Windex to clean bike?

[li10up]

I've found something that works great for a quick clean-up on my bike. Windex wipes. Pull out a sheet and wipe down the bike. Gets off the grime and leaves the bike looking good. Makes it easy to get around all the frame. But I'm wondering if Windex will eventually hurt my paint job. Anyone know?

[Bad JuJu]

I recently read on RoadBikeRider that furniture polish is good for cleaning up your frame as long as it's not too grimy, but I guess furniture polish is pretty different from Windex.

[li10up]

Well, after some research I found information that says not to use Windex on painted surfaces. Guess I'm lucky I didn't damage my paint. Shoot! These were really convenient to use too.

[Deanna]

I've been using Windex on my bikes for quickie cleanings and haven't noticed any damage to the paint. I think the no paint warning might refer to "softer" paints, like those used on wood.

[Bluemsmanager]

I use a furniture polish wipe. The same thing as the Windex. I think they're made by Pledge. They do a great job cleaning and won't haven't hurt the finish on any of my three bikes. Just a thought.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I would think you would have to wash the dirt and grit off your bike before you start rubbing wipes or rags back and forth on it. You'd be dragging the grit particles back and forth over your finish like sandpaper. Isn't it best to wash/hose the mud and grit OFF before polishing and rubbing it??

[li10up]

I would think you would have to wash the dirt and grit off your bike before you start rubbing wipes or rags back and forth on it. You'd be dragging the grit particles back and forth over your finish like sandpaper. Isn't it best to wash/hose the mud and grit OFF before polishing and rubbing it??

For the most part I agree. But running water with little or no pressure (which is what is recommended) doesn't get all the dirt off. You still have to wash with something...same principle. I was only doing this for a quick clean up between washings.

Deanna, maybe you're right. I'll have to check into it some more though before I feel comfortable using them on my bike again.

[7rider]

I use Fantastic wipes (green soft package) on my bikes. It says it's okay for bikes and I haven't seen it do any harm for just light cleaning. I use it on both my ti (unpainted) and aluminum (painted) bikes.
I've also heard that 409 wipes (orange, especially) are really good - but that was from someone who also has an unpainted ti bike. I couldn't find them at the store, which is why I got the Fantastic ones.

[Deanna]

I would think you would have to wash the dirt and grit off your bike before you start rubbing wipes or rags back and forth on it. You'd be dragging the grit particles back and forth over your finish like sandpaper. Isn't it best to wash/hose the mud and grit OFF before polishing and rubbing it??

I agree, I mainly use it to get stuff like sports mix drips, greasy fingerprints, etc off of it. Big time, get off the grit cleanings get a hose and grease remover.

[bcipam]

I use Lemon Pledge. I wipe the dirt and grit off first then spray Pledge. It will clean off the dirt and dust. Since it's a wax, not an oil, it will not collect dirt while riding. I would worry about using the windex wipes (if you don't wax immediately after) cause it has solvent in it. Eventually it could bubble the paint. Think about it, it's made to disolve oil and stuff . Most paints on bikes have an oil base.

Also not a fan of water on a bike. Never ever on the road bike (mine is steel) and only occasionally on the MTbike - but no spray, just a bucket and soft cloth and then dry, dry, dry after.

[Bad JuJu]

Here's the scoop from the latest RoadBikeRider. I'm pretty sure most of us here have some cleaning ritual, but at least for me, the furniture polish is news.

After a dry ride, wipe off dust and road grime by using a soft, clean rag dampened with spray furniture polish (Pledge or a cheap generic brand). Never wipe with a dry rag; it'll put fine scratches in the finish. Spray the rag (not the frame) and work from the top down with light pressure. If you've dripped sweat on the frame, use water first as Pledge won't always cut through it.

Keep flipping the rag to a clean area as it picks up crud. You'll be surprised how much dirt is on your bike after just one ride. After you've wiped down the frame and components, go back with a clean rag and buff the tubes to a nice sheen. Furniture polish also leaves a coating that helps prevent dirt buildup and makes the next cleanup easier.

After a wet ride, grab your bucket with its assortment of sponges, brushes, clean rags and Dawn dishwashing detergent. Add warm water and a squirt of the soap. Wet the sponge or rag and wring it out. Once again, work from the top down quickly and softly. A rag is better than a sponge for getting into tight places. Rinse it frequently in the detergent solution.

Dump the murky water, rinse the sponge and rags, then wipe down the bike with warm water to remove the soapy residue. Using warm water helps the bike dry quickly so you can do the Pledge thing.

To clean wheels I use a piece of old towel and some hot, Dawn-infused water. I cup my hand and rag around the tire and rotate the wheel with my other hand. If you do this right, you can clean the tire and rim sidewalls in one rotation. Rinse with clean water. This procedure removes road oils and lets you inspect the tires for cuts, glass, thorns or whatever.

Cleaning Tips
---Keep your supplies together and convenient. If you have to search through the garage to find your stuff, you'll shrug your shoulders and walk away.
---Stay away from the drivetrain. You're not trying to clean the chain but merely get the grime off your bike. Chain care is a topic I've covered before and certainly needs attention, but not after every ride.
---Wash your rags separately from household laundry. Guys, this will keep you out of trouble with your wife and daughter. It's not very cost effective to replace their favorite blouses.
---Do it now. It takes no more than five minutes to clean your bike after a dry ride, less once you get the hang of it. Do it immediately upon climbing off. This is not the full-blown cleaning you should do when the bike is really dirty. It's merely homage to the cycling gods and a "thank you" to the machine that gives you so much pleasure. Nothing looks or runs worse than a grimy bike. Take pride in your ride!