Can you use washing up liquid

[tintin40]

as degreaser to clean a chain?

 

[Bats]

I've done it before and never had any problems.

 

[KDM]

You can but make it a weak mixture. Normally I just use old motorcycle/car oil from an oil change and some clean rags. The oil gets in all the nooks and crannies but also helps when used on rags, to clean the dirt off. When finished the chain is clean and well lubricated in all the right places. Don't go to heavy on it though or fling will cover the back of your leg

 

[The History Man]

Diesel in an old lunch box. The one of her tea towels before a good lube and wipe.

 

[tintin40]

Only have washing up liquid to use with my Park tools chain cleaner gizmo. Will give it a go.
Thanks

 

[jimo746]

Re:

Yes.

But I find a biodegradable degreaser works much better.

 

[ajm]

I believe that most washing up liquid contains a fair bit of sodium chloride and will therefore promote corrosion on bare metal... if you're going to be lubing the chain immediately I wouldn't think it likely to be a problem.

A soak in paraffin oil or diesel as HM mentioned are the best in my experience.

 

[Mike Muz]

Re:

Why?

At work, red diesel. Shhhhhh!

At home, white spirit, plus PT chain wash gizmo

Mike

 

[tintin40]

Re: Re:

Why?

At work, red diesel. Shhhhhh!

At home, white spirit, plus PT chain wash gizmo

Mike

White sprit did cross my mind.

 

[Mike Muz]

Re:

Works well, always do that at home! Along with an old tooth brush and white spirit for gears/mechs