How to clean and lube a bike chain
A clean, lightly oiled chain makes gear changes smoother, pedalling quieter, and your chain, cassette and chainrings last much longer.
- Time
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- Low cost
- Steps
- 7
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Bike degreaser Search Amazon for bike degreaser
- Bike chain lube (dry or wet type) Search Amazon for bike chain lube
- Stiff brush or old toothbrush
- Chain cleaning tool (optional) Search Amazon for bike chain cleaner tool
- Clean rags
- Bucket of warm water
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The Amazon links go to search results, so you can compare what’s available.
Safety first
- Keep degreaser and lube off disc brake rotors and pads. Contaminated pads lose stopping power and may need replacing.
- Don't use household oils or general-purpose sprays as chain lube. They're not designed for chains and either wash off or gum up.
- Keep fingers away from where the chain meets the sprockets while turning the pedals.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Get the bike stable
A workstand is ideal. Otherwise, lean the bike against a wall on its non-drive side (the side without the chain) so you can turn the pedals backwards freely. Lay down a rag or newspaper to protect the floor.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Apply degreaser
Apply degreaser to the chain, chainrings and rear sprockets (cassette). Follow the product's instructions on how long to leave it.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Scrub
Turn the pedals backwards while scrubbing the chain with a brush, working all the way round. Scrub the sprockets and chainrings too, and pick out muck from the jockey wheels (small wheels on the rear derailleur). A chain cleaning tool that clips round the chain makes this tidier for very dirty chains.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Rinse and dry
Rinse off the degreaser with warm water, avoiding spraying hard into wheel hubs and bearings. Dry the chain thoroughly with a rag. Lube won't stick to a wet chain.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Lube each link
Turning the pedals backwards slowly, apply one drop of bike-specific lube to each roller on the inside of the chain. The rollers, pins and inner plates are where it's needed.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Wipe off the excess
Turn the pedals a few times, then hold a clean rag round the chain and pedal backwards to wipe away excess lube from the outside. Too much lube attracts dirt and wears parts faster.
Next: step 7 -
Step 7: Check the gears
Shift up and down through the gears to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Tips
- Dry lube suits dry, dusty conditions. Wet lube lasts longer in rain and winter riding but picks up more dirt.
- A quick wipe and re-lube after wet rides prevents rust.
- Bike shops can measure chain wear with a gauge. Replacing a worn chain in time saves the more expensive cassette and chainrings.
When to call a professional
Visit a bike shop if the chain skips under load, the gears won't index properly after cleaning, or the chain is stretched or rusty, which may mean it needs replacing.
Questions people ask
How often should I lube my bike chain?
Whenever it looks dry or starts to squeak, and after wet rides. Regular commuters may need to lube weekly.
Can I use WD-40 on my bike chain?
Standard WD-40 is a water dispersant and cleaner, not a long-lasting chain lube. Use a bike-specific chain lube afterwards.
Do I need to degrease every time?
No. A quick wipe and re-lube is fine most of the time. Do a full degrease when the chain is black and gritty.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- British Cycling: how to degrease and lube your chain (britishcycling.org.uk)
- Cycling UK: a beginners' guide to cleaning your bike (cyclinguk.org)
- BikeRadar: how to lubricate your bike chain (bikeradar.com)
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-clean-and-lube-a-bike-chain/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.