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any one recommend a 5 ltr degreaser that doesnt cost the earth? ive used the screwfix one for years, but just lately they have changed the formula and its no where near as good at removing grime (used to be clear now is yellow) - used it on all stains and it just doesnt cut the same as it used to - chain definitely is not as clean after using it either
so what else is anyone using for the same sort of price/5ltr?
Depends on what you're cleaning off, where you're using it and how conscientious you are about disposal.
Even biodegradable products are no longer biodegradable once you use them to clean off non biodegradable grease/oil/wax
I use Jizer in the cleaning tank. Better than Machine Mart stuff by a long way.
It’s just for cycling through a park tools chain scrubber device so pouring in upto the fill mark - lasts a long time using a 5ltr bottle but the screwfix stuff is crap now in comparison - have used jizer before but that’s now 32 quid so not wanting to go that expensive really
What chain lube are you using and will hot water with a squirt if fairy liquid shift it?
If not, is it worth considering a cleaner chain lube?
I've no issue with the newer Screwfix stuff. I have some Jenny chem TFR that's somewhat powerful at removing engine grime - it's not going near the bike. Was really good diluted for the underside of the car after winter.
For the chain device, elbow grease £1.50/l
Ditto Elbow grease
defo dont let that stuff near the bike fozzy -it literally only needs to look at the bike and it screws the anodising!
I use the fenwicks stuff, diluted 1 to 5 for most bike washing duties and a bit less for really bad drivetrains - https://www.merlincycles.com/fenwicks-fs1-bike-cleaner-concentrate-degreaser-48315.html?utm_campaign=googlebase-GB&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shopping&utm_term=Bike+Cleaning&ucpo=16731&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18444162406&gbraid=0AAAAAD_kj59z0w-tZX_8g32eClMVYWNvn&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0qTCBhCmARIsAAj8C4Y1ZNNfV0tl9NL8axnwRgknr0EKtjrORYS8OiMkF9ORFPDw6eDnYzUaAqaAEALw_wcB
Paraffin (the type for greenhouse heaters) is a fantastic de-gunker IMO. Technically it's a lubricant too (although too thin for practical use, and it does slowly evaporate). Use in a ventilated area.
Perfect for a chain bath (does not need rinsing as it contains no water). Great when used with a brush, to scrub jockey wheels, chainring, etc. Half-fill a small bowl, and use as a parts cleaner - a paint brush works wonders to agitate the crap off.
Wipe off with a microfibre cloth when you're done. Empty the old stuff into an old 5l bottle when you're done... dispose of by taking to the tip when it's full.
For spray & wipe cleaning, I use Isopropyl Alcohol. I put it into a trigger spray bottle. Perfect for suspension components, brake discs, general light de-greasing. Again, use in a ventilated area. Add 30% water to slow down evaporation if you wish - that will also make it a good disinfectant.
https://valetchem.co.uk/products/isopropyl-alcohol-99-9-isopropanol-ipa?_pos=1&_sid=9c39fabba&_ss=r
On the ValetChem site, they also have degreasers but I've not tried them. Not keen on using anything potentially corrosive.
Hot wax, then the bike doesn't need degreaser, or at worst a quick squirt of muck-off onto a brush and then scrubbed into the teeth of the cassette and chainring, not splashing everywhere.
Chain can be washed in boiling water.
And no degreaser getting anywhere near the freehub bearings, or the bushings, clutches, bearings in the rear mech.
defo dont let that stuff near the bike fozzy -it literally only needs to look at the bike and it screws the anodising!
+1 caustic degreaser will fade/strip anodizing.