits rider touches a very light mist of wd40 or duck oil. This stops the dirt sticking and it will rinse off much easier next time. I wouldn't spray wd40 near bearings as its a degreaser. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t-shock 250 Posted September 15, 2013 Report Share Posted September 15, 2013 Careful use of pressure washer, bucket of soapy water & a couple of handy sized brushes. That is all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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