Cleaning carbon
07-11-18, 01:14 PM
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Cleaning carbon
Do any of you guys use wet wipes on your carbon frame/wheels? What brand/kind do you use? Which are safe for use on carbon? Or how else are you cleaning your carbon components? I don't have access to a hose in my apartment, so wet wipes would be handiest, but I don't want to damage anything 
Thanks
Matt
Thanks
Matt
07-11-18, 01:19 PM
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I've been known to power wash my carbon bike in the past, although now I'd just use the "shower" setting on my hose to avoid water unnecessarily getting inside the frame. Carbon isn't fragile or high maintenance: Using wet wipes wouldn't phase me in the least, but just make sure you don't wash it with a hammer and you'll be fine 
After 3 years and 14,000+ miles, the frame is still in great shape but the Ultegra derailleurs could probably use a thorough cleaning (it's not as smooth as it used to be).
Geoff
After 3 years and 14,000+ miles, the frame is still in great shape but the Ultegra derailleurs could probably use a thorough cleaning (it's not as smooth as it used to be).
Geoff
07-11-18, 01:24 PM
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You can use wet wipes. They're a really expensive way to go about it, but they won't hurt the bike.
You can also use a damp rag, or paper towels.
You can also use a damp rag, or paper towels.
07-11-18, 01:44 PM
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Almost no chemical will hurt the carbon fibers and the epoxy resin CF bikes are made from. But the paint is no different than the paint on a steel bike, so avoid things like abrasives, acids, acetone or alcohol. Soap, windex, baby wipes, oil and mineral spirits are all safe choices.
07-11-18, 03:36 PM
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What @Kontact said.
You're going to be hard pressed to find something that will damage the carbon and resin that will actually be safe to handle. Personally, I use dish soap and water, followed by a spray on automotive wax for that new bike shine (currently using RainX). Any wipes that are safe for you to use without gloves on should be perfectly fine on the frame.
You're going to be hard pressed to find something that will damage the carbon and resin that will actually be safe to handle. Personally, I use dish soap and water, followed by a spray on automotive wax for that new bike shine (currently using RainX). Any wipes that are safe for you to use without gloves on should be perfectly fine on the frame.
As an aside about the resilience and longevity of carbon, the only carbon frame I've had to retire not due to a crash was because after 10+ years and over 25,000mi, the bonded-in aluminum bottom bracket shell was starting to oxidize and corrode. I had at points in time used various cleaners and glue removers on it to clean off residue from stickers, frame protectors, etc., including alcohol and acetone (I would still heed Kontact's warning about those). There was some yellowing of the clear coat due to UV, but the frame itself was fine. It was actually still rideable, but the outer part of the shell was in a state that if the BB was removed, I likely wouldn't be able to install another one safely.
07-11-18, 03:43 PM
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What @Kontact said.
You're going to be hard pressed to find something that will damage the carbon and resin that will actually be safe to handle. Personally, I use dish soap and water, followed by a spray on automotive wax for that new bike shine (currently using RainX). Any wipes that are safe for you to use without gloves on should be perfectly fine on the frame.
You're going to be hard pressed to find something that will damage the carbon and resin that will actually be safe to handle. Personally, I use dish soap and water, followed by a spray on automotive wax for that new bike shine (currently using RainX). Any wipes that are safe for you to use without gloves on should be perfectly fine on the frame.
As an aside about the resilience and longevity of carbon, the only carbon frame I've had to retire not due to a crash was because after 10+ years and over 25,000mi, the bonded-in aluminum bottom bracket shell was starting to oxidize and corrode. I had at points in time used various cleaners and glue removers on it to clean off residue from stickers, frame protectors, etc., including alcohol and acetone (I would still heed Kontact's warning about those). There was some yellowing of the clear coat due to UV, but the frame itself was fine. It was actually still rideable, but the outer part of the shell was in a state that if the BB was removed, I likely wouldn't be able to install another one safely.
07-11-18, 07:21 PM
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I use a 10:1 mixture of water and Single Green.
07-11-18, 07:38 PM
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Wet rag.
Always do the easy and simple thing first.
-Tim-
Always do the easy and simple thing first.
-Tim-
07-12-18, 02:36 AM
#12
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Its not the carbon you should worry about. Its the rest of the bike getting ruined from solvents and corrosive liquids that get into the bearings and mechanics. I spend very little time cleaning my bike and 90% of that is devoted to the drive chain. The rest is mostly wiping the bike with a microfiber cloth with a bit of silicone oil and the occasional dousing with the garden shower.
Last edited by Racing Dan; 07-12-18 at 02:41 AM.
