I used a jet wash

[Pale Rider]

Very muddy ride today, so on the way home I used a garage jet wash.

First time for me to use one on a bike, and I'm aware indiscriminate jet washing is not advisable.

Used carefully, I think it's OK, and I did wipe the bike over at home and apply my usual mist of GT85.

Only disappointment was I couldn't get the job done for a pound, so it cost me two.

What are your views/experiences of jet washing bikes?

 

[goody]

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.

 

[Citius]

Not really necessary, IMO. Garden hose with a decent spray attachment, plus a bucket, sponge, some TFR and a washing up brush does the job - you would rarely need anything more than that...

 

[Brandane]

Done carefully, as you say, I have never had a problem. Just avoid places where the bearings are, and don't have the nozzle too close in; that way you are getting a less powerful water contact with the bike.

 

[Brandane]

Not really necessary, IMO. Garden hose with a decent spray attachment, plus a bucket, sponge, some TFR and a washing up brush does the job - you would rarely need anything more than that...

Which is fine if you have a garden - and an outside tap! For me the local garage is a better option.

 

[Citius]

Yeah, fair point...

 

[Brandane]

Yeah, fair point...

I washed mine in the kitchen last night. Lino floor, so that's ok then . Dyson with the brush attachment first off, for all the loose bits. Then baby wipes for the oily cack and brake gunk, and finally a damp cloth for the rest of the bike. Quick wash of the floor with anything that removes oil and you would never have known. I really can't understand why I'm still single .

 

[glenn forger]

How's the filter on your Dyson?

 

[screenman]

Jet wash every time for me. It is not the tool that does the damage but the tool holding the tool.

 

[Levo-Lon]

I jet wash mine all the time as mine can get muddy .....hose pipe dont work on mine..
i avoid direct hits on bearings and make sure everything is greased and oiled..

 

[ufkacbln]

I tend to use these on tour.

If it has been a muddy day, then it is courteous to wash down before taking it into a hotel

 

[alecstilleyedye]

i got a free karcher pw with my co-op car insurance. i've tried it (carefully) on the bike and the car, and in each instance it's no use on its own, although i believe that you can spend some extra money for added extras that will probably only make a slightly worse job than using a sponge and shampoo (car) or a hose, muc-off and a brush (bikes)…

 

[Fab Foodie]

What's wrong with putting the bike in the shower at home like usual folks?

 

[screenman]

i got a free karcher pw with my co-op car insurance. i've tried it (carefully) on the bike and the car, and in each instance it's no use on its own, although i believe that you can spend some extra money for added extras that will probably only make a slightly worse job than using a sponge and shampoo (car) or a hose, muc-off and a brush (bikes)…

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

 

[Pale Rider]

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.