How To Wash A Road Bike When You Live In A Flat Or Apartment

A clean road bike is a fast bike! But how do you wash one if you live in a flat, apartment or home without a garden hose? Fear not, Ollie has three easy ways that you can use to keep your pride and joy sparkling.
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Look after your bike and it will look after you! Do you have any other useful tips for cleaning your bike? Share them in the comments below 👇
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[@gcntech]

Do you have any other useful tips for cleaning your bike? Share them in the comments below 👇

[@jankroken3881]

I tried washing my bike in my shower once, after that I could need a video on how to clean my shower... was almost impossible - dirty grease and oil smeared everywhere :/. After that, I've only used petrol station hand washing.

[@zeegermens]

A budget jetwash: handheld, manual pressure chemical sprayers that they groundskeeping teams use to spray weed killer, etc. Buying a new is under $20 USD and a bit of an upgrade from a bucket.

[@Hardi26]

Riding through of puddles and if you have mudguards, then riding high speed on paved road, makes big dirt and mud to fly away from tires and wheels, before bringing bike indoors.. You can also stick a small brush to your pocket that you can use to clean tires before bringing it indoor. I do that at winter to clean bike from snow. That it would not start melt in my bedroom leaving big dirty puddle to floor. But riding through of puddles or any usable water is best, because it cleans beside wheels also mudguards.. And other places that has got dirt sprayed from wheels. While riding fast on asphalt, won't save you from cleaning mudguards.. and frame and etc.

[@michaelfreeman2399]

I live in an apartment (with carpet too) so I put a cheap table mat down (which is non porous) and use wet wipes and degreaser. Any tougher bits to get off some degreaser will do the trick, but overall wet wipes are very very good. They’re cheap too (get the ones for babies and not face cleaning) and you can use the ones from the frame, on the dirty chain so nothing is wasted! Awesome video, love Ollie

[@ForeverLumoz]

I use a pressure water bottle. It contains 5 L and you pump a handle to pressurise the water inside the bottle. It's brilliant for a silent yet thorough bike clean 👍🏻 Cost me 58 dKr and works a treat. No worries about the neighbours complaining about anything 😃👌🏻

[@stepforward1605]

Another good tip: use a watering can for flowers to rinse off the foam. Better than a bucket

[@TheMrDomDomDomDom]

You didn't show the state of the bath afterwards. Cleaning the bath afterwards is more effort than cleaning the bike.

[@chris_noswe]

This.

[@seansurdovel2148]

Right?! I always have to make sure I have some degreaser leftover at the end of the job so that I can get the grease off of the tub.

[@kenblair2538]

You got that right. KB

[@Epson5000]

this is the reason why I stopped using the tub for bike cleaning!

[@filipcernoch3441]

Second that. Know that, been there. 10 min for cleaning the bike, 30 min for cleaning the room.

[@jonathantatler]

If I find my 12yo trying to wrestle his bike into our shower..... I'M COMING FOR YOU 😃😆😄

[@gcntech]

He's just trying to keep things clean 😬

[@Schema91]

I use my imagination the other way round. After every ride I imagine my bike is cleaner than it actually is.

[@tranminhnhat2977]

Outstanding move

[@bekzodsadullayev5184]

😆😂

[@omera967]

Ollie = Instant like. Keep it up Ollie. Easily the best presenter around 😂

[@amateurhouradventures]

This should be titled: How to not get your deposit back from your landlord.

[@zzhughesd]

Amateur Hour Adventures I’m possibly myself thinking about my girlfriend almost a Hiacinth Bucket

[@tristramgordon8252]

You're NEVER getting that back, no matter what you do hahahaha

[@lekhapratap1652]

I was about to comment that XD yeah basically

[@thecovidprisoner]

Caught my housemate doing the bike in shower trick.. Was not happy........selfish arse. We have yard and outside tap.

[@johnh8705]

@@thecovidprisoner that's disgusting. You have to get naked in the bath. There's no telling what germs were on the bike. Not to mention the chemicals being used.

[@dannyjbr8870]

I lived in a flat for years and always used one of those hand pump pressure washers that they use at car washes to spray degreaser on the wheels. worked an absolute treat for rinsing soap off at the end.

[@TheUnrevealer]

This technique I figured out by myself years ago. Now second part must follow - how to clean a bath after bike wash :)

[@justinbouchard]

Did my first 100km yesterday. My legs were in the pain cave for the last 40. Before I left I was wondering how to wash it in my apartment lol. I cleaned my chain and left the rest :D Love from snowy Canada.

[@tomnix8194]

Congratulations!

[@justinbouchard]

Aww shucks!! Thanks gents!

[@RoryMacdonald-pfff]

LOL - “make sure they never, ever, find out about it”. I am so there. Had it down to a fine art. 🤣

[@neonpandas]

I live in an apartment. I just took a bucket, filled it with soap and water in the sink in the shared laundry and scrubbed it outdoors with a brush and rinsed it with the bucket of water after…you don’t have to put the bike in your shower. If you have friends/family nearby with a home/hose you can just do it there. You could even take your bike to a self-service car wash.

[@humphreyw8150]

"Just make sure the other people, never EVER find out about it" 😂😂😂 Classic.

[@Kustoms95]

Hi all, nice video, as usual. But I bring a little tip that has unfortunately not been mentioned in the video. For my part, I use a soapy water seal and an integrated pressure sprayer that is easily found in a gardening shop. This tool is perfect for cleaning. Large volume of 5l of water and when pumped for pressure, the water is only misted. Widely enough to clean my road bike, and even my MTB. Since the pressure is small, there is no risk for bearings

[@9034833838]

A lad asked this question on r/peloton. Confirmed Ollie lurking there

[@randomvidz20]

Next video: How To Clean the Shower after Cleaning a Bike in it.

[@flex961a]

nice one ^^

[@oliverbridgewood3929]

HAHAHA

[@plpete]

I'm always made fun of on my team for never having been seen on a dirty bike. As a pro tip, use spray on wax as you dry the frame. These can be found at most automotive stores in the detail section. Drying it that way will create a layer of slick protection on the frame preventing the dirt from sticking as much and make cleaning the frame easier and faster. Some silca infused waxes are even better. Use microfiber clothes for this to minimize and scratches. Also, those compressed air cans are great for blasting water from bearings and tight spaces. Clean bike is a happy bike is a fast bike 😁

[@patrickkatzmair]

Instead of a second bucket i use a watering can with clear water for the last step... 👍

[@Phil..._]

@LowModulation Stunningly obvious

[@ashftw1356]

And I use a bottle bottle with a squeeze able cap. Both are SO efficient

[@Doniyorbek_Turgunov]

- Saddle can be covered with showercap (esp.if it is leather one); - Hubs can be cleaned by hanging a small rope loop on it and ride few km. - Cover handle tape with paper towel after wash, it will absorb wet faster than regular towel.

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

Baby wipes are key to my bike cleaning, great for flossing those hard to reach areas. Plus if you have a balloon handy you can recycle the baby wipes for papermache fun and carve yourself a new aero helmet once its set. 👍

[@chris_noswe]

Every time I read someone talking about baby wipes.... Seriously, do you live in Spain or something? Baby wipes won't do shit to a dirty bike up here in the northern parts of Europe.

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

@@chris_noswe No, UK. Wouldn't rely on them for heavy dirt but for a intricate clean of components and frame they're ideal 100% or 120% of the time if you get a pack with 20% extra offer

[@sandydennylives1392]

@@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1 Primark, two packs for a quid.

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

@@sandydennylives1392 Bargain 👌 cheers for the info

[@rasmuswi]

I live in Sweden and I think baby wipes are amazing for the final stages in bike cleaning. Once the mud has been washed off, baby wipes are what will make the bike look like new. That said, I wax my chain instead of oiling it so my bike stays pretty clean even when I ride in seriously muddy conditions.

[@andyshepherd5067]

i use a 5 litre garden spray bottle one of the old style pump up ones

[@gcntech]

Good workout to charge one of those

[@denisspratt926]

Thanks for this. I am actually moving fram a big house to a apartment soon. So this was quite helpful. I did sort of know this from before but it always good to see how people actually do it.

[@gcntech]

You're welcome Denis, happy cleaning

[@MK2108]

Finally a new „how to wash a bike“ video!

[@AgravepasmonK]

It's been a month, we forgotten how to clean our bikes

[@jacquelynportee3875]

The tips of cleaning a bike when you live in an apartment were very helpful. Thanks for the advice.

[@strobi0001]

Wash in a shower is a good idea but take into an account to clean the tub afterwards. It took an hour and was worried about getting an extra cost at the hotel. Never gonna do again.

[@wildbill7267]

Now I remember why I never cleaned my bike when I lived in apartment! 😂. Much easier when I can do it outdoors in my backyard.

[@TheFusfusfus]

It seems to be some kind of hidden secret message for Simon Richardson, although i can't decipher it....

[@gcntech]

Nope... still can't figure it out....

[@gordonrobb]

If it’s what I think it is, I was about to complain, is Simon Richardson another GCN presenter? If so, is he the one that had the quick bike wash tutorial that finished with spraying WD40 on the chain. If it is, rather than having comments like this from another presenter, GCN should decide what advice they want to give, and if that includes not using WD40, take that other video down.

[@jaibhardwaj4886]

Wd 40 si Richardson 😂😂😂😂

[@sugashack74]

I live in an apartment and in use Ribble Bike cleaner and a bucket of water. It works like a charm and no hose is needed. On every 3rd ride I take the wheels off and clean out under the calipers. If you need compressed air buy a can from Staples or some office wholesaler. No hose or garage needed.

[@dollarize6412]

‘Or gas station, if you’re Américan, although what is being sold is technically in liquid form’ 😂😂😂

[@jbaillie]

Dr. Bridgewood, PhD., does know that it's short for gasoline, not a reference to the state of matter, right?

[@dollarize6412]

jbaillie he probably doesn’t know, it’s not something you’d know unless your familiar with American culture.

[@sergio895]

Mr. Bridgewood making friends, hahaha.

[@JasonMatthewCrabtree]

Well even if it just short for Gasoline, it's still dumb since most also sell diesel and propane. Lets just admit the British and Americans are wrong and call them "fuel stations"

[@derekhobbs1102]

@@JasonMatthewCrabtree We just call them servo's in Australia, short for service station. Not that you really get any service at them though.

[@headshotcrc]

For the bucket method, I used to "hose off" the bike by squirting it with a water bottle. Worked pretty well.

[@e.s.l5861]

I’ve used our shower to give a deep clean to my wheels whilst my wife was at work in the evening..... she never found out I’ve also target practiced with my pellet gun in our long hallway. There are very few advantages to you and your spouse working different schedules. It’s best to take advantage of such perks to avoid depression haha

[@MarcoPersson]

OMG, i looked for this clip three days ago cause I was out ridign gravel completely forgetting I live in a flat... And now you upload this! GCN =

[@gcntech]

You're welcome Marco!

[@Knight766]

Golden content right here, kudos for covering this

[@gcntech]

You're welcome Jimmy

[@luellydervernichter]

My girlfriend laughed out loud, when Olli said to keep it a secret (shower). I was caught two times...

[@melibaut]

Found this video via the GCN Tech Clinic May 1 2024 episode! This video is useful, though I'll need to get a detachable shower head. At the moment, I've been filling a bucket in the bathtub. Using Dawn liquid soap to clean the bathtub afterwards works well to clean the grease and dirt! Thanks for filming 😀

[@jerrygundecker743]

Thorough explanation. Possibly the cleanest bike in the free world. Well done.

[@sdfsqftg5732]

Very pleased with this item. Keeps good readings

[@Katcycle]

Great tips here! I wash my bike outside, but to rinse it I use a garden sprayer, a good solution when you don't have access to a hosepipe.

[@dutypaidrock]

When's Ollie's video on translating common English words into American dialect coming out?

[@gcntech]

Isn't that every video?

[@jaimeisreal]

I just use damp paper towels to clean off my $12,500 S-Works road bike. And a simple chain cleaner. Re-grease. That's it! Takes less than 20 mins. Owned my bike for 2 years now, looks and runs great. What are people using their road bikes for to warrant power-spraying, mud-riding? Power-spraying is great for gravel/mtb/cyclo-cross bikes but even then, power-spraying is a good way to start creaks and it makes moving parts noisy, prematurely. Especially in the headset and crank/drive-train area. At least that's what I've experienced using water power sprayers on my cx bike. It requires even more maintenance afterwards.

[@markminafar892]

So Ollie, why don't you have a "meet the GCN presenters" video? Seems like a glaring omission to one of our favorite presenters.

[@gcntech]

Hopefully soon!

[@SunnyJim93]

Few extra tips, Shell petrol stations make you go in and buy a code for a preset wash routine so you can’t just put a quid in and have a clean bike. I’ve got a Karcher OC3 mobile pressure washer that I use either at the car park after a ride or back at the flat outside, does a pretty good job with some muc off and a sponge.

[@kevinbowe]

Off Topic... Replace Chain Rings -- I frequently hear about replacing the cassette when replacing an old chain. What about the chain rings? Are they less susceptible to wear? What are the signs that I should look for if the chain rings are warn? GCN Tech is my go-to source for all forms of tech and repair info. Keep up the great work! Cheers.

[@shellypalumbo5297]

Ollie,, you are the cutest of the GNC team. Your tech vids are the most useful to me. The rest of y’all are great but Ollie you’re super cool.

[@oliverbridgewood3929]

thanks! glad to help

[@CanyonWanderer]

I use the bucket method in combination with a "multi use sprayer". I'm not sure if that is the official term, but googling that gives me the results closest to what I use. You use the pump to get the pressure up. It is like having your personal (not too high) pressure washer that you can fill with warm water and use to get rid of all the rough dirt without damaging your bearings. After that, just follow the bucket method

[@leemoore8154]

Interesting use of the word solvation. You sent me down a rabbit hole starting with the Wikipedia section about the distinction between solvation and solubility.

[@oliverbridgewood3929]

its a matter of perspective!

[@uranium5694]

0:56 I really like the "Just make sure no one finds out you have cleaned your bike inside the bathtub " phrase!!!!

[@SLOPPEWALL]

Wow Another wash vid from GCN.

[@jochem1986]

Thanks guys!!

[@jerryjin3427]

That’s so useful!

[@HelenWilkie]

Nice Withnail & I reference but what I was really waiting for was a Cool Hand Luke sequence with the soapy sponge

[@user-gq3tq9yn6i]

The way he says water is just satisfying

[@lloydryder8954]

Another easy way to make sure you don't force water into bearings is to use a water bottle with a 'sports cap' - gives just enough squirt power to get dirt out of brake calipers, nooks etc. Bucket of warm soapy water, a water bottle with warm water and a brush/old towel - all you need!

[@mot0s896]

I use one of the manuel pressure things that you normaly use for the chemicals on plants. Works nice and is cheap. Next time if you need dirty bikes just ask :)

[@hateferd]

Excellent video!

[@GhostTrainPhoto]

I washed my mud caked bike in my flat the other day, without using the tub. I waited a day to let the mud dry *clutches pearls in shock* and brought it in my room, laid down a tarp, put it on the trainer (wheel on cheapo trainer), and hand washed it with a spray bottle of washing up liquid and warm water, a couple sponges, rags, degreaser, toothbrush, and a vacuum (hoover). Worked great, stayed nice and warm, didn't make a disastrous mess of my carpet or flat.

[@LeDore38]

I mostly do gravel and xc so I stop at the jetwash when going home to do the heavy washing and finish in the bathtub.

[@ramonvanderben8120]

To quickly get rid of muck and gunk on the drive train, use a mini-compressor and airpistol! Works like a charm! Even gets into places where the brush cannot get to!

[@chrisdarke]

Having washed lots of greasy grimy bike parts in the bathtub, I have learned to clean the tub IMMEDIATELY, also a textured grippy bath tub surface can be a nightmare to clean! I use a Karcher OC3 battery powered cleaner outside, just enough water in it for a good rinse / light wash, and if I need more can just bring down a bucket and connect a pipe to it, its never enough pressure to damage anything either.

[@leonsergent253]

When leaning your bike on a concrete/stone wall to clean it, make sure to protect saddle, brake level and bar tape from scratches and tears. Use towels for example.

[@mariadigiovanni1168]

Hysterical jabs at American English. I love every one of them (and I live in the U.S.).

[@Boopop1024]

My flat has a wet room :) Top tip when washing mountain bike - make sure none of the mud goes down the train!

[@edwardjednacz1641]

My favorite degreaser is Simple Green. It’s biodegradable and my sprockets, chain rings, chain and bike shine. 😀

[@gcntech]

Sounds perfect

[@methylmike]

Genius topic coverage

[@pegaslee]

It's amazing the wonders you can do to a dirty bike with just baby wipes!

[@charlesb7831]

We use a very mild garden hose sprayer and was enough to do in the bottom bracket bearings in my son's cyclocross bike, I mean seized the bearings completely (Norco Threshold). Never happened to any of our other bikes, just that one. And yes I try not to spray the bearings, but it still didn't make a difference unfortunately with his.

[@tiagodamadu]

Manual pressure spray are excelent for bike cleaning. One small with soup. One with water.

[@mahidG]

I gotta invest in those thanks

[@joesixpack6408]

Portable sprayers are a good idea, the ones you must manually pump up the pressure.

[@henrycash7725]

Your pinarello was already spotless!

[@TiberiusMoon]

After the second wash it turned into specialized and the end of the video it turned out to be an Apollo! Who knew your bike could look so different after a clean ;o

[@FastTony78]

You could also use a Karcher OC 3 portable jet wash.

[@1973honza]

I use fertilizer pump sprayer on my yard to apply cyklostar original as degreaser, than dilute the rest and use it as a shampoo. Really quick and easy.

[@endcensorship874]

When I lived in Alaska, and would get crazy dirty and muddy, I would coat the bike with a load of WD-40 before going to the car wash and spraying it down. So, this was right after the race/ride/event and before I got home. This got about 90% of the crap off. Then, when I got home, I did a more extensive cleaning.

[@johnfunk8861]

Thanks for that been really hesitant to use jet wash even from afar and the bucket method is not only the least effective but time consuming. As for the shower wash never again-too clumsy for that :P

[@markankone9362]

Thanks

[@luca-vy3hm]

i luv it when u are shouting out to simon richardson haha

[@MotinEnhance]

WD40 brand have White Lithium Grease and it worked very well in the dry Southern California. Con: it won't last long, I do prefer to lube with it before every ride, or once a week. Pro: it kept the chain, chainrings, cassettes and pulley wheels really really clean all the time (well because I am in the dry area....). (Sy you can use WD40 White Lithium Grease from now on. you will like it )

[@trbeyond]

If you don’t have access to an outdoor hose, you can rig up a converter so you can hook your hose to an indoor sink faucet. Then use one of those auto shrink hoses and you now have access to warm water and can loop the hose out a window outside to wash the bike. Presto!

[@clee6746]

Do you have another video on how to clean the shower after ?

[@pimputo]

I’m currently staying for a few weeks in an apartment and I was gonna try to use some cardboards box to lay down between cassette area and front chainring for try to clean it without doing a mess with the bathroom. Problem is can’t use properly water but need something to spray it on.

[@williamcorrea7964]

So in conclusion, if you live in a Flat or Apartment you've got to wash it outside? hahahahahaah

[@robthewolf1]

I was wondering the same thing, why would @globalcyclingnetwork produce a video with 3 methods for washing a bike inside, when two of them require you to go outside

[@Bitmongol]

I use a deviation on method 3 with a bit of method 2. I use a garden pressure sprayer with 5 liters of pressurized warm water. It saves on water and I can use the pressure on tough dirt and switch to a dispersed spray for wetting the bike, spray on cleaner, use brush, wetting/spraying again, towel, bike protect spray. :-D

[@th4n.]

Great video, but with bikes nowadays having discbrakes, any recommendation on how to protect them while in the shower or for the other methods? thank you

[@juin-wuzhou8145]

Pressure misters are helpful.

[@danielrgusa]

I like to use a spray bottle with soapy water and a microfiber cloth on almost every part except, of course, the drivetrain. I live in the desert though so my bike mostly just gets dusty.

[@iuliua]

You can use a bottle with holes in the cap during the bucket method.

[@oOoACFREEMANoOo]

Old Enamel Tubs suck up grease, and the chemicals might dissolve certain shower/ bathroom facilities. And if you chip your tiles that will cost more to repair than a new bike. Get a bucket of hot soapy water and go out side....

[@adventuresinglastonbury]

I use a hanging basket watering can. It has a pump action spray and holds enough water to wash the bike.

[@metallusmelandril7380]

4:33 nice ride in the background :D

[@simedinson984]

i do the last one but i do it by spraying bikecleaner on my bike and using clean water only sprayed on with a old water bottle some are really good at it

[@wwerules01]

How can 8 people not like this video. Great video guy's.

[@Lena-mj3kr]

Ollie is hilarious 😄

[@jasoncraze3497]

How to loose a girlfriend in one easy step - clean the bike in the bath 😂😂

[@Wholelottarosie-lc8ed]

unless your GF is a crazy cyclist as well lol

[@jedisdad2265]

I prefer to use my 3 gallon garden pump sprayer! And a 5 gallon bucket. Use the bucket to apply the cleaner/water mix, then rinse with the pump sprayer. For my MTB I spray on MuckOff and let it work for a few minutes before the soft sponge and water from the bucket.

[@p49N]

If you are going to jet-wash you can (should) tape your valve stems at the holes if not already taped.

[@bakameh]

Can I shower at the same time I clean my bike? How does Head & Shoulder Menthol work for 1x drivetrains?

[@bakameh]

@poormans bicycles Oh boy, this situation calls for candles then

[@jackshi]

You could definitely do it with soap and water but I'm not sure if all shampoos and bath fluids are safe.

[@HLaB75]

I used the bath in a previous flat and found the grime took the glossy finish off the tub. I use baby wipes now.

[@Cdeforesta]

Another good option is to use a pressure sprayer. It uses a manual hand pump and the pressure gets to around 3 bar (40 PSI) enough to clean a dirty bike. Also means I'm no longer drowning my downstairs neighbour every time i wash my bike with a bucket out on the balcony.

[@user-jk8tw4rj1u]

Hey GCN, how do you keep the di2/etap batteries nice and dry?

[@ernestbonanza]

This video has no content about washing a bike inside a flat. Incredible!