Pressure bike washers

Low-pressure and self-contained, not a garden pressure washer

Let’s clear up one misconception straight away: these devices are not conventional high-pressure washers. Point a proper high-pressure washer at a bike and it strips grease from bearings and forces water past suspension seals — it’s the quickest way to ruin a hub, bottom bracket or fork. The washers in this range use moderate pressure and controlled water flow, exactly what a bike needs.

The tank and battery

They work without a tap or power socket : a 4-to-20-litre tank, a rechargeable battery, and you can wash wherever you like. That’s their whole purpose — after a muddy ride, in the trailhead car park, by the van or in a garage without a water supply. One tankful is more than enough for one bike, and often for two.

• The models compact and foldable (4 to 7 litres) fit in a car boot and are designed for washing one bike.
• The models with a large tank (17 to 20 litres) can handle several bikes and are also useful for cleaning kit, shoes and the van.
• The models with a replaceable battery share their battery with the rest of an 18 V tool range — a real advantage if you already own tools from it.
• A 12 V cigarette-lighter adaptor lets you plug into the car instead of relying on battery charge.

Accessories that make a difference

That’s what makes the difference between spraying and cleaning. A foam cannon applies the cleaning product and lets it work before rinsing — the step that saves you scrubbing. The brushes that attach to the lance clean as they spray, while the nozzles adjust the spray from a narrow jet to a wide fan, while the lance extensions reach underneath the bike without you having to bend down. Many washers are sold as bike kits that already include these accessories.

How to wash without causing damage

• Never point the spray directly at a hub, bottom bracket, headset or fork seal, even at moderate pressure.
• Wash from top to bottom, from a distance, and let the cleaning product do the work rather than the pressure.
• Dry afterwards, with a cloth or blower, then relubricate the chain: water washes away lubricant, and a washed chain left unlubricated can rust overnight.
• On an electric bike, keep the spray away from the motor, charging port and connectors, and wash with the battery removed when the manufacturer permits it.

To find out more: How to choose bike cleaners and degreasers

See also: Bike cleaners and degreasers · Bike lubricants and greases · Bike protection