Bike cleaning

My preferred method is a quick spray with some degreaser around the bits that are most gunked up with road grime: chainstays, around the bottom bracket (taking care to keep it away from the seals, I'm pretty sure it wouldn't get through… but why take the chance, leave that for a while then go at the lot with some fairly hot water a softish brush, toothbrush, and an old t-shirt - gonna give the Ecover a go Simon E.

I do give it a wipe over afterwards but basically i just let it dry - think TheBigMong's suggestion about taking your seatpost out is a good 'un I'm going to start doing that now, especially as I'm riding a steel bike with an alloy seat post.

Ecover washing-up liquid in hot water is fine, the proprietary brands are no better IMO. Slosh some on first to soak the grime, then attack all areas with soft brush. Start with the cleanest bits, leaving wheel rims and brakes until nearly last.

You might want to keep a separate brush and an old t-shirt for the worst bit - chain, chainrings and sprockets, which may need degreasing first to remove the caked muck that has built up. Then give it a good scrub and finally the rag. Dry it thoroughly before you lube it (along with derailleur pivots etc etc).

The whole job is easier with wheels removed and the bike in a stand.

muc-off is good but i prefer fenwicks, mind you they both do the same thing.

good write up here about chain cleaning...

http://www.raphacondor.cc/club/chain-cleaning-workshop-tips-by-andy-verrall

This time of year I use one of the bike cleaners like Muc-off or similar to get all the salt and crap off. spray on and leave for 30 seconds and then rinse off, drying with some kitchen roll. Through the warmer months I mostly just give it a rub over with a couple of baby wipes. I do polish my frames with car wax every month or so to give a bit of extra protection.

I use car wash detergent. It won't strip the wax off the paint the way dish detergent or all-purpose cleaner would. I don't slather it on the way I would if I was washing my car--I mix up a bucket of warm suds and swab it on the bike with a washcloth, taking care not to inundate the bearings (headset, bottom bracket, wheel hubs.) Once all the dirt and dust has been broken up, I rinse with low pressure water (garden hose without a nozzle), dry with a soft towel, and pull the seat tube overnight so any moisture that found its way inside the frame tubes can evaporate.