How to Clean and Store a Kid's Bicycle Properly

Kids ride their bicycles more than adults. Therefore, the chances of dirt layers on their bicycles are more than adults. It means their bicycles need monthly washing to avoid dirt clogging in the drivetrain especially. The fluid on the drivetrain to keep it moving attracts dust, which becomes thick and messy. Therefore, parents have to wash their kids’ bicycles frequently, especially if they play in mud. Kids who ride bikes in off road conditions need more washing than the kids who ride on flat gravel roads. Likewise, it is mandatory to keep these kids’ bicycles clean for consistent performance and durability. Here are a few steps you can follow to keep these kids’ bicycles clean all the time. These are traditional ways that you can relearn to restore the original beauty of bicycles.

Make a Mixture of Mild Detergent/Soap/Shampoo and Water

The first thing you need for that is a mixture of detergent and water. You can also use soap or shampoo for a mild impact on the bicycle's color. Since detergents can strip off protective layers of rust inhibitors, you can try a mild option. Soap and shampoo are two less concentration options for bike cleaning. 

Just take 1:4 ratio of soap/shampoo/detergent and water for that. It is like one table spoon of shampoo in one liter of bottle depending on the concentration you need. You can increase or decree the water against one spoon of shampoo. 

Clean Every Part of the Kid’s Bicycle without Leaving Anything

Then use a microfiber cloth and dip it in that mixture you just made. Once the microfiber cloth absorbs the mixture, squeeze it just a little to remove excess liquid. Then clean every part of the kid’s bicycle. Just simply rub the entire frame, handles, and seat of the bicycle. Use that mixture on wheels, mudguards, and also the entire chainring system. You can change the mixture if the bike is too dirty. Sometimes, the dirt prevents soap mixture from showing good results. So, you have to make another mixture to remove that stubborn dirt.

Will Detergent Mixture Cause Rusting in Bicycle’s Metal Parts?

More than the detergent mixture’s nature, what poses more risk is prolonged moisture. Detergents can strip away the protective layers from the metal parts, but you can reapply those layers. What you need to avoid is leaving the kid's bicycle’s metal parts moist without applying protective coats. You will find about those protective coats in one of the sections below. 

Use an Old Teeth Brush to Remove Dirt from Wheels

Let’s continue with the third step. Now, use an old toothbrush to remove the dirt stuck on the wheels. This dirt is much more stubborn than the rest of the bike’s parts. The mixture you applied to the entire bike will soften that hard dirt, and you can remove it easily. Use an old toothbrush to rub both tires and rims. Doing that will restore the original beauty of wheels in the form of dark black rubber and shiny aluminum alloy. 

You can do the same with the chainring, chain, and sprockets to remove thick oil layers from them. The entire drivetrain system of a bicycle needs it. You might be wondering about the risk of rusting, but you need to wait for the upcoming steps. Everything will be clear to you once you follow these steps.

Wash with Water to Remove Detergent After It

Then wash the entire kid’s bicycle with water. You can use a water pipe or a pressure cleaner for that. It will remove the mixture along with dirt from the entire bicycle. Make sure you rub the bike with a microfiber cloth to wash away hard stains. It will eliminate any chance of residual layers of dirt on the bike. 

Wipe the Entire Bicycle and Let It Dry

Now, use a dry microfiber cloth to dry off the water layers from every part of the kid’s bicycle. Make sure you remove the maximum moisture with the help of a dry cloth. If you have a blower, you can use it to fast-dry the congested parts of the bike.  

Is It Safe to Apply Wax to a Bicycle Frame?

Yes, it is safe to apply wax to the metal parts of a bicycle. Its metal frame and alloy rims will get extra shine and protection from dust. You should apply wax that is suitable for automobiles only. It will prevent dust from sticking permanently on the kid’s bicycle.

Then Apply Oil or Rust Inhibitor on Metal Components

The last step is very important. Make sure you don’t skip it. It is crucial because it will prevent rust on the bicycle. Apply oil on the brakes, clutch, derailleur, chain sprocket, chainring, chain, and the rest. You can either apply automobile engine oil or a rust inhibitor. Both will be highly protective. Since the rust inhibitor leaves a cleaner layer, you can simply spray it on the moving parts. Even if you apply fresh automobile oil, then clean the excess layer, it will create a protective layer. 

Should I Apply Grease, Oil, or Corrosion Inhibitor on Bicycle Drivetrain?

Automobile oil is highly effective since it is in liquid form, and it enters every tiny spot. You just have to pour it in the drivetrain, and every component gets a full coat of it. The same is for the rust inhibitor, which is thinner than oil, and it spreads faster on the metal components. However, if you use grease, it will need extra effort because it is a thick, paste-like material. Grease can be a good choice for flat spots where you can easily apply it. 

Conclusion

That’s how you can clean, wash, and even store a kid’s bike safely. There will be no risk of rust and corrosion even if you wash it monthly. The anti-rust coating after every wash is a mandatory thing you must do. Make sure you clean the dust layer from it regularly because the wax you apply to it needs support. That support is in the form of gentle wiping with a dry microfiber cloth.