Cleaning solution?

[captain_nesmo]

Before we start; Yes, I know a GS should be dirty. Well, I'd quite like to keep mine clean. There, I said it. I also like The Eagles...

Now, aside from 2 buckets, a wash mitt and a shammy/microfibre cloth, what product is best for actually washing the bike?

I suspect I'll be slapping some ACF50 on there afterwards.

Suggestions?

 

[AndrewD]

Before we start; Yes, I know a GS should be dirty. Well, I'd quite like to keep mine clean. There, I said it. I also like The Eagles...

Now, aside from 2 buckets, a wash mitt and a shammy/microfibre cloth, what product is best for actually washing the bike?

I suspect I'll be slapping some ACF50 on there afterwards.

Suggestions?

Cilit Bang 'grime 'n lime'

 

[(RIP) DitchWater]

Muck Off! This is not the 1200's section.

 

[ducatiparts.110mb]

Washing up liquid and a sponge

 

[ronnie69]

sorry ducatiparts, and I stand to be corrected, but from everything I've ever read about cleaning cars n bikes, whatever you do, don't use washing up liquid as most of them contain salt !!

if you're putting on acf50, the chaps at ayb http://www.allyearbiker.co.uk/ told me when I had my bike done by them just to wash it with normal car shampoo etc from time to time and not to put too much acf50 on. Otherwise, they just say hose the bike down with cold water each time you use it or as soon after as you can manage, as it gets rid of the worst of the salt from the roads. Apparently, there can be almost as much residual salt on the roads in summer as in winter.

The ayb link will give you tons of info about cleaning etc if you can be ar5ed to root aboot

 

[sockpuppet]

SDoc 100 is fucking expensive but great for lazy dicks like myself as its takes minutes.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

sorry ducatiparts, and I stand to be corrected, but from everything I've ever read about cleaning cars n bikes, whatever you do, don't use washing up liquid as most of them contain salt !!

I love this How much actual salt do you think is in a squirt of good old Fairy liquid

 

[MikeP]

I love this How much actual salt do you think is in a squirt of good old Fairy liquid

Here's what Fairy Liquid contains:

• Aqua
• Sodium laureth sulphate
• Alcohol denat
• Lauramine oxide
• C9-11 pareth-8
• Sodium chloride
• 1,3-Cyclohexanedimethanamine
• PPG (polypropylene glycols)
• Dimethyl aminoethyl methecrylate/hydroxyproply acrylate copolymer cirate
• Parfum
• Geraniol
• Limonene
• Colourant


Car shampoo also contains salt but I'd still never use washing-up liquid on a car or a bike mainly because it's a lot more aggressive being designed to shift baked-on stuff. It's also harder to rinse off with cold water as it's intended for use with hot water.

 

[cookie]

It's also harder to rinse off with cold water as it's intended for use with hot water.

Extensive washing up experience tells me that if I want to get rid of detergent bubbles, cold water is more effective.

Dunno if that is relevant.


Also, back in the old days, we all used washing up liquid to clean bikes, and it never seemed to cause any corrosion.

 

[ducatiparts.110mb]

whatever you do, don't use washing up liquid

Ok, each to their own. I've heard all the arguments against, most of which focus on the salt & aggressive nature which will burn paint etc, but none of them sway me. I've been using cheap washing up liquid for 25 years and never had a problem with my bikes' paint fading / burning or suffering any other malady.

As far as doing any harm is concerned ask yourself how long it's on the bike. When I wash mine its there for about 30 seconds whilst I soap up a panel or two and then hosed away with generous quantities of cold water.

When my wife is washing the dishes she takes much longer than 30 seconds and I haven't noticed her pinkies looking any pinker than normal (or burnt or faded etc), and I'd regard her as a lot less durable than BMW's finest.

At the end of the day you pay your money and make your own choice but I'd rather spend mine on petrol than AutoGlym's latest super-soaper.

Mark

 

[MattW]

I bought a load of Castrol Greentec cheap off ebay last year but I use it in an old Sdoc spray bottle as it has a finer diffuser which works better than the one supplied with the Castrol stuff. Seems to work just as well / easy as Sdoc but quite a bit cheaper.

Not that it matters a jot but I think it's also the BMW 'recommended' cleaning product....

 

[ducatiparts.110mb]

Here's what Fairy Liquid contains:

• Aqua
• Sodium laureth sulphate
• Alcohol denat
• Lauramine oxide
• C9-11 pareth-8
• Sodium chloride
• 1,3-Cyclohexanedimethanamine
• PPG (polypropylene glycols)
• Dimethyl aminoethyl methecrylate/hydroxyproply acrylate copolymer cirate
• Parfum
• Geraniol
• Limonene
• Colourant

Very good but the question was how much, not how many. I'm assuming that your number one ingredient is the new name for water.....

As for all the trace constituents, bear in mind the dilution factor. I wouldn't want to eat a meal that consisted solely of E numbers and additives but I'm not giving up meat pies and ice cream.

 

[MikeP]

Very good but the question was how much, not how many. I'm assuming that your number one ingredient is the new name for water.....

Not "my" list, just one that Google found in a few seconds (and you might not want your missus to see the article that it comes from, unless she wears Marigolds).

You may also have noted that I mentioned that car shampoos also contain salt, that my own reticence is not based upon salt content and the reasons why I prefer not to use Fairy Liquid or other washing-up liquids.

As for all the trace constituents, bear in mind the dilution factor. I wouldn't want to eat a meal that consisted solely of E numbers and additives but I'm not giving up meat pies and ice cream.

No-one is asking you to give-up meat pies or even to give-up washing your bike with washing-up liquid. Like you, I simply expressed a preference and gave my reasons. Get over it.