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Just an advisory against using Simple Green (or similar household) cleaner on your bikes. A recent study in the aviation field found that the Ph is such that it can cause brittling and other damage when used on aluminum and other alloyed surfaces. The damage isn't initially apparent to the naked eye, but it will eventually result in pitting, powdering, crazing, and other evident corrosion.

Hey JB,
Your an Aviation guy and I thought you would have heard about this already. I can't find the actual data from Boeing or the FAA but the stuff actually causes a type of corrosion called (Hydrogen Embrittlement). It somehow gets into the grain of the metal, If I find the info I'll attach it later. "Simple green" is simply nasty stuff on some metals!!
Steve_Sixmil

Post deleted by Grump

I had heard about it some time ago, but I simply neglected/forgot to post it. Sorry that it took so long.

YOW! I knew not to use Simple Green on plastic and painted surfaces but thought it was ok on metal. I had been using it to clean the grit and grime off the wire wheels and engine. I sprayed it on, rinsed throughly with a hose and dried with a blower. I've only done this 2 or 3 times - hadn't noticed a problem yet, but I will stop. NOW, what is an easy safe way to clean the wire wheels?

I've done the same thing, Bob. on the rear wheel to get the grease from the chain off. Thanks for the warning, JC.

Just use plain old car wash soap, mild stuff and a nylon scrub brush. "Turtle Wax" or any of your basic auto supply stuff. Just takes a little elbow grease and patience on your part. Thanks for the warning JB and Grump that was the test I was talking about. Boeing did a study also. The mechancis here at the hangar had to get rid of all the Simple green bottles.
This is what I like about this forum, you can get good info on almost any subject! Keep up the good work everyone.

Wow. Had no idea. I used it all the time on my uncles piper colt that I trained in. I also used it on my bike to remove that green marker stuff that they use when putting the bike together. Stuff worked great on grease and oil, but no more for me.

Although I thank you for this info, it's kinda depressing me....might have to try to get some "dole" money

I have been preaching the dangers of Simple Green for a long time. It ruined a vinyl seat in one of my old boats when accidently spilled, and ruined the paint on the headlight bucket of my TBS. I never realized it could damage 'aluminium' though. Guess I'll only be using it for the grease spots in the driveway.

There are some citrus based cleaners out that do a very nice job on cutting grease and grime. However, I'm not certain of their effects on metals and I'm also unaware that there has been any published studies on them either.

Thanks for the heads up JC.
I've been using highly diluted concentrate for a lot of things but now I'll stop.
Man, what a shame. This is one of the most economical cleaners I have found so far in that it actually works best when diluted to the point where it is just barely green in color.
Oil Well.....live and learn.

I checked the label on "Greased Lighting" a lemon deagreaser/cleaner and it's label is very much like Simple Green - do not spray on painted surfaces, unfinished aluminum, etc. SO, does anyone know of a safe product to use to clean the grease and grime off the wheels, engine, etc.?

I have had good luck with eagle one wheel cleaner for my rims. Cuts the brake dust well.

Shame about simple green!! I have a gallon of the friggin stuff. I knew it was bad for paint mainly because it WILL remove wax.... I've been using the honda cleaner almost exlusively on the bike lately. Especially because I don't have a hose... I mean like a house hose, not like a ya know... hose....

JC,
Thanks for the heads up!!!!
I've used Simple Green under the hood, but not on a bike. If I did, it would be diluted to about 100:1.
I love Simple Green, by the way. Good for grease spots on the carport floor and cleaning around the house.

I've found Castrol "Super Degreaser" works as well as Simple Green, but is significantly cheaper. Walmart sells the Castrol product. I use it on my garage floor, grease stains on clothing, etc.

Thanks! I had no idea ...use it all the time, especially on my "bicycle" which is the same 7075-T6 Aluminum the Air Force tested.
Dang. I also have a gallon...tossing it.

Go here to the MSDS sheet. Is it the 2-butoxyethanol ingredient that makes it bad? Man I just grabbed my bottle of Power Purple from Cycle Gear and noticed it contains the same stuff. Mild soapy water and scrub brush for me.
SIMPLE GREEN® ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER MSDS

I got it Phil, That was funny.

Ok, I'm checking labels and hope I'll come up with a good alternative to Simple Green - OR someone on this forum will. If you know of a safe cleaner/degreaser, please post it!

Fishercat found a good citrus cleaner somewhere...

Blast Citrus cleaner at Walmart in the auto section. I've been using it on my chain and rear sprocket. It really takes the old lube off. I use Honda Pro cleaner for the wheels and chrome.

does that mean that it is not good for a chain either?? i have used it several times to deep clean my chain and havnt noticed anything unusual?? no pitting or signs of trouble yet. and it does a great job of cleaning the grime and wax out of my chain.

Mineral Spirits works great to clean chains and oil grime off of wheels. It will also de-wax paint, so use only enough to do the job. Wash the bike with a good quality car soap afterward and then lube the chain. BTW, using dish detergent on painted car/morocycle surfaces is NOT good for the paint!

OK, I found a great replacement. It's available at Honda shops and is called Hondabrite. It is a spray on cleaner/degreaser. It is a water based detergent that is safe on metal, chrome, alloy, plastic, rubber, and paint! Spray on, it foams, rinse off, dry. I blow dry with a leaf blower. Best of all, it costs only $4.95 for a large can.

Good to know. I still want to find that walmart citrus stuff Ron suggested. I use the honda spray cleaner/polish on my bike regularly now. Good stuff! Especially for a guy who doesn;t have a hose