I used a jet wash

[NorthernDave]

Haven't got an outside tap (or a pressure washer), and the jet wash at the local garage usually has a long queue on a Sunday, so I bought one of these:
http://www.wilko.com/pressure-washers/wilko-water-sprayer-5l/invt/0338924

Wet the bike with it, then a liberal application of Muc-Off / Pure / TFR (whatever is to hand) and a quick agitate with a brush, before rinsing off with it. Does the job a treat.

 

[Levo-Lon]

A garden hose is next to useless, as @meta lon says.

A jet wash without a soap attachment won't be a lot better, and there will always be the temptation to go in close to use the power of the water.

i use the jet wash then a bucket of water with a car shampoo..to get the slimey left over muck off..ready for the wipe down and re oil..
my son washed the paint of his Kawasaki..imwarned him lol

 

[flake99please]

Haven't got an outside tap (or a pressure washer), and the jet wash at the local garage usually has a long queue on a Sunday, so I bought one of these:
http://www.wilko.com/pressure-washers/wilko-water-sprayer-5l/invt/0338924

Wet the bike with it, then a liberal application of Muc-Off / Pure / TFR (whatever is to hand) and a quick agitate with a brush, before rinsing off with it. Does the job a treat.

I use something similar to that. Perfect amount of pressure for not damaging anything whilst getting the bike nice & clean.

 

[bladesman73]

On my commuter i simply spray degreaser on the chain and rear cassette then spray bike wash on the rest, hose it down,wipe dry then apply gt85 and lube accordingly

 

[screenman]

I think some bikes may not get as dirty as some do.

I have been using a jet wash on bikes for 30 years, never had a problem, yet.

 

[Drago]

I strip mine and put it through the dishwasher

 

[Dogtrousers]

Timely thread. I just washed my very muddy bike. Not quite MTB stylee muddy, but some very muddy roads ridden Garden hose does me fine for the major de-crudding, and then a bucket and a washing-up brush. Occasionally I use turtle wax on the paintwork as it makes it nice and shiny. But not this time. (Someone will be along in a minute to warn that Turtle Wax dissolves bicycles).

Mind you, if I had a jet wash I wouldn't hesitate to use it. But I don't.

 

[NorthernDave]

I strip mine and put it through the dishwasher

Is that why dishwashers have a list of different cycles on the front?

 

[screenman]

This same topic comes up on caravan forums and many people would not use a jet wash on the caravan, however they will use it in the rain and tow at speeds up to 60 also in the rain.

 

[palinurus]

What are your views/experiences of jet washing bikes?

I've used them- I occasionally would travel to 'cross races by train and cycling- if there was no hose at the venue I'd ride back to the station via. a garage and blast off the mud. I've no idea if water gets into the bearings, hubs would get frequent servicing and bottom brackets and headsets would get regular replacement- although 'cross can be tough on parts so I doubt a couple of jet washes had much to do with that.

 

[palinurus]

Haven't got an outside tap (or a pressure washer), and the jet wash at the local garage usually has a long queue on a Sunday, so I bought one of these:.

I use something like this too.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

Have you got it adjusted properly, and are you using it properly?

possibly and definitely. it gets moss off the patio no problem, but on its own still leaves some dirt on the car so i don't really bother with it…

 

[spoof]

I use the hose and one of the multi jet nozzle attachments you can buy and fairy liquid sponge the bike first. Anyone tell me what GT85 does for the bike after washing? Do you spray onto the chain to help clear the water out before lubing? Just wondered as have noticed a little bit of rust start on my cassette (miche brand) wondering how to keep that to a minimum. Probably inevitable as I use the road bike all year round but grateful if anyone has some advice.

 

[JPBoothy]

If you turn the bike upside down you can make the wheels spin really fast!
(I know you shouldn't wash bikes upside down).
Keep the lance a couple of feet away and don't force water in the bearings. I went out for a wet muddy/sandy ride on the MTB yesterday, the sound of the grit wearing away the chain, cassette, chainring, discs, pads almost made me cry.

Mmm, I have just learned the hard way about not washing your bike upside down .. I took it down from the hooks in the garage today and it felt like it had a steering lock on it! When I removed the Forks for a better look at the bearings I could see that I had successfully forced all of the crap from my front wheel up through the hole at the top of the Forks (where the brake caliper bolts through) right into where the bearings live. The fact that it was hanging upside down in the garage just made matters worse as the water and crap settled nicely in the steerer tube. Needless to say the grease in the bearing now resembles a gunky paste with a tinge of rust thrown in for good measure.
What a plank I am

 

[screenman]

I never knew the bearing lived in that hole, on my bikes they are on the outside of the steerer tube.

A jet wash used correctly will create no more damage than a drop of rain.