Best Bike Cleaner For Cleaning my eBike

Question: What’s the best bike cleaner for cleaning my eBike?

Answer: The best bike cleaner that we recommend is WD-40 Bike Cleaner. Here’s more information straight from the manufacturer on this amazing bike cleaner.

Cleaning my eBike

Tower ebikes are built to be robust and will last for years even without maintenance however, looking after your electric bike well will lead to a longer service life and a better overall ebike experience. Regular maintenance will also ensure that your e-bike is in good condition whenever you choose to ride it.

How often should I clean my bike?

Answer: We recommend that you clean your bike after each ride or as often as time allows, do not wait for coarse dirt to become ingrained before washing. We have found that it is better to clean your e-bike straight after using it because the dirt will still be reasonably fresh, easy to clean and will not have had time to become ingrained and stubborn to remove. Leaving your e-bike for lengthy periods between cleans also opens up the possibility of corrosion which can be quite damaging and dangerous if the corrosion occurs on load bearing parts.

How should I clean my ebike?

Answer: eBikes should only be cleaned using a damp cloth. Be sure to not wash your bike upside down as it will be easier for water to seep into places that are vulnerable to water damage. Power washing or hosing down the bike may damage the electric components in the bike. We suggest using specific bike cleaning chemicals or normal detergent provided it is not too aggressive. Bike cleaning chemicals are designed to not strip any factory grease or anti-weather coating that may be applied to the frame during production where as you can never guarantee that with household detergents. This is why we recommended using WD-40 Bike Cleaner.

Recommended way to use WD-40 Bike Cleaner:

Apply the WD-40 Bike cleaner to all parts of the bike accept for the sensitive areas. Let the WD-40 sit for five minutes before starting the next step. With the next step in the cleaning process it is recommended that you use bike specific brushes. These Park Tool Brushes are perfect for getting into every part of the eBike. For the chain, brakes, and derailer the Gearclean brush from Park tools is perfect. The tough nylon bristles reach deep into the chain and derailer while the toothed-end reaches between the gears to get rid of any dirt.

Special Considerations for Cleaning the eBike Motors

The motor is another critical component of the e-bike. Like the battery, the motor has electrical parts that are water sensitive so it is important to be careful with this step of the cleaning process. Soak a rag in water and then ring the rag out so that it is just damp. Then, apply the rag to the motor. Do not remove the motor cover while cleaning it. If the motor cover is removed it will be easier for water to get inside. Also, if the company you bought from sees that the motor cover was removed the warranty will most likely be voided.

Cleaning eBike Tires

Electric bike tires are another important part of the eBike cleaning process as they will usually be the dirtiest part of the whole E-bike. The first step in cleaning the tires is to give them a light rinse with a shower type hose. Then, use the Soft Bristle Brush to clean the tires. As you are cleaning, it is a good time to inspect the tires to ensure the tread is still in good shape and there are no small holes that are leaking air. After you’ve given them a good scrub, you can apply another shower rinse with the hose to finish the job.

What should I do to prepare my ebike before cleaning?

The battery is one of the most expensive components of your electric bike so if possible, remove it before cleaning the bike as this will help to protect it from moisture, and it will also give you easier access to clean its housing. You should also remove any of the display units before cleaning to avoid the possibility of damage. Cover the switches and any exposed connectors with a dry rag. This will make sure that no water gets into any sensitive areas during the eBike cleaning process. Note that high quality eBikes like Tower’s are designed to be fine riding in the rain, so it’s not like you can’t get anything wet. It’s just that when you are cleaning and spraying right into the parts with electrical components, it’s wise to be a little careful.

Be wary of degreasing!

Be careful when cleaning any rotating parts that may have factory grease on them. While it may seem like they are greasy and would be nicer if it is removed, parts in and around the motor are lubricated for a reason and stripping this will result in a shorter lifespan and will need to be replaced over time. You’re not trying to remove all the grease from the electric bike, you are just trying to clean up what needs to be cleaned and leave alone anything else.

Should I clean differently in winter and summer?

Answer: Yes. Generally speaking, in winter most of your cleaning will involve cleaning and drying mud and water whereas in summer conditions tend to be more dusty. Moist dirt can be easier to clean and can be done simply by wiping the muddy spots down, dry dirt and dust however can be trickier to clean as it can work its way into small areas and cause increased wear if not removed. The best way to remove dust from small areas is with an air compressor, and if you do not have access to a compressor a household duster can work well too.

Drying your electric bike

Always make sure that you dry your bike after washing, particularly in areas that have important electrical components such as the battery housing or the mounted display. Tower ebikes are designed to be ridden in wet conditions so all of these areas are waterproof however; fully drying these areas will help to prevent corrosion over time. To make the bike look as shiny as new you can complete one more step after the drying process. Using silicon spray, apply the spray to a dry rag and then wipe the rag over the frame of the bike. Be sure to not spray the silicon spray directly on the bike as that can cause damage. By doing this you will make the E-bike look as good as new as the matte black and shiny colors will make you bike glow.

See how to clean your electric bike battery 48v electrical components.