Organic bike cleaner: 13 environmentally friendly dirt removers put to the test
Stefan Frey
· 03.05.2023
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All topics in this test:
We have tested these organic cleaners:
Click to go to the individual rating
It looks like the cheap trick of a second-rate magician. We soak an aluminium plate, coated with tough test dirt, in one of the surfactant solutions on the lab bench. Allow to evaporate briefly. Then we 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 our stubborn dirt, which is comparable to the oily-black residue on chainstays, 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, in order for the product to be effective on the spot, it must not run off immediately after spraying. In our experience, gel-like cleaners that come out of the nozzle slightly foamed adhere best to the frame. Incidentally, only four of the 13 products in the test really convinced us. All candidates remove light dirt such as mud splashes or road dust more or less well. But that shouldn't be the benchmark.
We also tested another important criterion, namely material compatibility. 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 the product even 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 far too rare. So don't be dazzled by organic promises or brightly coloured liquids. In some cases, it is not much more than an optical illusion.
Test summary of the 13 organicBicycle cleaners by Stefan Frey, BIKE test editor:
All cleaners in the test manage to remove some dirt and dust. However, there are surprisingly few products that reliably remove even tough dirt.
>> Read more about sustainability in biking in our special:
How can cycling be even better for the environment? <<
What is organic?
All cleaners are biodegradable. The products only become truly 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 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.
The raw materials of the cleaner and spray bottle are crucial for the bio-factor. A renewable, vegetable base and recycled materials are essential. Unfortunately, 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 them on their products. A standardised organic seal would create more clarity for cleaners.
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. 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: what you need in addition to a bike cleaner
It doesn't take much for optimum bike care. With these products, you can give your bike a high shine.
1 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. Caution: Do not use the same brushes for the frame and drivetrain, as this will leave unsightly smudges on the paintwork. Price: 30 euros >> available here
2 Car sponge
Large, dirt-encrusted surfaces are best soaked with a large sponge from the car accessories range. It absorbs a lot of soapy water and is gentler on the paintwork than some brushes. Available for a few euros in every DIY store or at Amazon.
3 Large bucket
Not everyone has a water connection at their washing area. A bucket with lukewarm soapy water is therefore ideal for adding water or cleaning the brushes in between. Construction buckets with handles are particularly robust and can be used in any DIY store available and can be used to store cleaning utensils after washing.
4 Microfibre cloth
A fluffy deep-pile cloth is ideal for "stripping" the bike after washing. It prevents water stains and protects the paintwork. It is also ideal for cleaning the stanchions of the suspension elements. The F100 microfibre cloth is available from Dr. Wack for 10 euros >> e.g. available here.
Clean in seven steps
A good bike cleaner doesn't make a clean bike. With our washing instructions, your best bike will shine like new again.
- The most important tip first: If you don't allow fresh dirt to dry, cleaning is much easier. Simply shower off with a gentle jet from the garden hose (please do not use a high-pressure cleaner), or "soak" the bike with a large sponge and plenty of water.
- Then foam the entire bike with Bioreiniger and leave the product to soak for a few minutes according to the instructions. Caution: The bike should only be cleaned in places with drainage facilities and an oil separator.
- With a large brush The best way to remove dirt from the frame is with long, soft bristles. Always work from top to bottom and rinse the brush in between to avoid spreading the dirt back onto the bike.
- For the drive A smaller, coarse brush is recommended 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.
- To prevent limescale stains or to remove any remaining residue, wipe the frame dry with an old, clean cloth. Wrap the chain with an old cloth of your own and turn the crank backwards.
- The standpipes on the shock and suspension fork need to be cleaned with a soft cloth. The seals will thank you with a longer service life.
- At the end of cleaning the chain should be relubricated. This gives the chain oil time to creep between the 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.
How BIKE tests environmentally friendly bike cleaners
Cleaning performance
The most important criterion is the effectiveness of a bike 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 examined the surface. The cleaner, the better.
Material compatibility
Remove dirt, but leave no residue and be gentle on the material.
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 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 may well be more efficient here.
Sustainability
The organic factor is not just made up of the raw materials used. The absence of colourants and fragrances also scored points. Here we had to rely on the information provided by the manufacturers. In addition, points were awarded for labels and containers made from recycled materials as well as the option to continue using existing spray heads and bottles with refill containers.
The test results for the 13 organic bike cleaners
Antidote 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.
Technical data and notes Antidote Bike Cleaner
- Price: 12,95 Euro >> available here
- Price per litre: 17,27 Euro
- Available containers: 750 ml / 10 litre refill
- Material compatibility: all materials
Valuation
- Cleaning performance (50 %): 2 out of 10 points
- Material compatibility (30 %): 10 out of 10 points
- Handling (20 %): 4 out of 10 points
- Environmental compatibility: 10 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement*: 34 points | satisfactory
Dr Wack F100 Organic Bicycle Cleaner - Test winner
The organic version of the F100 cleaner scores points for 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.
Technical data and notes Dr Wack F100 Organic Bicycle Cleaner
- Price: 19,99 Euro >> at Rose available
- Price per litre: 26.65 euros
- Available containers: 100 ml / 750 ml / 2 litres
- Material compatibility: slight attack on iron
Valuation
- Cleaning performance (50 %): 10 out of 10 points
- Material compatibility (30 %): 9 out of 10 points
- Handling (20 %): 9 out of 10 points
- Environmental compatibility: 10 out of 10 points
BIKE verdict*: 57 points | super
Dynamic Bio Filth Fighter
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 material compatibility - washes off well. There is still some catching up to do when it comes to the environment.
Technical data and notes Dynamic Bio Filth Fighter
- Price: 14,99 Euro >> at Available on Amazon
- Price per litre: 14.99 euros
- Available containers: 1000 ml
- Material compatibility: attacks aluminium and iron
Valuation
- Cleaning performance (50 %): 2 out of 10 points
- Material compatibility (30 %): 6 out of 10 points
- Handling (20 %): 8 out of 10 points
- Environmental compatibility: 6 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement*: 32 points | satisfactory
Finish Line Super Bike Wash
With the angular and wobbly spray head, the large bottle does not sit comfortably in the hand. The spray pattern is diffuse and heavily atomised. In the foam function, the nozzle sputters, but is more precise. The cleaning performance is also only at the back. Needs to catch up in the eco rating.
Technical data and notes Finish Line Super Bike Wash
Valuation
- Cleaning performance (50 %): 2 out of 10 points
- Material compatibility (30 %): 5 out of 10 points
- Handling (20 %): 4 out of 10 points
- Environmental compatibility: 4 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement*: 26 points | satisfactory
Motorex Bike Clean
The 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.
Technical data and notes Motorex Bike Clean
- Price: 13,50 Euro >> available from Rose
- Price per litre: 27 Euro
- Available containers: 500 ml / 2 l / 5 l refill
- Material compatibility: slight attack on aluminium
Valuation
- Cleaning performance (50 %): 9 out of 10 points
- Material compatibility (30 %): 9 out of 10 points
- Handling (20 %): 10 out of 10 points
- Environmental compatibility: 6 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement*: 56 points | super
Motul Frame Clean
Brand 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. Difficulties with stubborn dirt. Low proportion of renewable raw materials.
Technical data and notes Motul Frame Clean
- Price: 10,90 Euro
- Price per litre: 21,80 Euro
- Available containers: 500 ml
- Material compatibility: slight attack on aluminium
Valuation
- Cleaning performance (50 %): 3 out of 10 points
- Material compatibility (30 %): 9 out of 10 points
- Handling (20 %): 6 out of 10 points
- Environmental compatibility: 4 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement*: 37 points | good
Muc-Off Punk Powder
The powder for self-mixing saves water and packaging, but is not ideal for handling. The optional "Bottle for Life" made of aluminium is heavy, its spray pattern is very wide, but it sits well in the hand. Very gentle on the material, but only low cleaning power. The standard cleaner is more powerful.
Technical data and notes Muc-Off Punk Powder
- Price: 42,99 Euro >> at Rose available
- Price per litre: 10,75 Euro
- Available containers: 2 / 4 sachets per 1 litre
- Material compatibility: slight attack on iron
Valuation
- Cleaning performance (50 %): 2 out of 10 points
- Material compatibility (30 %): 9 out of 10 points
- Handling (20 %): 4 out of 10 points
- Environmental compatibility: 6 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement*: 32 points | satisfactory
Neatflow Bike Cleaner Beech
The product and packaging fulfil almost all ecological expectations. The spray head with long lever can be finely dosed, but atomises heavily and does not sit comfortably in the hand. This makes it difficult to apply with precision. The cleaning performance is very limited. Except for iron, no danger to the material.
Technical data and notes Neatflow Bike Cleaner Beech
- Price: 11,75 Euro >> at Available on Amazon
- Price per litre: 11,75 Euro
- Available containers: 1 l / 1 l refill
- Material compatibility: slight attack on iron
Valuation
- Cleaning performance (50 %): 2 out of 10 points
- Material compatibility (30 %): 9 out of 10 points
- Handling (20 %): 4 out of 10 points
- Environmental compatibility: 8 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement*: 32 points | satisfactory
Peaty's Loam Foam
As a foam, it is very easy to dose, adheres well and can be applied in a targeted manner. Despite its size, the bottle is comfortable to hold. Safe on all materials. Only mediocre cleaning performance. There is also some catching up to do in terms of sustainability, no recycled materials.
Technical data and notes Peaty's Loam Foam
- Price: 12,99 Euro >> at Decathlon available
- Price per litre: 12.99 euros
- Available containers: 1 l / 5 l / 5 l concentrate
- Material compatibility: suitable for all materials
Valuation
- Cleaning performance (50 %): 3 out of 10 points
- Material compatibility (30 %): 10 out of 10 points
- Handling (20 %): 8 out of 10 points
- Environmental compatibility: 4 out of 10 points
BIKE tip: Price-performance
BIKE judgement*: 40 points | good
Pedro's Green Fizz
Similar bottle and spray head to Peaty's, but the product fits the nozzle less well, mists heavily and drips off quickly. Pedro's also has difficulties with the stubborn test dirt and can attack aluminium and anodised aluminium if left on for too long.
Technical data and notes Pedro's Green Fizz
- Price: 15 Euro
- Price per litre: 15 euros
- Available containers: 500 ml / 1 l / 5 l refill
- Material compatibility: moderate attack on aluminium
Valuation
- Cleaning performance (50 %): 3 out of 10 points
- Material compatibility (30 %): 8 out of 10 points
- Handling (20 %): 4 out of 10 points
- Environmental compatibility: 4 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement*: 33 points | satisfactory
RSP Muddy Buddy
The 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 heavier dirt from the frame sufficiently.
Technical data and notes RSP Muddy Buddy
- Price: 12,95 Euro >> at Maciag Offroad available
- Price per litre: 25,90 Euro
- Available containers: 500 ml / 10 litre refill
- Material compatibility: slight attack on aluminium
Valuation
- Cleaning performance (50 %): 4 out of 10 points
- Material compatibility (30 %): 9 out of 10 points
- Handling (20 %): 4 out of 10 points
- Environmental compatibility: 4 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement*: 37 points | good
Sonax Bike Cleaner
One of the few cleaners in the test whose formula is absolutely convincing. Sonax 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.
Technical data and notes Sonax Bike Cleaner
- Price: 15,63 Euro >> at Available on Amazon
- Price per litre: 20,84 Euro
- Available containers: 750 ml / 5 litre refill
- Material compatibility: suitable for all materials
Valuation
- Cleaning performance (50 %): 10 out of 10 points
- Material compatibility (30 %): 10 out of 10 points
- Handling (20 %): 6 out of 10 points
- Environmental compatibility: 4 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement*: 56 points | super
Toniq Bike Wash
Toniq 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.
Technical data and notes Toniq Bike Wash
- Price: 9,99 Euro >> available here
- Price per litre: 15,98 Euro
- Available containers: 500 ml / 2 litre refill
- Material compatibility: attack on aluminium and iron
Valuation
- Cleaning performance (50 %): 2 out of 10 points
- Material compatibility (30 %): 7 out of 10 points
- Handling (20 %): 4 out of 10 points
- Environmental compatibility: 10 out of 10 points
BIKE judgement*: 29 points | satisfactory
*The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (60 - 56 P.), very good (55 - 46 P.), good (45 - 36 P.), satisfactory (35 -26 P.), with weaknesses (from 25 P.).
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Stefan Frey
Editor
