If you own an electric bike, then you know that it can be susceptible to rust from time to time. However, you can take care of this rust pretty easily without having to rely on getting your bike professionally cleaned. Best of all, you don’t have to rely on expensive products. In fact, you likely have some of your bike’s rust cleaning solutions in your home right now. Here’s a look at how to remove rust from a bike in minutes.
1. Use Oil
Have a rusty bike chain? You know that can lead to poor performance. Therefore, you need to get that rust off as soon as possible. If the chain is rusty, you can use oil directly to solve it. All you need to complete this cleaning is a small amount of oil and a cloth. Here’s a simple step by step way to get that rust off of your bike chain:
- 1. Put a drop of oil on each chain link
- 2. wipe it with a cloth
- 3. Repeat as needed
2. Baking Soda
Is there nothing that baking soda can’t do? Believe it or not, you can use good old baking soda to clean rust off the bike quickly and easily. All you need to get the job done is a box of baking soda, water, a bowl, a cloth and a small brush. Here’s a step by step approach to cleaning your electric bike with baking soda:
- 1. Mix baking soda and rust in a bowl.
- 2. Apply the baking soda solution directly to the rust for 15 minutes.
- 3. Brush off the solution with either a toothbrush or a steel wire ball.
- 4. Wait 10 minutes.
- 5. Wipe off the solution with a clean, dry cloth.
3. Coca Cola
Got any Coca-Cola around the house? Then you already have a rust cleaning solution for your electric bike. Thanks to the drink's acetic acid properties, you can decompose that rust in minutes. All you need is a can of Coca-Cola, a spray bottle and a brush or a similar tool. Here’s a step by step approach to cleaning Coca-Cola off your bike:
- 1. Pour Coca-Cola into a spray bottle.
- 2. Spray it on the rusty area.
- 3. Wipe off the rust with a brush or similar tool.
4. Lime Juice
The one thing that bike rust does not like is acidic solutions. Well it doesn’t get more acidic than lime juice. That’s right. This is yet another inexpensive drink that will allow you to get that rust off of your ebike in minutes. All you need to clean your bike here is some lime juice, a steel wool cloth, some water and a clean cloth. Here’s a step by step approach on how to clean rust off of your bike with lime juice:
- 1. Pour the citric acid solution onto the steel wool cloth.
- 2. Wipe the rusty area.
- 3. Rinse off with water.
- 4. Wipe it with a clean cloth.
5. Use Vinegar
Do you enjoy eating salads? Then chances are that you have some vinegar in your kitchen. The good news is that your vinegar bottle can be the key to getting rid of that bike rust once and for all. All you need to remove rust with vinegar is white vinegar (because it is more acidic), a spray bottle, baking soda, alcohol, and a clean cloth. Here is a step by step approach to cleaning rust off your electric bicycle with vinegar:
- 1. Pour the white vinegar into a spray bottle.
- 2. Add baking soda powder into the spray bottle.
- 3. Spray it on the rusty area.
- 4. Wait for 10-15 minutes.
- 5. Rinse off the vinegar.
- 6. Wipe it off with a cloth with alcohol.
If the rust is really serious, the parts of the electric bicycle can be removed and soaked in a solution of white vinegar.
6. Chemical Rust Remover
If all else fails, then you need to go for the ultimate solution - chemical rust remover. Sure, this is not one of these great homemade solutions. However, chemical rust remover is formulated to handle the most stubborn rust on your electric bike. All you need to clean your electric bike with chemical rust remover is a can of chemical rust remover, a clean cloth, gloves, safety glasses, and a mask. The protection gear is important since chemical rust remover has some corrosive properties that break down rust easily. Here’s a step by step approach on how to remove rust with a chemical rust remover:
- 1. Spray the chemical rust remover on the rusted area
- 2. Wait 30 minutes
- Wipe with a clean cloth
If the rusting is serious, then you will want to leave the chemical rust remover on the affected area overnight.
Common areas where you may find electric bike rust
If you have an electric bike, you may think that you don’t have any rust on it. However, the rust on your electric bike can really build up if you don’t detect it early enough. That’s why you will want to inspect your electric bike often for any signs of rust. This is especially true if you bike in wet weather. Here are the areas of your electric bike that should be checked for rust:
Bicycle chain - This is one of the most common areas where you may find rust on your bike.
Wheel spokes - Since your spokes may come into constant contact with standing water, rust may build up in these areas.
Wheel rims - Also be sure to check your wheel’s rims for any sign of rust.
Handlebars - Your handlebars may get some rust on them after a while. Be sure to check under the handlebars for any hidden rust. And we recommend using handlebar covers to better protect your bike handlebars.
Keeping your electric bike free from rust
Electric bikes need maintenance, rust can decrease the performance and the overall value of your electric bike. Left untreated, that rust can end up costing you big in repair bills. Don’t let rust take over your bike. Use one of the easy approaches listed above. Before you know it, your electric bike will look and perform better than ever.
