13 Best Bike Degreasers 2024 – Clean Your Bike Properly

A good bike degreaser is the secret ingredient to a clean bicycle. After all, it’s the best substance for removing grease and oils that are otherwise waterproof. That’s why if you grease your bike often, a bike chain degreaser is a must-have.

Not only that, it also has the ability to improve the performance of your bike. For that reason, a lot of cyclists will have a degreaser in their garage or as part of their maintenance kit.

My reviews on the best bike degreaser will help you pick the ideal product for your beloved bicycle. With such a product, you can easily clean your bike without pushing yourself too much. The positive effects of a degreaser on your bike might surprise you.

Best Bike Degreaser Reviews

1. Finish Line Citrus Degreaser

If you’re dead-set on buying an environmental-friendly product, I suggest you get the Finish Line Citrus Degreaser. The brand uses an orange-based formula for this product, resulting in a safe, eco-friendly, and non-toxic degreaser.

This comes in handy when you use it near nature or drains since it’s safe around such places. Moreover, due to the citrus extracts, the Finish Line degreaser has an acidic nature and low pH. Hence, it works like a charm on rubber and plastic components.

Notably, the degreaser has a smooth texture, so the application is rather quick and neat. Plus, with its low viscosity, reaching the deep areas prove to be no challenge at all. Also, it’s recommended to use a brush for the coating process. In truth, scrubbing is unnecessary since you can soak the parts that need to be cleaned in the substance.

As for the finishing touch, rinsing with water seems to do the trick. With the product’s smooth texture, you’re likely to get a bright finish with most of the grease removed.

Moreover, the solution has a high efficacy. Thus, it’s possible to combine it with water, although it will result in a weaker substance. From my experience, even after adding water, the product is still quite effective. I also like the fact that Finish Line offers this product in different sizes – 12 ounces, 20 ounces, and 1 gallon.

2. WD-40 Specialist Bike Degreaser

One product that caught my attention is the WD-40 Specialist Bike Degreaser. It features a foamy finish which is quite rare for such a line of product.

Surprisingly, despite its texture, this WD-40 degreaser can infiltrate the deepest parts of the bike, making it the ideal product for cyclists who tend to get grease on deep parts of the bike chains and drivetrains. Such a texture also helps with the application since you don’t need a brush to spread the WD-40 degreaser.

I should also mention that the WD-40 product line only uses high-quality materials. Hence, you can rest assured that this is another high-quality degreaser. Besides, the WD-40 brand uses conventional materials for this product, so it’s safe to use on many types of surface. You can even apply WD-40 on painted or polished surfaces without worrying about discoloring or fading.

The WD-40 brand also made sure this degreaser works on different materials including chrome, plastic, rubber, aluminum, and carbon fiber. From my experience, rinsing it with water seems to work a treat on completely removing all the grease.

WD-40 contains 10 ounces of degreaser, but since there’s no need for a second application, this amount will last you longer than usual.

3. White Lightning Clean Streak

If you’re always pressed for time, the White Lightning Clean Streak would be an excellent degreaser for you. This cleaning product features a fast-acting degreaser, making it the ideal product for cyclists who are always in a big hurry.

Remarkably, White Lightning developed a degreaser that doesn’t need rinsing. You only need to apply it and you’re good to go after letting it sit for a few minutes. Hence, it’s the perfect degreaser for when there is little water to be found or when you’re in need of a last-minute cleaning. Additionally, the spray nozzle is accurate, so you can apply the degreaser meticulously instead of carelessly spraying it all over your bike.

Besides, the degreaser seems to do a great job of removing all the grease and grime from your bike. What’s more, it doesn’t leave an undesirable odor. In fact, it doesn’t leave any residue at all. It should also be pointed out that this degreaser works on carbon fiber, plastic, and rubber.

Another feature that I like is the fact that this degreaser comes in different sizes, from 14 ounces to 23 ounces. This provides you with more options for your purchase.

4. Muc Off – 295US Drivetrain Cleaner

Muc off truly deserves some praise with their newly-designed Muc Off – 295US Drivetrain Cleaner. Their degreaser is all-purpose and offers immediate removal of grime and grease on all bike types and materials. It’s also capable of removing oil and contaminants from your bike derailleurs, chains, or rear cassettes.

Although several customers had some issues regarding the spray bottle design spilling too much of the degreaser, it seems the brand made some changes to its design. Now, it works wonders. It no longer results in unnecessary spillage and for further convenience, Muc off added a trigger spray to the container. Besides, the product features an ergonomic design with a secure nozzle cap.

Overall, I can say for sure that this chain cleaner works exactly like it should. Also, this product comes in packs of 500ml.

As expected, you still have to rinse it with water so as to avoid any degreaser residue, although it should be fine otherwise since Muc off uses a biodegradable formula.

5. Runaway Bike Degreaser

The Runaway Bike Degreaser is a product that’s sure to appeal to you if you’re not fond of harsh degreasers. Runaway developed this product as a gentler alternative to your usual bike chain degreasers. The brand also made sure that it’s non-toxic, non-flammable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly, making it safe to use on most occasions.

Additionally, while it was originally designed for bike chains, it works surprisingly well on breaking down all the grime and grease in other bike parts. Plus, due to its non-corrosive nature, it doesn’t wear off the surface of bike chains and drivetrains even after overgreasing. Also, this degreaser seems to work best on carbon fiber.

Another striking feature about this degreaser is its flip-top lid, which makes the pouring process a lot easier. Plus, because of the lid’s conventional design, it’s easy to apply the degreaser while wasting only as little of the product as possible. Regardless, I’m sure 16 ounces would be enough for several degreasing jobs.

6. Finish Line Speed Bike Degreaser

Supposing you’re an avid user of Finish Line degreaser products, the Speed Bike Degreaser might be of interest. In fact, this product is one of the most popular products of Finish Line. It boasts a dry formula, which specializes in the removal of organic matter such as dirt and dust. Hence, it’s a great degreaser for cyclists who often end up on dirt tracks and dusty environments.

However, the main selling point of this Finish Line product is its ability to evaporate after a few minutes, resulting in no residue. Such a feature is quite convenient since you don’t have to wipe your bike with a rag. Moreover, it provides a finish that is suitable for lubricant applications.

It should also be noted that this degreaser specializes in disinfecting disc brakes, which is quite rare since degreasers have a history of wreaking havoc on brakes. This just proves that this is an excellent and safe product.

As far as application goes, it often ends with no issues at all, mainly because it doesn’t require rinsing or brushing. Moreover, since Finish Line uses a turbo sprayer as a container, you can apply the product precisely with minimal effort. It also lasts for quite a while as it contains 18 ounces of degreaser.

7. Park Tool CB-4 Bike Degreaser

Another product that showed promise is the Park Tool CB-4 Bike Degreaser. Strangely, it’s not acidic or alkaline in nature. Instead, it’s a neutral type of degreaser as it is made with plant extracts. On that note, you can rest assured that this product is biodegradable and non-toxic.

As a neutral degreaser, Park Tool CB-4 works well as an all-purpose degreaser, although the brand initially intended it to be used with scrubbers. In truth, this product works well on carbon fiber, rubber, plastic, and alloy, making it an excellent degreaser for all bike types. Besides, it offers a surprisingly clean finish.

What’s more, this product can improve the performance of the bike’s gear system and reduce friction to support a quicker shifting. Certainly, Park Tool developed an excellent degreaser. However, take note that improving the performance is only possible if you apply this degreaser regularly. It’s not something that happens overnight.

I also like how the package comes in a flip-top lid and contains 16 ounces of degreaser. Thankfully, the lid is nicely crafted and built to last, so the product lasted longer than I expected.

8. Finish Line EcoTech Bike Degreaser

If you prefer soaking your bike chains and drivetrain into the degreaser, the Finish Line EcoTech Bike Degreaser would be a suitable product. This product boasts a high potency, so you can safely add water to increase its volume, while still maintaining a strong substance. With the increased volume, you can soak bike parts into the degreaser to ensure that all grease and contaminants are removed.

Notably, Finish Line produced this product with soy-based extracts, resulting in a biodegradable and non-toxic degreaser. I should also point out that this product is safe to use on plastic and rubber components.

Another striking detail regarding this Finish Line degreaser is that it’s suitable for air drying. Hence, you don’t need water to degrease your bike with this product. Still, you need to use a rag or cloth for the finishing touches. This would also help you avoid wasting the degreaser. Good thing it comes in three sizes – 12 ounces, 20 ounces, and 1 gallon.mit, Finish Line is indeed the leading bike brand, especially with this Finish Line Bike Degreaser. They did a good job at creating a product that is suited to cyclists who prefer soaking their bike chains in the degreaser.

9. Simple Green Bike Cleaner/Degreaser

Do you want a degreaser that is simple to use? You would love Simple Green Bike Degreaser. This product features foaming technology, so the application is often simple and straightforward. I also appreciate how the brand used a spray trigger design for the container for further convenience and ease-of-use.

I’m also impressed at how well it works on carbon wheels and frames, yet it’s gentle enough that you can apply it on leather. So far, it has shown great promise at removing the grease and oils to the bare metal. In truth, Simple Green designed this as a multi-purpose bike cleaner degreaser, so you can apply it on mechanical parts other than bike components.

Notably, the product comes in packs of 24 ounces. Since you don’t have to use much for each degreasing session, you can expect this degreaser to last for some time.

10. Pedro’s Oranj Peelz Citrus Bicycle Degreaser

Are you tired of always having grease stuck on your drivetrains? The Pedro’s Oranj Peelz Citrus Bike Degreaser is sure to help with your problem. This product boasts a citrus-based formula, which specializes in metal components. Plus, the Oranj degreaser has the reputation of having a long-lasting effect on metal parts. Hence, it’s the perfect degreaser for your drivetrains since they’re mostly composed of metal.

Although this product was meant to serve as a drivetrain degreaser, it can also be used on other sections of your bike. So far, it’s strong enough to remove stubborn oils and grease from other bike components and does a surprisingly good job at it. However, you have to be cautious by rinsing it with water after application to avoid causing damage.

Another feature that amazes me is the fact that it smells great. With such an odor, I was able to use it inside the house without any inconvenience. Plus, it has a prolonged effect so the odor lasts for quite a while. Moreover, since one pack comes in 16 ounces. this degreaser should last for an extended time.

11. White Lightning Bike Cleaner Aerosol

If you’re a fan of White Lightning, the White Lightning Aerosol Bike Degreaser should get you further interested in their brand. This product features a no-scrub style formula, and you don’t have to rinse it with water after application.

Remarkably, the degreaser evaporates automatically and quickly while leaving no residue. It also serves as a light lubricant if you let it sit for a few minutes. Such a feature would come in handy for when you’re planning on applying high-quality lubricants after degreasing. To that end, this degreaser is perfect for disc brakes, especially since it’s one of the few sections of a bike where you need to apply lubricant regularly.

Fortunately, White Lightning managed to increase the viscosity of this substance, so it was able to stick to the surface upon application without drenching other parts. Moreover, the brand minimized the toxicity and odor of this product to make it more eco-friendly.

12. Dog Drool Degreaser

As far as environmental-friendly degreasers go, the Dog Drool Bike Degreaser might be the best bicycle degreaser out there. This product features a powerful formula capable of removing stubborn grease and oils. Even so, this degreaser is surprisingly gentle, making it harmless to all materials including rubber.

Moreover, Dog Drool opts for the environmental-friendly option and uses a fume-free formula for this product. Hence, it doesn’t seem to have any side effects on drivetrains, bike chains, and other portions of the bike. The brand also markets this product as safe around pets and even children and so far, it’s holding true.

As an eco-friendly degreaser, it’s possible to use it indoors without laying waste on your equipment. Dog Drool also made sure this product is harmless to cloth, making it easier to apply this degreaser via cleaning rag.

I also love how Dog Drool designed this product as fast-acting. On that account, I just let it sit for a few minutes and it starts doing its job by removing all the grease and oils to the bare metal.

As for the actual package, users can expect a safe delivery of their package given that the cap and container are tightly secured. Also, the product contains 16 ounces of degreaser.

What to Look for When Buying Bike Degreasers

There are several things to look for when choosing the appropriate bike chain degreasers for your bike’s moving parts. Although each bike has its own needs, I chose the aforementioned products by checking if they had the following features:

Biodegradable

Most bike chain degreasers nowadays are made of petroleum and all sorts of chemicals – some are harmful to the environment. That’s precisely why a biodegradable degreaser has its perks.

A biodegradable formula results in lower carbon emission. Moreover, biodegradable products consume less energy for their manufacturing process. It also comes in handy since it will automatically dispose of itself in case you forget to clean your workshop after a degreasing session.

Non-Toxic

In addition to being biodegradable, it’s also a huge advantage if the product is non-toxic. That way, you can afford to use it indoors or near nature without risking anything.

However, if the product that you’re on the lookout for doesn’t offer such features, I suggest being extra careful, perhaps consider using gloves. Take note that a product with high toxicity may produce a toxic atmosphere.

Affordable

Obviously, a cheap bike chain degreaser is better than an expensive one. Considering how you may purchase several at a time, you’ll spend quite a decent amount of money annually on degreasers.

I suggest getting an affordable product, but if it’s not, then make sure it has a quality that deserves its price. Otherwise, steer away from such a product.

Rapid Action

It’s also going to be quite useful if the degreaser works quickly. Although a degreaser that works immediately after application is hard to find, that would be the most ideal product. After all, if the product takes too long to work, it would be a bit tricky to use a lubricant afterward.

Simple Usage

Another feature that you should look for is simple usage. Most of the time, applying the degreaser is a difficult task, especially if the texture is not something you’re used to.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to find a product that is easy to use. If you have the special equipment for applying degreaser, then this would be easier than we thought. However, if you don’t, the best degreasers on the market are ones that work exactly as advertised while requiring minimal effort.

Secure and Convenient Packaging

One of the things I emphasize when choosing a bike chain degreaser is the packaging option. As you may already know, there are several types of packaging for a degreaser.

Some will give you a good time, while others will make things more complicated. Obviously, you’d want to lean on the former. To give you a better understanding, here’s a look at different types of packaging:

• Tin Cans – Many degreasers come in tin cans. Usually, products that come in such a container require mixing with water and have a simple usage.
• Drums – A heavy-duty version of tin cans. There’s not much difference between the two, except that drums usually carry a huge amount of degreaser in case you don’t want to buy another product for years.
• Spray Bottle – This is the most common packaging option for degreasers. It’s a great design if you want to apply the degreaser in a precise manner. Typically, degreasers that are in spray bottles have a foamy or slippery texture.
• Aerosol – Aerosol refers to another version of spray bottles but less precise. Also, instead of a liquid or foam, aerosol degreasers spray solid particles of liquid droplets which, if sprayed continuously, may look like fog or mist.

Other Important Factors to Consider

Besides the aforementioned features, it’s also important to know the basics of bike chain degreasers. For that reason, we’re going to answer a few questions regarding this matter which may help you decide on the ideal bike chain degreaser.

What is a bike degreaser?

Many people and even some cyclists can’t tell a bike wash from a bike degreaser. There’s actually a clear line between the two that may help you distinguish one from the other.

To begin with, a bike wash can be used on all parts of a bike. It can remove dirt, mud, dust, and other filth that is usually found on a bike. On the other hand, a bike chain degreaser is mostly used on drivetrains, bike chains, and disc brakes.

Degreasers also often have a stronger formula so they can remove the grease and oils that have built up over time. They can also eradicate stubborn filth in case a bike wash can’t do the job, but owing to their harsh nature, it’s often recommended to use them sparingly.

How does it work?

Bike degreasers can do what they do because of solvents. Several ingredients make up one product. Some are citrus-based, others are plant-based, but most ingredients of a degreaser are corrosive and harmful in nature. Hence, cyclists are very cautious when using such a product, especially on fragile materials such as rubber and plastic.

Rarely, a degreaser is made of non-solvent ingredients. These are usually less harsh than the typical degreaser, making it difficult to remove grease, but they’re gentle enough that you can use them comfortably.

What are the different types of bike degreasers?

Generally, there are three types of bike degreasers with each one of them having their own strengths and weaknesses. You can find out more about these types by reading the following:

• Alkaline Degreasers – This type of degreasers has a high pH which means it’s safe to use on most materials. It’s the most common type of degreasers and often uses solvents such as petroleum.
• Acidic Degreasers – The opposite of alkaline degreasers. This type usually has a low pH and is considered acidic. Hence, most of the time, they are not applicable to rubber and plastic as they may cause damage. Most acidic degreasers are citrus-based. The best example is the use of orange extracts.
• Neutral Degreasers – Neutral degreasers are often the more environmental-friendly option for cyclists. Such a type uses plant-based cleaners. One example is soy-based extracts. As long as the degreaser is free of solvent, it can be considered a neutral degreaser.

Why do you need bicycle degreasers?

There are several reasons why a bicycle degreaser would be a great addition to your bike maintenance kit. The main reason is to remove what cannot be removed by other bike cleaning solutions. Hence, it can be considered the last line of defense of cyclists.

Moreover, bicycle chains and drivetrains often tend to accumulate dirt faster when grease is left on them. The more dirt is accrued, the easier it is for these bike parts to wear off or degrade. So, if you want to enjoy your bike longer and make your cleaning jobs effective, you need bicycle degreasers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most trusted bike degreaser brands?

There are many bike degreasers brands out there, but only a few have top-notch products. Below are some of the brands along with their specialties:

• White Lightning – specializes in bike maintenance necessities
• Pedro’s, Muc Off, and Finish Line – specialize in bike cleaning degreaser
• Runaway Bike – specializes in lubricants and degreasers
• Simple Green – is an established brand for cleaning products
• Park Tool and WD-40 – leading brands on bike products
• Honorable mentions to the brands Bike Degreaser Bunnings and Dog Drool

What can I use to degrease my bike chain?

Although they’re not as effective, many users from Reddit suggest natural substances as bike chain degreaser alternatives. These ingredients will come in handy when you’re currently on a tight budget or you can’t wait for your package to arrive:

• Distilled Vinegar can be used as a degreaser by spraying it into the drivetrains of a bike or by applying it via a cleaning rag. It should eliminate grease after a few minutes of rubbing. For the best results, I suggest mixing it with water.
• Baking Soda is one of the best when it comes to eradicating grease from your drivetrains. First, you have to add the baking soda into the water to create some sort of paste. You can add more baking soda for a stronger mixture. Afterward, apply it to a cloth and wipe it into your bike.
• Kerosene is a popular homemade bike chain degreaser if you don’t have a specialized degreaser available. The application is simple. All you need to do is apply some kerosene, let it sit for around 10 minutes, and then rinse it with water. It may leave some residue, but wiping it off is no hassle at all.

Can you use any degreaser on a bike?

Many professionals suggest choosing the correct degreaser for your bike’s needs. So no, you can’t use just about any degreaser on a bike, especially if it consists of some rubber and plastic parts. This is mainly because some degreasers may contain solvents that are harmful to such materials.

Moreover, some chemicals may also fade or discolor paint, so you should also be cautious if you just did a paint job on your bike. You should also beware of hydrocarbon solvents since they have the reputation of being a destructive degreaser for bike cassette and bike chains. Point is, most of the degreasers you see out there have the potential to damage your bike if used improperly.

Is WD-40 a good bike chain degreaser?

WD-40 might be considered the best bike chain degreaser on the market. While it may be a light degreaser, the WD40 bike degreaser is still robust enough to remove all the grease and grime buildup on your drivetrains, although you may have to apply it several times. Plus, it’s easy to use compared to other degreasers.

The WD-40 degreaser has the benefit of adding a lubricant residue so your bike can work smoothly on your next trip.

Plus, the WD-40 company is trusted by a lot of cyclists, so that should speak for itself. So yes, WD-40 is a good bike chain degreaser.

How to apply a bike degreaser?

You have several options for applying a bike degreaser. Typically, I would suggest the easiest method, but this time, we’re going to cover four methods of application.

• Spraying – If you’re in a hurry and you want to get it over within an instant, you can simply spray the degreaser, that is, if the degreaser comes with a spray bottle. This is the easiest method and some products even evaporate afterward.
• Wiping – Supposing you have some spare time, you may also try using a cleaning rag. Simply put some bike lube into the bike parts, wipe it off with a cleaning rag, and apply a degreaser. This is simple but often effective.
• Brushing – A harder method involves using a small brush to reach the deepest parts of the bike chains and drivetrains. Just apply the degreaser on the surface and brush it into the parts where you want it.
• Soaking – A more extensive method of application is soaking. This is very simple but time-consuming. All you have to do is prepare the degreaser in a container, separate the bike parts, then soak them into the degreaser. This is the most effective method but of course, it takes a lot of time and a lot of degreaser.

Where to buy a bike chain degreaser?

The best place to buy a bike chain degreaser depends on what type you want to buy. If you’re planning on buying an all-purpose degreaser, you can find one at a grocery store or a supermarket. However, if you’re looking for a more specific and specialized degreaser, a bike store should have several options for you.

Personally, I would just order the product online to save me the hassle. Also, if you’re not planning on spending money, then you may also choose to not buy a bike chain degreaser at all. Instead, you can create one just like we mentioned earlier.

How to care for and maintain bike degreasers?

You don’t necessarily have to maintain bike degreasers. As long as they are kept within the container securely, you won’t have anything to worry about. However, when using bike degreasers, it’s important to be cautious.

For one, you have to make sure you dispose of the degreasers in your workshop. Since most degreasers nowadays are harmful to the environment, I would recommend against using them near nature. Furthermore, if it’s not completely necessary to degrease your bike, don’t. Do it sparingly as it may cause more harm to nature than good to your bike.

Conclusion

Your bike is not invincible. Although it may have lasted you for quite a long time, parts of it will eventually wear off and degrade. That’s precisely why degreasing a bike comes a long way in prolonging its lifespan.

With this guide, you should be able to find out everything you need to know about degreasers. Finally, you’ll get to know which is truly the best bike degreaser for your drivetrains.

Here are some other interesting models that you might like:

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