As time goes by, your once fresh or new bike has started to show some signs of wear out or degradation. It is normal for a bike owner to feel concerned when he sees rust developing on different parts of the bike. But this is understandable especially if the bike is consistently used outdoor and is always exposed to environmental factors such as water, sunlight, or air.
But what should a bike owner do to remove and prevent rust from developing further on the bike?
The simple answer is to learn how to clean rust off a bike. I mean, this is a skill that must be developed as a part of your overall maintenance of the bicycle. Whether it is on the bike’s chain, main body, or some other parts, removing rust is a must if you want to prolong the life of your bicycle.
Cleaning Rust Off a Bike Chain
The first visible part that will show some rust on a bike is the chain but learning how to remove rust from a bicycle chain can be easy. When learning how to clean rust off a bike, you will only need oil, a piece of cloth, and some riding outdoors to get rid of the rustiness.
But how do you apply the oil? I am advising you to bring a lot of patience when applying the oil as you need to apply it per link of the chain. Apply the oil to each link and gently wipe it using a cloth to remove the rustiness. The purpose of this is to keep the chain lubricated to prevent rust from spreading further. Also, inactivity of the bike can cause the parts to rust so it will be better for you to use your bike regularly after the application of the oil.
Getting Rid of Rust on a Bike
Apart from the chain, rustiness will also show to some other parts of the bike. From the handlebar, the frame, and even small components, rust can start to develop from these places. However, you need not worry because removing rust is not difficult as you think. The most important thing is to learn how to get rid of rust on a bike because this is a crucial skill that will help maintain and clean your bike.
Removing rust on a bike does not have to be complicated and expensive. By using cheap materials that can be easily found in our home. One can remove all the rustiness found in the bike by using one of the methods used below:
By Using Steel Wool
Steel wool can remove rust on the chrome surfaces of a bike and its other components. The best thing about steel wool is its accessible and can be purchased easily on the market. Plus the fact that it’s cheap makes it an ideal tool in removing the rust off your bike.
All you have to do is scrub gently to the rusted surface and see for yourself how effective it is. Aside from removing the rust, it can also lift off any oxidation that is forming on the surface. Steel wool can even shine the chrome surface of your bike. For small components, extra-fine steel wool should do the job of cleaning and removing the rust.
By Using Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is another easy-to-get material that can be used to remove the rustiness of your bike. The abrasiveness of the foil can get rid of the rust found on the surface of the bike. Plus the fact that the foil is softer than steel and will not bring any damage to the surface once used.
Please be reminded to wear gloves when using the foil since it can stain your fingers if you do does not wear some kind of protection.
By Using Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most popular and effective ingredients to get rid of the rustiness on your bicycle. With baking soda, you will need to mix it with water in a 50/50 mixture to create a paste. This paste will be applied to the surface and the rust must be covered completely. Leave the solution for about 15 minutes on the surface.
After 15 minutes, use a scrubbing pad or a toothbrush to scrub the baking soda solution. You will see the rust breaking and falling off the surface. If not, apply more baking soda solution until the rust will be removed.
By Using Vinegar
White vinegar is known for being a good rust remover and this can also be applied to your rusted bike. All you need to do is put the white vinegar into a spray bottle for application. You can apply the vinegar directly but putting it inside the spray bottle is ideal if you want to spread it evenly on the surface.
After 15 minutes, you can rinse the vinegar off the surface but you should see some result after this time. Rinsing it with water can help prevent the vinegar from corroding the surface. For small components, you can soak all the small parts of the bike with vinegar to remove all the rustiness.
By Using Chemical Rust Remover
If none of the household items above will remove the rust as you expect, you can use products specially made in removing rust to do the job. A chemical rust remover is an option if the rust is too strong to removed.
But before applying the product, you need to protect yourself with gloves and goggles for the protection of both your skin, hand, and eyes. The best way to apply chemicals like this is to read the instruction and the application process carefully. This will give you the benefit of achieving the best result you are looking for when it comes to removing the rust in your bike.
Conclusion
Learning how to clean rust off a bike is an important skill that must be learned by a biker. It is essential for the cleaning and maintenance of your bike. This skill will also help in taking care of the bike and make it last longer.