Our homes get cleaned regularly: Coats are hung, floors swept, surfaces dusted. It’s not until we lift the sofa cushions that we realise skin-deep maintenance doesn’t always cut it. Same goes with your bike and gear. Clean your chain and clothing often – and once in awhile, lift the cushions.

These four things are often overlooked and underscrubbed. Who’s guilty of the following offenses?

Helmet

While we often wash our tops and shorts, we usually wear the same dirty lid ride after ride.

Did you know?

To combat helmet stink, wash it – pads in – with dishwashing soap, or give it a good shampoo in the shower. Rinse with cold water and let it air dry.

Water Bottles

We toss used gel and bar wrappers after a ride, but leave our water bottle in the cage.

Did you know?

A bottle will breed bacteria if not washed properly. Dump leftover water into a pot plant, then wash the bottle with hot, soapy water.

Down Tube

A clean chain means prolonged drivetrain life. But a clean frame can make your bike last longer.

Did you know?

Sticky drinks, sweat and road grime can mar a frame’s finish or worse, cause corrosion. Hit the underside of the down tube, and look for cracks while you’re at it – if you find one, call your bike shop.

Wheel Rims

We check our brake pads for debris and wear. But we neglect the other points of contact.

Did you know?

Brake-pad residue coats rims, speeding wear and slowing braking. Clean aluminum rims using a dry, clean rag.

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