“A clean bike is a fast bike,” the EF Education-Oatly sprinter says. “You want to wash your bike to reduce friction, keep your components lasting longer, and overall have a faster ride.”

Alex’s home bike wash routine is quick and efficient. The compact, powerful Muc-Off cleaning kit that she uses packs easily into her apartment. Once she has gotten home from training and has showered, changed and had her recovery meal, she can take it out onto the street and get her bike sparkling and running smoothly again in 15 minutes or less. Alex encourages everyone to take such good care of their bike. Once you get in the habit, you will never want to start a ride on a dirty bike again.

Read on for Alex’s easy 15-minute process and learn how to wash your bike like a pro.

Muc-Off Mobile Pressure Washer

Muc-Off Nano-Tech Bike Cleaner

Muc-Off Soft Washing Brush

Muc-Off Expanding Microcell Sponge

Muc-Off Drivetrain Cleaner

Muc-Off Detailing Brush

Muc-Off Microfiber Cloths

Muc-Off Lube (Ludicrous Lube is Alex’s favorite)

1. Rinse off loose dirt with the Muc-Off Mobile Pressure Washer

Muc-Off’s Mobile Pressure Washer is a powerful tool for home bike cleaning. With its bicycle specific nozzle, 20-liter tank, and rechargeable battery, it can deliver a steady spray of water for more than 20 minutes. During the season, Alex lives in Girona’s city center, where she doesn’t have easy access to an outdoor plug or hose. So she fills her Muc-Off Mobile Pressure Washer with warm water and brings it out onto the street. No matter where you live, you can do the same. First, you want to spray off any superficial mud, sweat, energy drink or gel, or sand. The jet from the Muc-Off Mobile Pressure Washer is strong enough to remove loose muck and dirt without damaging your bike’s bearings.

2. Spray on Muc-Off Nano-Tech Bike Cleaner

Next, spray down your bike with Nano-Tech Bike Cleaner. Muc-Off’s classic pink cleaning fluid breaks down dirt and grime at a microscopic level and helps lift dirt to aid cleaning. It is safe on all surfaces — disc brakes included — so you can cover the whole machine in a liberal coat of foam.

3. Lather with brush and sponge 

 Use your  Soft Washing Brush and Microcell Sponge to lather in the Nano-Tech Bike Cleaner. This will make sure you don’t miss any nooks and crannies on your bike and help release any stubborn dirt. Both are designed for use with delicate finishes and won’t leave any marks on your paint. 

4. Spray chain, chainrings, and cassette with Muc-Off Drivetrain Cleaner

Muc-Off’s biodegradable Drivetrain Cleaner is a powerful solvent that dissolves oil, grease, and wax fast. Spray it on your chain, chainrings, and cassette. Keeping a clean chain helps ensure it is free from abrasives picked up on the ride. This is super important to ensure new lube can work its way deep into the links and help prevent wear and reduce friction as it is designed to do.

5. Scrub drivetrain with Muc-Off Detailing Brush

Scrub your drivetrain components with Muc-Off’s Detailing Brush. Its durable nylon bristles will help remove any grime left on your chain, chainrings, or cassette. Give your rear derailleur’s jockey wheels a good scrub, too, as they are particularly prone to dirt buildup.

6. Rinse bike with the Muc-Off Mobile Pressure Washer

Once you have scrubbed your drivetrain, give your whole bike a thorough rinse with the Mobile Pressure Washer. Blast all the leftover foam from your frame and make sure you give your drivetrain a good wash. Your whole bike should now be sparkling.

7. Dry frame with Microfiber Cloth

Now wipe your bike dry with your Microfiber Polishing Cloths. Made from a special deep-pile material, they are super absorbent and will soak up any water that could lead to corrosion. Pay extra attention to your drivetrain. You want your chain, chainrings, and cassette to be bone-dry before you re-lube.

8. Lube chain

Muc-Off manufactures a wide range of lubes designed for different riding conditions. If it’s going to rain tomorrow, you want to apply a wet lube. If it’s going to be sunny and warm, a dry lube will be better. Alex is a speed freak. She treats herself to Ludicrous Lube — Muc-Off’s fastest race lube — even for training.

As you turn the cranks backward, apply a drop to each roller on the inside of the chain, running it through your fingers so the whole chain is lightly coated.

9. Wipe off excess with Microfiber Cloth

Then wipe off any excess lube using your Microfiber Cloth. This will reduce dirt buildup and keep your drivetrain clean and running smoothly for longer.

Your bike is now ready for tomorrow’s ride!