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Short & sweet
It's possible: there are bike cleaners that clean really well and are environmentally friendly. However, only a few manufacturers have yet managed this balancing act; products that either clean well but are weak on environmental protection or environmentally friendly cleaners that do not clean well predominate.
Environmental protection and good cleaning performance in one bottle are also not available at a bargain price. The recommended test winner costs almost 27 euros per litre.
The best cleaners
Eco bike cleaner in the test
It looks like the cheap trick of a second-rate magician. We dip a small aluminium plate, coated with tough test dirt, into one of the surfactant soups on the lab bench. Allow to evaporate briefly. Then hold the test strip under running water. As if by magic, the sticky mixture of oil, grease, soot and pigment dirt dissolves and disappears down the drain. No scrubbing, no wiping. Simply gone.
An optical illusion? Not at all. The best cleaners in the test remove even the most stubborn dirt, which is comparable to the oily-black residue on chain stays, without any further action. However, there are a few prerequisites for this: The cleaner requires a certain contact time, which is usually specified by the manufacturer. And for the product to be effective on the spot, it must not run off again immediately after spraying.
4 convincing eco bike cleaners
In our experience, cleaners with a gel-like consistency that come out of the nozzle slightly foamed adhere best to the frame. Incidentally, only 4 of the 13 products in the test were really convincing. All candidates remove light dirt such as mud splashes or road dust more or less well. However, this should not be the sole yardstick. We also tested material compatibility as another important criterion: If you leave the wrong product on the frame for too long, you can expect discolouration or rust in the worst case scenario.
There are also big differences in handling: some bottles are so difficult to hold that your forearm cramps when spraying. Many spray heads atomise the cleaner so much that hardly any of it reaches the bike.
And what about sustainability? It is true that all cleaners must be readily biodegradable, as required by law. However, this does not automatically mean that they are really kind to the environment. Plant-based raw materials or recycled packaging are still too rare. So don't be dazzled by promises of organic products or brightly coloured liquids. In some cases, it is not much more than an optical illusion.
Clean in six steps
A good organic cleaner doesn't make a clean bike. With our washing instructions, your bike will shine like new again.
- The most important tip: If you don't allow fresh dirt to dry, this makes cleaning much easier. Simply shower off with a gentle jet from the garden hose (do not use a high-pressure cleaner) or "soak" the bike with a large sponge and plenty of water.
- Then lather the entire wheel with Bio Cleaner and leave the product to soak for a few minutes according to the instructions. Important: The bike should only be cleaned in places with drainage facilities and an oil separator.
- A large brush with long, soft bristles is the best way to remove dirt from the frame. Work from top to bottom and rinse the brush in between to avoid spreading the dirt back onto the bike.
- A smaller, coarse brush is recommended for the drive unit to remove even stubborn dirt. Do not use the frame brush for this, otherwise you will smear the oily mud all over the bike. The chainring and derailleur pulleys can be freed from the sticky sludge with a tyre lever.
- Wipe the frame dry with a clean cloth to prevent limescale stains or to remove any remaining residue. Grip the lower chain centre with an old cloth, turn the crank backwards and clean the chain in this way.
- Re-lubricate the chain at the end of cleaning. This gives the oil time to creep between the chain plates and prevents flash rust. If you want to make the next cleaning easier, apply a coat of preservative spray to the frame at the end.
Eco bike cleaner test - what is organic?
All cleaners are biodegradable. However, the products only become sustainable when you look at the big picture.
What the standard says
Since 2005, the Detergents Regulation (DVO; No. 648/2004) has stipulated that all surfactants placed on the market in the EU must be readily biodegradable. The following therefore applies to the cleaners in the test: They must at least 80 per cent primary within 28 days (they lose their surfactant properties) and at least 60 per cent complete can be biodegraded.
The raw materials of the cleaner and spray bottle are decisive for the bio-factor. A renewable, vegetable base and recycled materials are essential. No cleaner is 100 per cent organic. Attributes such as "vegan" or "free from animal testing" are not organic criteria, even if some manufacturers advertise this on their products. A standardised organic seal would create more clarity for cleaners.
Conserve resources
If you use refill containers and reuse the existing spray bottle or dilute the cleaner with water as much as possible, you save on chemicals and packaging waste. Most manufacturers also offer their cleaners in bulk containers or as a concentrate for self-mixing, and some are even available for refilling from stationary retailers.
Wellness for your bike
It doesn't take much for optimum bike care. With these products, you can give your bike a high shine.
Brush set
A set of proper brushes should be part of the basic equipment in the bike workshop. In addition to the large, soft frame brush, the Muc-Off set also includes special brushes for narrow gaps, sprocket sets and the chain. Do not use the same brushes for frame and drivetrain, as this will leave unsightly smudges on the paintwork. Price: 30 Euro >> available here.
Car sponge
Dirt-encrusted surfaces are best soaked with a large sponge from the car accessories. It absorbs a lot of soapy water and is more gentle on paintwork than some brushes. Available for a few euros in every DIY store or Amazon.
Large bucket
Not everyone has a water connection at their washing area. A bucket of lukewarm soapy water is therefore ideal for adding water or cleaning brushes in between washes. Construction buckets with handles are robust, available from any DIY store and can be used to store cleaning utensils after washing.
Microfibre cloth
A fluffy high-pile cloth is ideal for "stripping" the bike after washing. It prevents water stains and protects the paintwork. Dr. Wack offers the F100 microfibre cloth for 10 euros >> e.g. at Bike-Components.
Eco bike cleaner in the test - How TOUR tests
Cleaning performance
The most important criterion is the effectiveness of a cleaner. To determine the cleaning performance, we treated a surface with standardised test dirt with the respective cleaner and left it to work according to the manufacturer's instructions. We then rinsed the cleaner off with running water and inspected the surface. The cleaner, the better.
Material compatibility
Remove dirt, but leave no residue and be gentle on the material: To test how aggressive the cleaners are, we left them to work for 24 hours on test strips made of iron and aluminium as well as on paint and tyre rubber. Corrosion or damage to the respective material leads to deductions depending on the extent.
Handling
How comfortable is the bottle in the hand? Can the spray head be operated properly? Does the bottle hold tight? The spray pattern and consistency during application are also included in the assessment. Also important: How economical is the product? An expensive cleaner that can be distributed well with just a few pumps can be more efficient.
Sustainability
The organic factor is not only made up of the raw materials used. The absence of colourants and fragrances also scores points. Here we have to rely on the information provided by the manufacturer. There are also points for labels and containers made from recycled materials as well as the option of reusing existing spray heads and bottles with refill containers.
Eco bike cleaner test - the products and test results in detail
Antidote Bike Cleaner
- Price: 12,95 Euro >> available here
- Price per litre: 17,27 Euro
- Contents750 millilitres
- Available containers750 millilitre or 10 litre refill
Eco bike cleaner in the test - TOUR rating
- Cleaning performance (50 %) Grade 4,0
- Material compatibility (30 %) Grade 1,0
- Handling (20 % ) Grade 4,0
>> Overall grade (100 %) 3.1
Environmental compatibility: very good
ConclusionExemplary ecological properties, but hardly dissolves stubborn dirt. The bottle sits well in the hand, but the lever cannot be fully pulled. The cleaner is quite liquid, atomises heavily and runs off quickly. It is therefore less economical.
Dr Wack F100 Organic Bicycle Cleaner
- Price: 20 Euro >> available here
- Price per litre: 26,65 Euro
- Contents750 millilitres
- Available containers100 and 750 millilitres, 2 litres
Eco bike cleaner in the test - TOUR rating
- Cleaning performance (50 %) Grade 1,0
- Material compatibility (30 %) Grade 1,5
- Handling (20 % ) Grade 1,5
>> Overall grade (100 %) 1.3
Environmental compatibility: very good
ConclusionThe organic version of the F100 cleaner scores points with its excellent cleaning performance. Great attention was paid to ecology in terms of raw materials and packaging. Thanks to its gel-like consistency, the cleaner adheres well and can be applied in a targeted manner. This makes it very economical and effective. Good handling.
Dynamic Bio Filth Fighter
- Price15 Euro >> available here
- Price per litre15 Euro
- Contents1000 millilitres
- Available containers1000 millilitres
Eco bike cleaner in the test - TOUR rating
- Cleaning performance (50 %) Grade 4,0
- Material compatibility (30 %) Grade 3,0
- Handling (20 % ) Grade 2,0
>> Overall grade (100 %) 3.3
Environmental compatibility: satisfactory
Conclusion: Sits well in the hand despite the large bottle. The foam mode improves adhesion, but the cleaning performance is still quite low. Dynamic also shows clear weaknesses in terms of material compatibility - washes off well. There is still some catching up to do when it comes to environmental compatibility.
Finish Line Super Bike Wash
- Price16,50 Euro >> available here
- Price per litre: 16,50 Euro
- Contents1000 millilitres
- Available containers1000 millilitres, 3.8 litres refill, 472 millilitres concentrate
Eco bike cleaner in the test - TOUR rating
- Cleaning performance (50 %) Grade 4,0
- Material compatibility (30 %) Grade 3,5
- Handling (20 % ) Grade 4,0
>> Overall grade (100 %) 3.9
Environmental compatibility: sufficient
Conclusion: With the angular and wobbly spray head, the large bottle does not fit perfectly in the hand. The spray pattern is diffuse and heavily atomised. In the foam function, the nozzle sputters, but is more precise. Only at the back of the field in terms of cleaning performance. Needs to catch up in the eco rating.
Motorex Bike Clean
- Price: 13,50 Euro >> available here
- Price per litre: 27 Euro
- Contents500 millilitres
- Available containers500 millilitre, 2 and 5 litre refills
Eco bike cleaner in the test - TOUR rating
- Cleaning performance (50 %) Grade 1,5
- Material compatibility (30 %) Grade 1,5
- Handling (20 % ) Grade 1,0
>> Overall grade (100 %) 1.4
Environmental compatibility: satisfactory
ConclusionThe slim bottle fits well in the hand, the spray head is adjustable and easy to dose. The spray pattern is also good and the cleaner does not run off immediately. Cleaning performance and material compatibility are absolutely convincing. Motorex uses recycled products for the bottle.
Motul Frame Clean
- Price: 10,90 Euro >> available here
- Price per litre: 21,80 Euro
- Contents500 millilitres
- Available containers500 millilitres
Eco bike cleaner in the test - TOUR rating
- Cleaning performance (50 %) Grade 4,0
- Material compatibility (30 %) Grade 1,5
- Handling (20 % ) Grade 3,0
>> Overall grade (100 %) 3.1
Environmental compatibility: sufficient
ConclusionBrand new on the market, Motul is particularly impressive when it comes to handling. The bottle and spray head sit comfortably in the hand. The product can be finely dosed, but is liquid and runs off quickly. Weak on stubborn dirt. Low proportion of renewable raw materials.
Muc-Off Punk Powder
- Price: 43 Euro >> available here
- Price per litre: 10,75 Euro
- Contents: 4 litres
- Available containers4 sachets per 1 litre
Eco bike cleaner in the test - TOUR rating
- Cleaning performance (50 %) Grade 4,0
- Material compatibility (30 %) Grade 1,5
- Handling (20 % ) Grade 4,0
>> Overall grade (100 %) 3.3
Environmental compatibility: satisfactory
ConclusionThe powder for self-mixing saves water and packaging, but is not ideal for handling. The optional aluminium bottle is heavy, its spray pattern is very wide, but it sits well in the hand. Very gentle, but only low cleaning power. The standard cleaner is more powerful.
Neatflow Bike Cleaner Beech
- Price: 11,75 Euro >> available here
- Price per litre: 11,75 Euro
- Contents1000 millilitres
- Available containers1000 millilitre, 1000 millilitre refill
Eco bike cleaner in the test - TOUR rating
- Cleaning performance (50 %) Grade 4,0
- Material compatibility (30 %) Grade 1,5
- Handling (20 % ) Grade 4,0
>> Overall grade (100 %) 3.3
Environmental compatibility: good
ConclusionProduct and packaging fulfil almost all ecological expectations. The spray head with long lever allows fine dosing, but atomises heavily and does not sit comfortably in the hand. As a result, it is difficult to apply accurately. The cleaning performance is very limited. Except for iron, no danger to the material.
Peaty's Loam Foam
- Price: 13 Euro >> available here
- Price per litre: 13 Euro
- Contents1000 millilitres
- Available containers1 and 5 litre, 1 and 5 litre concentrate
Eco bike cleaner in the test - TOUR rating
- Cleaning performance (50 %) Grade 4,0
- Material compatibility (30 %) Grade 1,0
- Handling (20 % ) Grade 2,0
>> Overall grade (100 %) 2.7
Environmental compatibility: sufficient
Conclusion: Very easy to dose as a foam, good adhesion and targeted application. Despite its size, the bottle is comfortable to hold. Safe on all materials. Only mediocre cleaning. There is still some catching up to do in terms of sustainability, no recycled materials.
Pedro's Green Fizz
- Price15 Euro >> available here
- Price per litre15 Euro
- Contents1000 millilitres
- Available containers500 and 1000 millilitres, 5 litre refill
Eco bike cleaner in the test - TOUR rating
- Cleaning performance (50 %) Grade 4,0
- Material compatibility (30 %) Grade 2,0
- Handling (20 % ) Grade 4,0
>> Overall grade (100 %) 3.4
Environmental compatibility: sufficient
ConclusionSimilar bottle and spray head to Peaty's, but the product fits the nozzle less well, mists heavily and drips off quickly. Pedros also has difficulties with the stubborn test dirt and can attack aluminium and anodised aluminium if left on for too long.
R.S.P Muddy Buddy
- Price9,90 Euro >> available here
- Price per litre: 19,80 Euro
- Contents500 millilitres
- Available containers500 millilitres, 10 litre refill
Eco bike cleaner in the test - TOUR rating
- Cleaning performance (50 %) Grade 4,0
- Material compatibility (30 %) Grade 1,5
- Handling (20 % ) Grade 4,0
>> Overall grade (100 %) 3.3
Environmental compatibility: sufficient
ConclusionThe very liquid active ingredient is heavily atomised by the nozzle, there is no foam function. Only one finger fits on the short lever and the spray head is also quite angular. With a little help from the brush, the cleaner removes even heavy soiling from the frame sufficiently.
Sonax Bike Cleaner
- Price15,90 Euro >> available here
- Price per litre: 21,20 Euro
- Contents750 millilitres
- Available containers750 millilitres, 5 litre refill
Eco bike cleaner in the test - TOUR rating
- Cleaning performance (50 %) Grade 1,0
- Material compatibility (30 %) Grade 1,0
- Handling (20 % ) Grade 3,0
>> Overall grade (100 %) 1.4
Environmental compatibility: sufficient
ConclusionOne of the few cleaners in the test with an absolutely convincing formula that is also gentle on all materials. The slim bottle sits comfortably in the hand, the gel-like cleaner can be dispensed cleanly, but is difficult to apply precisely. There is no foam function.
Toniq Bike Wash
- Price: 9,99 Euro >> available here
- Price per litre: 16 Euro
- Contents500 millilitres
- Available containers500 millilitres, 2 litre refill
TOUR rating
- Cleaning performance (50 %) Grade 4,0
- Material compatibility (30 %) Grade 2,5
- Handling (20 % ) Grade 4,0
>> Overall grade (100 %) 3.6
Environmental compatibility: very good
ConclusionToniq fulfils the environmental criteria almost perfectly with renewable raw materials, recycled materials and refill options. The long lever is good, but the spray head looks cheap and the cleaner can hardly be applied in a targeted manner. The cleaning performance on the test dirt is poor.
Stefan Frey
Editor
