Nothing ruins the peacefulness of a ride faster than a squeaky chain. But it’s not only the noise that will impact your ride, it’s the untoward wear and tear on your entire drivetrain that results from not knowing how to clean a dirty bike chain properly.

Having some essential bike chain cleaning tips to add to your tool kit will help you ensure that your chain and cassette are running smoothly, increasing the longevity of your bike’s drivetrain.

Best way to clean a bike chain on the bike

A squeaky chain is an unhappy chain. That squeak indicates that there is an unwanted amount of friction rolling through the drivetrain, causing excessive wear on the cogs and chain, and helping to kill your speed.

Even if you are not a committed self-mechanic, regular on-the-bike maintenance will help support a smooth running drivetrain for longer between intensive cleaning sessions. And as with most things in bicycle maintenance, having the right tools will be extremely important. We’re not talking about buying expensive torque wrenches or bike stands. But you’ll want to have a durable brush, a quality degreaser, a rag, and an effective lubricant.

1. Take your brush and scrub the chain to remove any loose dirt or grime.
2. Apply the degreaser to the chain, spraying it onto the chain links. Let the degreaser sit on the chain for a few minutes to break down any stubborn grime.
3. Use the brush to scrub the chain thoroughly, working the degreaser into the links and removing any remaining dirt.
   
4. Use the clean rag to wipe off excess degreaser. Be sure to be thorough to remove all degreaser before applying the lubricant. Apply the lubricant to the chain making sure to get into all the links. Choosing the proper lube to use depends on the riding conditions you will face. If you will be riding frequently in wet conditions, be certain to choose a chain lube that is resistant to water.

It's important to remember that regular chain maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of your bike. While cleaning the chain without taking it off can be effective, periodically removing the chain for a more thorough cleaning is recommended.

Bike chain cleaning off the bike

The best way to clean a bike chain is to remove it completely from the bicycle. Removing your chain does require a few extra bike tools and a certain amount of planning, especially if it’s your main or only bicycle.

You’ll need to invest in a chain tool. A chain tool is a small, handheld tool with a rotating handle and metal pin that pushes the rivet out of a chain link so it comes apart.

1. Insert the pin on one of the links on your bike chain into the chain tool. Push the pin until it is almost all the way out of the link, being careful not to push it out completely.
2. Remove the chain from the bike.
3. Put degreaser in a large bowl or small bucket and allow the chain to soak for several minutes to an hour.
   
4. Use a clean brush to rub off dirt and work the degreaser into the chain links.
5. Once the chain has soaked enough, rinse it with water to remove any remaining dirt or degreaser.
6. Wipe the chain dry with a clean rag or towel.
7. Before replacing the chain, take the time to clean the pulleys by wiping them down with a degreaser and drying them with the rag or towel.
8. Reinstall the chain by using the chain tool to push the pin back into place.
9. Lubricate the chain by applying a lubricant specifically designed for bicycle chains. Use a few drops on each link and work the lubricant into the chain by pedaling the crank backwards. Wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean rag.

Whether you love tinkering with your bike or find maintenance hard to fit into your daily routine, these bike chain cleaning tips can help you efficiently care for your bicycle. Regularly cleaning a bike chain will ensure you have a happy drivetrain and will save you money and additional maintenance at the end of the day.