It\u2019s time to get your bike out again, but months in storage have caused it to rust\u2014sound familiar?<\/p>\n
Aside from looking pretty nasty, rust can also seriously devalue your bike if you\u2019re looking to sell it\u2014so, if that\u2019s you currently or perhaps sometime soon, you\u2019ll need to learn how to clean off those dreaded crusty orange spots.<\/p>\n
While rust is indeed unsightly, it doesn\u2019t need to be permanent, and the good news is that you can get rid of it. And there\u2019s no one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning rust\u2014there are several ways of going about it where bikes are concerned.<\/p>\n
Various methods considered, we\u2019ve got you covered. Here\u2019s how to clean rust off a bike<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n One of the easiest and best rust cleaning methods involves a kitchen cupboard staple\u2014baking soda.<\/p>\n Baking soda forces rust to fade away quickly without damaging your bike, and you should use this method periodically. Your bike should return to its original condition over time.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The rust should start coming off as you scrub, but start over again if not. When finished, it\u2019s very important to dry your bike, as storing it wet will only cause the rust to return.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Another effective way of cleaning rust off your bike is to use either white vinegar or cola. The acidity of both of these liquids is useful for breaking down the rust.<\/p>\n There are several ways of going about this method, but perhaps the easiest is to use a spray bottle. Fill a bottle with either white vinegar or cola and simply spray it over the rusted areas on your bike.<\/p>\n Then, grab a brush, cover it in tinfoil (to prevent scratching) and scrub firmly on the rust. You must scrub the solution thoroughly before rinsing away, though, as vinegar or cola can corrode your bike if left on for too long\u2014talk about counterproductive!<\/p>\n If you find that using vinegar or cola alone doesn\u2019t work, try adding some good old baking soda to your mix too. That\u2019ll more often than not do the trick.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n While home remedies like the ones mentioned above will work for most rust problems, there are, of course, some occasions where only strong chemicals will suffice, like a chemical rust remover<\/a>.<\/p>\n Remember to check the labels of whatever chemical you\u2019re using, and ultimately, be careful.<\/p>\n Chemicals can be very dangerous if exposed to the skin or eyes or ingested, so it\u2019s always wise to wear things like gloves and glasses before using them.<\/p>\n And, remember to wash away any excess afterwards, too!<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Rust is a form of natural corrosion<\/a> that occurs when metal is exposed to moisture and oxygen for prolonged periods\u2014a process known as oxidation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n As far as your bike is concerned, the moisture involved in oxidation may be actual water on its surface or simply moisture that occurs naturally in the air around it.<\/p>\n The root causes of rust vary, but the three most common contributing factors for bikes are:<\/p>\n Keeping your bike outside in adverse weather will accelerate its rusting since it\u2019ll be much more exposed to the elements. Water, wind, moisture, and even harsh sunlight can lead to rusting.<\/p>\n Believe it or not\u2014where you live also impacts rust. If you live on the coast, near the sea, the salty sea air will also mean your bike is more likely to rust quicker if left exposed to it.<\/p>\n Generally speaking, rust and its prevention boils down to you\u2014the bike owner. You can easily prevent rust if you look after your bike and keep it stored in a cool, dry place when not in use.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Rust is a sign of gradual destruction of metal. If left untreated and allowed to worsen, it can lead to your bike being no longer fit for the road.<\/p>\n Rust causes brittleness and serious structural damage to your bike, making it unsafe to ride and making you more accident prone.<\/p>\n It can also devalue your bike if you\u2019re looking to sell. Put yourselves in the shoes of a potential buyer\u2014would you buy a rusty bike?<\/p>\n Bikes are often expensive, so it\u2019s in your best interests as an owner to protect yours.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Like with many things, prevention is better than \u2018cure\u2019 as far as rusty bikes go.<\/p>\n Yes, rust is a nightmare, but it\u2019s a completely avoidable one. Here are a few simple things you can do to stop your bike from rusting in the first place.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Water causes rust\u2014it\u2019s that simple. Now, we know it\u2019s impossible to keep your bike bone dry at all times, especially if you\u2019ve been riding in wet weather, but you need to make sure you dry your bike properly before putting it back into storage.<\/p>\n Leaving it wet while not in use will only allow rust to thrive.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Besides water, a build of dirt and mud can also accelerate the spread of rust, so it\u2019s in your best interests to make sure your bike is kept clean\u2014if not for pride reasons alone!<\/p>\n We\u2019re not suggesting you should do a full-on, thorough clean after every ride, but after every 20-30 is a more realistic benchmark to aim for.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Ideally, your bike should be kept indoors when not in use. But again, we know that\u2019s not always possible\u2014perhaps you don\u2019t have adequate indoor space where you live.<\/p>\n Not to worry. Instead, invest in a good, waterproof cover<\/a> to protect it from the elements.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Lubricant acts as a barrier between the elements and your bike\u2014think of it like sun cream for your skin.<\/p>\n Your bike shouldn\u2019t rust if there\u2019s a consistent layer of lubricant over the metal parts. When applying lubricant to your bike, you need to target the areas most susceptible to rusting.<\/p>\n This includes the derailleur, chain<\/a>, nuts and bolts, as well as the main frame and handlebars.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Rust-free and like new again? Now you know how to clean rust off a bike, you should also consider specialist insurance<\/span><\/a> before hitting the road again post-clean.<\/p>\n At Cycleplan, we arrange cover for a range of bikes and cycling equipment depending on exactly what you need.<\/p>\n Our policies are specifically designed to protect you and your bike through Personal Accident cover and Public Liability, which covers you should you be deemed liable for accidentally injuring someone or damaging property while out cycling.<\/p>\n We also cover you for theft, loss, and accidental damage up to \u00a330,000.<\/p>\n Find out more about specialist cycling insurance<\/a> or get a bespoke online quote<\/a><\/span> today.<\/p>\n Please note the information provided on this page should not be taken as advice and has been written as a matter of opinion. For more on insurance cover and policy wording, see our homepage.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It\u2019s time to get your bike out again, but months in storage have caused it to rust\u2014sound familiar? Aside from looking pretty nasty, rust can also seriously devalue your bike if you\u2019re looking to sell it\u2014so, if that\u2019s you currently or perhaps sometime soon, you\u2019ll need to learn how to clean off those dreaded crusty […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":50932,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[94],"tags":[2608,1976,3346,16372,10998],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-50931","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insurance","tag-bike","tag-clean","tag-cycle","tag-rust","tag-savvy"],"yoast_head":"\nBaking soda method<\/h2>\n
Method<\/h3>\n
\n
Vinegar or Cola method<\/h2>\n
![\"how](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/katphpve\/how-to-clean-rust-off-a-bike-3.jpg?width=500&height=377.0144189991518\")
<\/span><\/p>\nChemical rust removers<\/h2>\n
What causes bikes to rust?<\/h2>\n
![\"how](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/4vupmp3b\/how-to-clean-rust-off-a-bike-4.jpg?width=500&height=333.3333333333333\")
<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Why is rust bad?<\/h2>\n
How to stop your bike from rusting<\/h2>\n
![\"how](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/3qoobksk\/how-to-clean-rust-off-a-bike-5.jpg?width=500&height=333.3333333333333\")
<\/span><\/p>\nKeep your bike dry (as much as possible)<\/h3>\n
Keep your bike clean<\/h3>\n
Keep your bike covered when kept outside<\/h3>\n
Keep your bike well-oiled and lubricated<\/h3>\n
![\"how](\"https:\/\/www.cycleplan.co.uk\/media\/axhduw3w\/how-to-clean-rust-off-a-bike-7.jpg?width=500&height=333.73205741626793\")
<\/span><\/p>\n