MarcusT

I was watching a YT channel and this host who restores bikes uses Pledge furniture polish for bike frame cleaning. I have never heard of this nor ever considered it. Trying to imagine it's properties and whether it would be good for the frame and I cannot see it.
What are your thoughts?

Koyote

It won't hurt a bike frame.

If you wish to purchase specialized bike cleaning products, there are plenty on the market - like these. Personally, I've never found a need for anything beyond dish soap and water on a bike frame.

KerryIrons

It's been a go-to frame cleaner literally for decades. I think I first heard it recommended in the 1980s. And it was Lemon Pledge, not just "regular" Pledge

Sy Reene

I used to use Pledge on my beer can collection back in the late 70s. Working on a metal frame makes sense. Not sure how well on a matte CF frame?

Fit for purpose alternative is Pedro's bike lust. About twice the cost though per ounce

cweb99

I use crocodile wipes on my bike. Best thing that I’ve ever used


pedros bike lust for that additional shine

Aardwolf

I've been using Pledge for 2 years, no issues and seems to work fine.
Leaves a slight film which I think stops water/mud getting to the surface.

TakingMyTime

I've been using Meguiar's Natural Shine Protectant (interior product) on my matte finish and it's awesome.

IcySwan1 

Used Pledge on outside of windshield of bush planes for years. Worked somewhat like RainX but we didn’t know about that. I will try it on my steel bikes.

Mike

indyfabz

The guy who built my super fly, custom ti frame recommended it for the Cerakote finish.

BillinPA

Probably not good on matte finish. I have been using it as a detail spray for 30 yrs on motorcycles. I also use it occasionally on the bicycles.
it does seem to leave a nice protective film and works well.

mpetry912 

I use dish soap (Dawn ultra) in water with a splash of kerosene for cleaning.

maybe a little automotive degreaser spray on the chain.

Blow dry with shop air

+ 1 on Lemon Pledge, the best thing about it is low / no abrasive for post was polishing.

/markp

Camilo

I wash my bikes with plain water, spray on 409 type stuff or just soapy water. I sometimes finish up the CF bike with Armoral, 303 or similar type of protectant, or pledge. On the ti bikes, I might use the same things or stainless steel cleaner like Weiman's.

But I rarely clean a bike other than spraying it down in the yard to get off the obvious dirt ;or quickly cleaning it with some 409 type stuff on a rag.

Desert Ryder

I've used Lemon Pledge on all my street motorcycles and sprayed down my offroad bikes with WD-40 after washing.
Bicycles normally just need a damp and dry microfiber cloth wipe down.

Kai Winters

Been using Lemon Pledge for decades...added benefit is the lemon fresh smell.
It doesn't work particularly well on a matte finish but the matte finish is supposed to be 'matte' and the LP leaves a shine.
Used it for twenty years on my Merlin Ti frame...always looked and smelled great.

big john

Used Lemon Pledge on my bikes since the late 80s. Sometimes when using it outside a couple bees will start buzzing around.

bikingshearer 

Siu Blue Wind used to swear by her lemony Pledge. I assume she still does.

Siu Blue Wind

Yup. You remembered!

roadsnakes

I`ve been riding motorcycles for decades, and I`ve been using Lemon Pledge on everything except the seat and tires. Works GREAT on windshields.
'

pepperbelly

I was thinking about Simple Green. Does it hurt cf?

ARider2

I use Bike Wash by Finish Line to clean frames and rims and Bike Lust from Pedro’s for polishing and protecting.

Sy Reene

Just bought a tub of the crocodile wipes. Good stuff! Works on anything as far as I can tell

70sSanO

I have been using Simple Green for decades, but it does need to be diluted with water. I have heard the ratio is 1:10. I generally use the diluted color approach rather than measure it out.

The only caveat is the rinse it off promptly.

John

Garthr

Nowadays I mostly do any cleaning of the bike locally as needed. I prefer to spend my time doing other things(and I'm cheap, frugal ), so I keep maintenance to the essentials, with diligence.(Chain, rims, tires, derailleurs, etc.) Long gone are the ritual of a complete car-like wash and wax of some sort. By cleaning now I mean using a rag with water or window cleaner(I was gifted it by the gallon), and even wd-40 from the bulk cans in a drip bottle for anything that needs a little oomph. I have a bottle of Pedro's shiny something that I've had for 20 some years, that's how much I care about bike beauty products. Believe it or not wd-40 makes for quite a shine. I wipe it good and dry and doesn't attract anymore dirt than anything else. In the summer sweat drips are not an issue as I tend to wipe my brow as needed with a good ol' wet washcloth. Plus I wear long sleeve compression tops under a light SS jersey/shirt, and that effectively keeps me cool via evaporative cooling in the wind.

Lamont Cobb

I think that many products can be used to clean a bike. The possibilities are endless.

rsbob 

Not CF, the environment <-yes.

If you have to use it, make sure it super diluted. I use Dawn dishwashing detergent - very diluted - and then I wash contaminated geese with what’s left over.