It’s always nice to be able to spray a cleaning product onto a bike, let it dwell for a little while and then, simply rinse off; we all love it when cleaning the bike takes no more effort than that to bring it up spick and span.
However, the reality tends to be a bit more involved. Road muck, dead insects, mud and grime can all cling to the bike with determination and mean that some form of agitation is necessary to get it to loosen its grip on your pride and joy.
This is where cleaning brushes come in. You should know this from various walks of life, not least of all the washing up; stubborn grime needs a combination of proper chemicals and agitation to get rid of.
Because there are various different areas of the bike that need slightly different cleaning regimes, you may find you need several different types of brush. For example, you may need a stiff shaped version for wheel spokes, that you won’t use on paintwork as it will be filthy with chain-fling, brake dust and all sorts of other debris.
Related: Muc-Off Pressure Washer review
Similarly, a chain-cleaning brush is a very specific tool that will help bring your chain up nice and clean, ready for lubricating and protecting once again. And you need a nice soft brush for paintwork, for example, so that the dirt is carried away but not held on by the brush and scratch the paint.
Here is a selection of the best types of brush to keep your bike nice and clean.
1. Saibangz Nine-Piece Set
Description
This all-in-one kit might be aimed at bicycles as well as motorcycles but there are plenty of
There is a detail brush as well as a soft brush and a microfibre washing mitt, perfect for delicate paintwork, dials or seats.
Pros:
Great value
All you need in one kit
Good reviews online
Cons:
Durability may not be the best
2. Oxford Scrub And Brush Set
Description
This kit from British kit and accessory giant Oxford may only contain four brushes but it will get
Pros:
Quality kit
Basics to get you going
Good reviews
Cons:
No chain brush included
3. Muc-Off Five-Piece Set
Description
One of the other large players in the bike-cleaning market, this kit from Muc-Off includes five
In addition to the previous kit, it also includes a detail and component brush that will help with wheels or chains – though not a full chain brush.
Pros:
Great starter kit
Renowned brand
Rubberised handles for grip
Cons:
Expensive
4. Bike-it Bristle And Foam Brush
Description
Weu2019re now getting into the realms of specialised brushes and this one from Bike It comprises a
Pros:
Bristles and foam
Abrasive for stubborn dirt
Long plastic handle
Cons:
Specialised use
5. Kungfu Mall Chain Cleaning Brushes
Description
Notwithstanding the dubious name, there is little not to like about this two-brush set of
The three-sided end is perfect for cleaning drivechains ready for re-lubricating and protecting against the elements.
Pros:
Simple yet effective
Handy double pack
Good value
Cons:
Highly dodgy name
6. Bike It Claw Bristle Brush
Description
An odd-shaped brush this one but another handy addition to your cleaning armoury. The bend prongs
This would make it ideal for cast-wheel spokes as well as swing arms and if you need a bit more clearance, you could always splay the prongs or close them up.
Pros:
Great value
Useful addition
Long handle
Cons:
Limited use
7. Armorall Wash Mitt
Description
While admittedly not a brush, this wash mitt from cleaning giant Armorall effectively replaces the
It has two surfaces – microfibre on one side and mesh on the rear - to help get dead flies off screens, for example.
Pros:
Easy to use
Microfibre and mesh
Great value
Cons:
Hands can get cold when wet
8. Oxford Tyre Brush
Description
Another reasonably specialised brush but this one from Oxford is perfect for cleaning the
Pros:
Clean tyre and wheel together
Rubberised edge prevents damage
Impact-resistant handle
Cons:
Fairly specialised