Green Oil Clean Chain degreaser

Green Oil’s sweet smelling chain cleaner is made from a blend of natural, citrus based ingredients and is every bit as effective as those derived from petrochemicals without damaging the environment or bank balances into the bargain. Diluted with 900ml of fresh water, it also produces a litre of the firm’s bike wash. Better still, all that’s left behind is the sweet smell of oranges.

However, clearly stated in the instructions, it is not a smoothie so keep out of children’s reach. Pop the spout and drizzle over the chain as if lubricating and then either ride around or rotate the cranks for a few minutes to ensure even penetration. A longer, more intricate spout would minimise wastage and make application considerably easier. Leave to stand for a further minute or two before drying the chain thoroughly using a lint free cloth and re-lubricating as normal.

Flushing the chain through using clean water is recommended but in practice, only grime encrusted cross and mtb drivetrains have demanded this. It works very effectively, gobbling up the latest generation of ultra sophisticated and traditional wet lubes along with mud and other ingress. Rising with cold water sees the formation of a scuzzy looking puddle but the citrus acids consume without trace in about fifteen minutes-even on the kitchen lino.

The ingredients have shown a tendency to solidify in cooler weather- stored outside in garages, sheds/outbuildings so keep indoors unless you’re prepared to run them under the hot tap for a few minutes before use. That said a little goes a long way and dispenser cap aside the packaging is completely recyclable.

Verdict

An eco-friendly equal to traditional degreasers. The applicator needs redesigning.