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Update: This article was first published on 24 January 2025 and has now been updated.
After our last cleaner test, we were confronted with criticism from a test participant. The main criticism was levelled at the methodology we used to determine the cleaning performance of the individual products. For many years now, we have relied on a tried-and-tested and, above all, reproducible test procedure, which is not only used by BIKE in this way, but also by other specialised media, for example in the motorbike sector.
We have tested these bike cleaners
- Antidote Bike Cleaner >> available here
- Atlantik Bio Bike Cleaner >> available here
- Dynamic Bio Filth Fighter >> available here
- Dr Wack F100 Bicycle Cleaner >> available here
- Holmenkol Natural Bike Wash >> available here
- Kärcher Natural Bicycle Cleaner
- Motorex Bike Clean bicycle cleaner >> available here
- Motul Frame Clean bicycle cleaner >> available here
- Muc-Off Nano Tech Bike Cleaner >> available here
- Sonax Bike Cleaner >> available here
- Tunap bicycle cleaner >> available here
- Zéfal Bike Shampoo Bike Cleaner >> available here
This is how we have tested so far
To summarise this test procedure, plates loaded with standardised dirt and weighed are immersed in the respective cleaning agent. The cleaning agent is then allowed to act in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The discs are then washed off and weighed again after drying. The difference in weight gives the cleaning performance in per cent. The exact test procedure is explained below in the text.
More practical relevance
In practice, of course, nobody will immerse their bike completely in cleaner and this is where the criticism comes in: One manufacturer explicitly points out that its product is only most effective when sprayed on. We took this criticism to heart and repeated the test in extensive trials. The difficulty here is that the amount of product sprayed on cannot be exactly reproduced. The distance between the spray bottle and the test disc, as well as the force with which the spray lever is pulled, also has a major influence on the subsequent cleaning performance.
However, one thing is certain: there are products that achieve better cleaning performance when sprayed on than when immersed. These include products from Antidot, Atlantik, Dynamic, Motul, Muc-Off and Zéfal.
Products that have already delivered good results in our standard test perform only slightly better when sprayed on. A good cleaner therefore works reliably in both scenarios. Only the Tunap product achieves a slightly poorer effect when sprayed on - although this could also be due to fluctuations during the test.
Hardly any change in the overall standings
Our revised test methodology does little to change the overall ranking. Only Dynamic performs significantly better in the spray test ranking, coming in third place. F100, Sonax, Motorex and Tunap are still the best products in the comparison.
Based on the new findings, we decided to recalculate the assessment of the cleaning performance. To do this, we calculated the average cleaning performance from three immersion cycles and three spray cycles. The updated results are shown in the following overview table.
>> Have you been wallowing in the mud again, but don't have access to a water supply at home? These mobile battery-powered cleaning devices help with bike washing.
12 cleaners in comparison
A bucket of warm water, a strong dash of washing-up liquid and a good brush - armed like this, as a bike novice, I went into battle against the dried crust of mud, road dust and grease that had formed a kind of sediment on my bike over the weeks. At the time, I didn't waste a thought on special bike cleaners - far too expensive and, above all, completely unnecessary, or so I thought. Today I realise that I actually managed to free my bike layer by layer from its sediment coffin like a fossil, mainly due to the stubborn use of the brush and much less to the cleaning power of the detergent. Diluted in this way, the surfactants must have had an effect like the proverbial drop in the ocean.
What characterises a good bike cleaner?
A good cleaner differs from a bad one in one key respect: it removes even stubborn dirt without the mechanical help of a brush. The differences between the numerous surfactant cocktails are enormous, as this test has once again shown. We travelled to Dr. Wack in Ingolstadt with twelve bike cleaners to get to the bottom of the manufacturers' full-bodied promises in their laboratory. Here, the cleaners had to prove themselves in more than a handful of tests.
Cleaning performance
The most important criterion: cleaning performance. This is measured using test dirt, which is applied to aluminium plates in a defined process. The viscous mixture of grease, oil and pigment dirt (the latter imitates road dust and is of course standardised in Germany) is a real challenge for the cleaners. The test discs are briefly immersed in the respective liquid, after which the magic potion is allowed to work its magic - between two and ten minutes, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.
Observe exposure time
The contact time is important: too short and the surfactants cannot work properly and therefore hardly dissolve any dirt. Too long and the sometimes aggressive agents attack the material. Aluminium and polycarbonate are particularly at risk here, as another test proves. The former discolours significantly in some cases, while the latter can become brittle and cracked in the long term. Only very few products are really compatible with all materials. It is therefore particularly important to rinse the lathered bike thoroughly with clear water at the end.
It also quickly becomes clear what influence the consistency of the cleaner has on cleaning performance: the more viscous the surfactant mix, the better. Cleaners that are too liquid or highly diluted run off the surface too quickly. The advantage of gel-like products, such as the F100 bike cleaner or the bike cleaner from Sonax, becomes apparent just by looking at them: The liquids literally stick to the test dirt. After just a few minutes, cracks form and the "islands of dirt" slide off the test discs like paella leftovers from a Villariba pan. A rinse cycle under running water is then sufficient to remove the dirt residues almost completely.
Weighing shows the effectiveness
The actual differences become apparent when the cleaned discs are finally weighed. While the best performers in the test remove up to 89 per cent of the dirt - without any mechanical intervention - a good 90 per cent sticks to the test plates of the worst performers. And if you still believe in the myth of washing-up liquid, you'd better get yourself a good brush set. Of course, we also tested the household detergent: cleaning performance: a meagre four per cent!
Do you want to know how to efficiently remove mud from your bike? Then take a look at our washing instructions in our how-to series.
When do we start talking about organic bike cleaners?
All cleaners are biodegradable! 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 be at least 80 per cent primarily biodegradable (i.e. they lose their surfactant properties) and at least 60 per cent completely biodegradable within 28 days.
None is 100 per cent organic. The raw materials of the cleaner and spray bottle are crucial for the organic factor. A renewable plant base and recycled materials are essential. Unfortunately, no cleaner is 100 per cent organic.
Conserve resources: If you opt for refill containers and use your existing spray bottle again and again or dilute the cleaner with water as much as possible, you save on chemicals and packaging waste.
This is how we tested
Cleaning performance (50 %)
The most important criterion is the effectiveness of a bike cleaner. To determine the cleaning performance, we treated test plates made of aluminium with test dirt consisting of grease, pigment dirt, oil and solvent and removed it with a squeegee. The result is a 40 micrometre thick layer of dirt. After drying for one hour, the discs are completely immersed in the respective cleaner. The product can then soak in according to the manufacturer's instructions. The test discs are then washed off under running water until no further changes are visible. We weighed the test discs before and after cleaning. The greater the difference, the better the cleaning performance.
Material compatibility (30 %)
Remove dirt, but leave no residue and be gentle on the material: To test how aggressive the cleaners are, we left them to work on test strips made of aluminium, iron and paint (24 hours), anodised aluminium (30 minutes), powder coating (5 minutes) and polycarbonate bending strips (24 hours). Corrosion or damage to the respective material will lead to deductions depending on the extent.
Handling (20 %)
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 were 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 and sticks to the frame for as long as possible can be more efficient here. Products that run off again immediately after application can only have a limited effect.
The results of the bike cleaner comparison
We have summarised the results of the twelve cleaners in the overview table. The F100 bike cleaner from Dr. Wack came out on top with its excellent cleaning performance and great material compatibility. The products from Holmenkol, Sonax and Tunap clean at a similarly high level. Motorex can also keep up with the best. Some products are aggressive on different materials. The detailed test reports provide information here.
The bike cleaners in the test
Antidote Bike Cleaner
- Price 12,95 Euro >> available here
- Size / price per litre 750 ml / 17,27 Euro
- Available containers 750 / 750 ml refill / 10 litres
- Material compatibility Attack on aluminium, powder coating, polycarbonate
Evaluation and conclusion of the bike cleaner
Antidote shines with exemplary ecological properties, but hardly dissolves stubborn dirt. The bottle sits comfortably 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.
Atlantik Bio Bike Cleaner
- Price 15,90 Euro >> available here
- Size / price per litre 500 ml / 31,80 Euro
- Available containers 500 ml
- Material compatibility Visible attack on aluminium, paint, powder coating, polycarbonate
Evaluation and conclusion of the bike cleaner
Environmentally friendly cleaner without colourants and fragrances. Low cleaning power, although the manufacturer claims it is also suitable for chains. Compact bottle with good balance. Low-viscosity product runs off quickly and mists heavily when sprayed. Not very gentle on materials.
Dynamic Bio Filth Fighter
- Price 17,99 Euro >> available here
- Size / price per litre 1000 ml / 17,99 Euro
- Available containers 500 ml / 1 l / 5 l
- Material compatibility Light attack on aluminium
Evaluation and conclusion of the bike cleaner
Large, bulbous bottle, heavy to hold. With the foam attachment, the cleaner adheres well to the wheel, but hardly dissolves stubborn dirt. Without the foam attachment, the product fogs up. Good material compatibility, reasonable eco-balance.
Dr Wack F100 Bicycle Cleaner
- Price 17,99 Euro >> available here
- Size / price per litre 750 ml / 23,99 Euro
- Available containers 100 / 750 ml / 2 l / 5 l
- Material compatibility Gentle on all materials
Evaluation and conclusion of the bike cleaner
Bulbous bottle, presses on the wrist during prolonged use, otherwise the handling is great. Adheres well thanks to its gel-like consistency and can still be dispensed cleanly. Unbeatable in terms of cleaning performance and yet very good material compatibility.
Holmenkol Natural Bike Wash
- Price 16,99 Euro >> available here
- Size / price per litre 1000 ml / 16,99 Euro
- Available containers 1000 ml / 5 l / 15 l
- Material compatibility Attack on aluminium, anodised aluminium, polycarbonate
Evaluation and conclusion of the bike cleaner
Very long bottle with a poor centre of gravity and angular handle - therefore uncomfortable to handle. Spray head infinitely adjustable. The cleaner adheres well as a mist and reliably dissolves even nasty dirt. Shows many material incompatibilities, so rinse clean.
Kärcher Natural Bicycle Cleaner
- Price 10,99 Euro
- Size / price per litre 500 ml / 21,98 Euro
- Available containers 500 / 500 ml concentrate
- Material compatibility Very gentle on materials
Evaluation and conclusion of the bike cleaner
Environmentally friendly and gentle cleaner with a compact bottle that fits comfortably in the hand. Can be applied precisely thanks to the fine spray pattern, but runs off somewhat quickly. The biggest drawback is the inadequate cleaning performance.
Motorex Bike Clean bicycle cleaner
- Price 13,95 Euro >> available here
- Size / price per litre 500 ml / 27,90 Euro
- Available containers 500 ml / 2 l / 5 l
- Material compatibility Light attack on aluminium, powder coating, polycarbonate
Evaluation and conclusion of the bike cleaner
Slim bottle fits well in the hand, the spray head can be adjusted and dosed well. The spray pattern is also good, the cleaner does not run off immediately. Cleans at a high level, slight deductions for material compatibility. Motorex uses recycled products for the bottle.
Motul Frame Clean bicycle cleaner
- Price 10,90 Euro >> available here
- Size / price per litre 500 ml / 21,80 Euro
- Available containers 500 ml
- Material compatibility (Slightly) attacks aluminium and polycarbonate
Evaluation and conclusion of the bike cleaner
Thanks to the compact bottle, Motul is particularly impressive when it comes to handling. The spray head sits comfortably in the hand. The product can be finely dosed, but is liquid and runs off quickly. Difficulties with stubborn dirt. Low proportion of renewable raw materials.
Muc-Off Nano Tech Bike Cleaner
- Price 17,99 Euro >> available here
- Size / price per litre 1000 ml / 17,99 Euro
- Available containers 1000 ml refill / 5 litres
- Material compatibility Attacks powder coating
Evaluation and conclusion of the bike cleaner
Moderate cleaning performance, especially for stubborn stains. But gentle on almost all materials. Poor quality and angular spray head that presses into the crook of the thumb. In foam mode, the nozzle spits, the spray mist is poorly defined and difficult to dose.
Sonax Bike Cleaner
- Price 15,89 Euro >> available here
- Size / price per litre 750 ml / 21,19 Euro
- Available containers 750 ml / 5 l
- Material compatibility Minimal attack on powder coating
Evaluation and conclusion of the bike cleaner
One of the few cleaners in the test that also dissolves grease convincingly. Sonax is also gentle on almost 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.
Tunap bicycle cleaner
- Price 16,95 Euro >> available here
- Size / price per litre 1000 ml / 16,95 Euro
- Available containers 1000 ml / 5 l
- Material compatibility attacks aluminium and polycarbonate
Evaluation and conclusion of the bike cleaner
Uses the same bottle as Holmenkol with poor balance and a very angular, squeezing grip. Gel-like consistency adheres well, but is difficult to dispense. Cleaning performance is at a high level and the product is relatively gentle on the material.
Zéfal Bike Shampoo Bike Cleaner
- Price 24,95 Euro >> available here
- Size / price per litre 3 x 1000 ml / 8,32 Euro
- Available containers 300 ml concentrate
- Material compatibility shows attack on aluminium, anodised aluminium aluminium, powder coating, polycarbonate
Evaluation and conclusion of the bike cleaner
Comes with a large bottle and three refill sachets for self-mixing - very affordable. The liquid product runs off quickly, the spray pattern is uneven, the spray head drips a little. Very poor cleaning performance on our test dirt, not very gentle on materials.
Stefan Frey
Editor
