Has your bicycle's chain rusted? Find out how to clean it without taking it apart
It can happen that a bicycle (bike) has been abandoned in some corner of the house, or perhaps even left outside for ages: probably the chain has rusted by now and the bicycle has therefore become difficult (if not impossible) to use. In these cases it is not absolutely necessary to replace the chain with a new one: it may be sufficient to remove the rust so that you can get back on your bike without risking getting hurt (or the chain snapping).
To do this, the chain itself must be disassembled and soaked in a basin - in a solution that contains suitable cleaning products. There is also a special kit, which is often called "chain cleaner", which is used to take care of this type of maintenance. But if you don't want to, or don't know how to, take the chain apart, what can you do? Fortunately, other methods can be used and we show these below:
White petroleum
White petroleum is a paint solvent that also works to remove rust. It is easily found in online hardware stores (and among other things, it is also useful for many chores around the home). To use it on the chain:
- take a small paint brush and dip it in the white petroleum.
- work the product carefully into all the gaps and crannies of the chain and let it act for just a few minutes.
- with an old rag, remove the bulk of the dirt and repeat the operation if you think it necessary.
- there are also those who proceed by washing the chain after these steps and then drying it off immediately with compressed air.
- in any case, after having cleaned and dried the chain, you need to use plenty of lubricant, and always wait a few hours before using the bike again.
Always remember to use these products while wearing gloves and eye and mouth protection - especially if you work in a small and poorly-ventilated area.
Coke a Cola
This is a home-made solution to try in the absence of any other remedies.
- Equip yourself with an old toothbrush, dip it in the Coke (which you may have poured into a bowl) and pass it carefully over all parts of the chain.
- Be sure to use the Coke abundantly, scrubbing vigoursly with the toothbrush - especially where it is needed most.
- Wrap one point of the chain with an old rag and hold it in your hand as you turn the pedals so that the chain slides through your hand. This will clean off the bulk of the rust that the Coke has removed. It may be necessary to repeat this operation several times.
- Again, lubricate with suitable products after cleaning and always wait a few hours before using the bike.
Have you ever used these methods to remove rust from your bike's chain?
