Bike cleaning (if you don't have access to a hose)

[Tomtomato]

I live in a block of flats, and don't have access to a hose, so cleaning a bike properly can be difficult.

Initially, I bought an 8L manual sprayer (with a manual pump), which was suitable for rinsing the bike, but not providing enough pressure to clean hard places, mud etc.

I have now bought a water pressure washer from eBay, which has a 12v pump, and takes water from a bucket. It's surprisingly powerful, but still kind for a bike.

See http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272248133915

It does not necessary have to be connected to a car (can buy a 12v power supply separately), and the pump can be purchased separately if it brakes. The hose and gun are good quality.

There are other sellers who have the same kit, or variations of this (lower pressure).

 

[KeithMac]

I bought a Nomad 18v http://www.nomadwasher.com/ , 14l tank and rechargeable lithium battery (same as Riobi One+ tools).

Works a treat!.

 

[Tomtomato]

I bought a Nomad 18v http://www.nomadwasher.com/ , 14l tank and rechargeable lithium battery (same as Riobi One+ tools).

Works a treat!.

Looks like a nice product, but it's £210, so pricey!

A 12v pump kit is £25!

I could add a 12v battery and charger for about £25...

The Nomad, being 18v, must be more powerful, but I am quite happy with the 12v solution, which is quite powerful too (and also, too much water pressure washing on a bike is not good anyway).

 

[KeithMac]

I bought a refurbed one from them with a years warranty for £150, still not cheep though!.

Just nice having it all in one unit, it will do 2 or 3 tanks to a charge and you can keep it in the car for quick washdowns after offroading.

It has a filter screen so you could fill it up from a stream etc when out and about.

Wife likes it for washing the car as well!.

Ageed your setup is significantly cheaper and great for washing the bike off .

 

[Tomtomato]

For washing a car, you will indeed need something a bit more powerful than my set-up.

FYI, the eBay kit also has a filter on the inlet pipe.

 

[Nealh]

Forget the pumps, electric and water buckets etc and use Grease Lightning's ' Showroom Shine' simple spray on wipe off no mess, an amazing waterless product.

 

[Tomtomato]

simple spray on wipe off no mess, an amazing waterless product.

Yes, but I still like to have a bit of water pressure spraying for removing dirt from hard to reach places, and also remove the degreaser from the drivetrain...

 

[LeighPing]

OXYDrive website quote -

Washing instructions

To wash the electric motor, the battery, or the controller, use dry sponge and cloth with just minimal use of water or any other liquids. IMPORTANT: Never use pressure washers (i.e. KARCHER) for washing your e-bike.

 

[KeithMac]

You can adjust the Nomad down to a mist so it's more of a rinse down than a full on blasting!.

 

[Tomtomato]

Yes, you can also adjust the spray with the eBay kit, from focused to mist. Therefore, it's quite kind to a bike.

 

[lordvincent]

My bike cleaning routine is to wait until I ride in the rain (which I try not to do very often) then wipe it down afterward.