How Do I Clean My Bike?

Question

I got a new specialized bike, and before i got to ride it, my brother's 12 yr. old friend took it for a little ride and got it covered in mud, dirt, 6 stickers in the tires, and he had a contagious rash. How do I clean it off? If I spray it with a hose will it rust? How do I sanitize it? I'm going to Yosemite, and I know it's going to get dirty there, but it's really dirty and I'm soooo p***** off!

Answer 1

POed as you should be. Yes you can spray it off, use dish soap and a sponge to clean it. Just don't spray water directly into the bearing areas. Wipe it dry with a towel.

Answer 2

MR answered how to wash your bike, in terms of ordinary dirt/mud/grime. as for the contagious rash, you're gonna need to get a new saddle, or suffer the rash yourself! your girl will understand, I'm sure..

Answer 3

Don't use dishsoap, use car washing soap to wash the frame.  Make sure you lube the chain with synthetic lubricant prior to going to Yosemite, in fact go to your local bike shop, and get chain lube specifically for dusty conditions.  In fact, have little brother clean it, and lube it, why should you do the work, when he had is friend take off on it?