The best motorcycle cleaning products tried and tested by MCN | The stuff that really works

Some bikers relish getting out the bucket and sponge and setting about cleaning their motorcycle with all manner of lotions and potions – but I am definitely not one of them. The easier you can make the chore of bike cleaning, the better in my book.

Limited time Muc-Off deal:

25% off on Muc-Off’s Mobile Pressure Washer Bundle (was £250 now £187.50)

In all my years as a biker I’ve used loads of bike washes and to be honest they’ve all worked to some extent. Even a spraying down with a hose will leave your bike slightly cleaner than it was before, after all. But there are a few cleaners that stand out, and they’re the ones I buy when it’s time to put my hand in my own pocket; Muc-Off, SDoc, Oxford Mint and Rhino Goo.

That’s not to say these are the ONLY ones that work and you’ll see others in this list recommended by more members of the MCN team. But these are a reliable place to start and one or other or all of them are usually on offer somewhere, too.

Why should you clean your motorcycle?

It’s a fair question and plenty of bikers don’t bother very often. But the inconvenient truth is that regular cleaning is good for your bike. It protects your paint and finished surfaces from attack by dirt (and salt in winter), prevents dirt build-up and corrosion that will lead to maintenance bills and could eventually give you a higher selling price when it’s time to trade in or upgrade.

As well as the general week-to-week (month-to-month?) cleaning you should go deeper from time to time, including cleaning your bike’s chain or deep cleaning your wheels.

Certain areas have their own specific products, too, such as motorcycle chrome cleaner or exhaust downpipe washes. And you don’t have to stop at your bike, either, there are plenty of products for cleaning motorcycle kit so it stays fresh and performs at its best for longer.

If you keep your bike safe in the garage over winter (there’s no shame in it) then one of the jobs you need to do first is to give it a proper clean.

So, whether you’re giving your pride and joy a quick wipe down with a waterless wash or going to town on it with foam and a jet wash, here is a selection of motorcycle cleaning products that will make your life that little bit easier.

It may sound like daft advice, but make sure you read the instructions on a cleaning product before you start. Some are designed to be applied to a dry bike and left, others should be sprayed onto a rinsed one. Failing to follow the instructions could lead to a sub-par job or, in extreme cases, do damage to some finishes.

As a team, we cover tens of thousands of miles per year in all conditions and so we can quickly work out which stuff really works and what doesn’t.

Best motorcycle cleaners

Rrp: $55.10

Price: $51.41
Alternative Retailers
Walmart
$52.99
Tested by Ben Clarke for five years

"This marvellous pink fluid is used by plenty of the MCN team on their own bikes and is one I frequently return to myself. If you’ve not had the pleasure, Muc-Off Nano Tech is a fully biodegradable, water-based cleaner with a distinctive sweet scent and lurid pink colour.

"You spray it on a wet bike and leave it to do its thing before agitating trouble spots with a brush and rinsing off and I’m always amazed at just how much dirt it fetches off with minimal effort.

"There’s usually a deal to be had somewhere on it, too, so you can stock up if you’ve got space to store it (or buy the concentrated version if you haven’t). Top tip, the Bike Cleaner marketed to cyclists is exactly the same formula in different packaging so you can take advantage of any deals you spot on that, too."

Pros

  • Biodegradable so no need to worry about rinsing it onto your driveway
  • Smells nice - not a crucial feature but nice to have all the same

Cons

  • Struggles with seriously stubborn lube fling or tar
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Ease of use
    5.0
  • Coverage
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Application Spray bottle
Format Dilute, concentrate or powder
  • Biodegradable
  • Safe on most surfaces
  • No harmful CFCs or solvents
Tested by Martin Fitz-Gibbons

"I’ve spent at least 15 years searching for the mythical magical bike-cleaning potion – the one that actually scrubs and dries your bike for you, leaving all the hard work to clever chemicals while my limited resources of elbow grease are untroubled.

"This unctuous yellow goo, made by S100 (formerly SDoc), is easily the most complete, comprehensive and compelling cleaner I’ve used. Spray it on, wait 15-20 minutes, agitate the really greasy and grotty stuff with a brush, then hose (or jetwash) it all off. 

"The cleaning power, both on general road grime and dead flies, as well as more stubborn stuff like chain lube, is better than anything I’ve come across, while the bottle says reassuring bike-friendly things like “contains no acid”.

"That said, there is also a warning to keep it away from unlacquered aluminium, and not to use it in hot sunshine (fat chance in Britain). Its final nifty trick is something in the mix that helps water run off, which makes drying the bike itself afterwards noticeably easier. Super-effective, but also super-expensive – though you can often find a deal to make it less painful."

Pros

  • Takes the effort out of bike cleaning
  • Contains ingredient that makes the water run off afterward
  • Incredibly effective even on stubborn dirt

Cons

  • Costs more than many other cleaners on the market
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Ease of use
    5.0
  • Coverage
    4.0
  • Value
    3.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Format Liquid in various quantities
Application Spray bottle
  • Cleans the bike for you
  • Gloopy consistency stays in place for longer
  • Leaves a water-repellent finish
Tested by Richard Newland for six months

"I love it when a gimmick actually works. Oxford’s entire range of Mint cleaning products is superb, and their bike wash is no exception. I ride all year in all weathers, so I get through A LOT of bike cleaner. 1-litre bottles are a mere aperitif to my consumption, and with bike cleaners being typically pretty pricy, it’s great that this Mint wash is available in a 5L size at sub £20.

"That’s probably about £1.35 per wash in winter and £1 per wash in summer. The Mint scent is addictive, and it’s a clever marketing association that actually holds true. After a quick jet wash of major filth and gritty cling-ons, simply give the bike a uniform mist of Mint wash, leave for a couple of minutes, then agitate with a brush to ensure it’s really doing the business, then rinse… I’ve noted zero filmy deposits, residues or negative reactions to any surface/finishes – just a superbly clean motorcycle emerging from the minty freshness. Superb."

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Minty scent you didn't know you needed
  • Does a good job of cleaning your bike

Cons

  • Requires more input from you than other options in this list
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Ease of use
    5.0
  • Coverage
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Format Liquid in various quantities
Application Spray bottle
  • Minty scent
  • Streak-free finish
Price: £26.99 for 10 litres (was £40)
Tested by Ben Clarke for 3 months

“We had a stash of Rhino Goo at MCN Towers for a while and so I washed my long-term test bike with it a few times. I must confess that, at the time, I had never heard of the brand before but was really pleased with the job it did.
 
“In terms of sheer cleaning power, I’d put it on a level pegging with the Oxford Mint and the Muc-Off but slightly behind the S100. Similarly, it needs a bit of agitation for best results on stubborn areas. Similarly to the Muc-Off, it's also 100% biodegradable.

"Rhino Goo say the concoction is non-caustic and safe to use on anodising, aluminium, paintwork, suspension seals, rubber, disc brake pads, carbon fibre and fibre glass - which is reassuring."

Pros

  • Good cleaning power for general dirt and grime
  • Fully biodegradable and non-caustic
  • Yellow colour shows up as you spray so you can see where you've been

Cons

  • Needs work on stubborn dirt like tree sap or tar
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Ease of use
    4.0
  • Coverage
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Format Liquid in various quantities
Application Spray bottle
  • Biodegradable
  • Non caustic
  • Safe on all components of motorbike
Price: $37.57
Tried and tested by Richard Newland for six months

"I use Muc-Off’s Snow Foam with their bespoke bike jet washer bundle, and it’s always the first part of my cleaning regime. Well, the second. First, I give the bike a quick once-over with plain water, blasting off the worst of the gritty muck and detritus, giving the bike a good soak. I leave it to drip for a few minutes, then add the foam dispenser to the lance with a little decanted bottle of Snow Foam attached, and clart the bike in a white-out of foam, and leave it to soak and lift for a couple of minutes.

"The foam, even neat and in its gloopiest form, does slide off fairly fast, but leaves a decent layer to do its business. And it does its business well, nibbling away at the muck. I always give it an agitate with a brush before I rinse, then blast it all away to see if ‘round 2’ is necessary.

"On areas of proper grime (engine, wheels etc) more effort is normally needed – and I’ll use a more dedicated cleaner – but as a primary full-bike wash on all areas of bodywork, it works brilliantly. Smells good, too. Muc-Off claim it’s pH balanced and won’t eat away at wax treatments or any paints/bare metals etc – and I’ve certainly not experienced any negatives from using it. It lasts well, too – I’ve done well over 30 bike washes – and a few cars – and I’ve not quite exhausted the 5ltrs yet."

Pros

  • Effortless to apply if you have the right kit
  • Lifts dirt well even in hard to reach places
  • Smells good - like all Muc-Off products
  • Lasts well between washes

Cons

  • Can't shift tough, greasy grime without more effort
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Ease of use
    5.0
  • Coverage
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Application Pressure washer attachment
Format Liquid in various quantities
  • Usual Muc-Off scent
  • Does not strip wax, sealant or polish
  • Covers completely and clings on to keep cleaning

Best motorcycle cleaning accessories

Tested by Richard Newland for 10 months/30+ washes

"Cleaning bikes is sometimes a cathartic way to spend an hour or two, but more often it feels like a chore – so anything that makes it easier, more effective, and faster is a good thing. However, blasting your bike’s delicate bits with an industrial pressure washer is a terrible idea. Enter this compact little unit from Muc-Off.

"I was preparing myself to be underwhelmed, as it’s deliberately lower pressure than some options, while the size makes you think it will struggle to dislodge much more than mud from your wellies. How wrong I was. It’s brilliant.

"Muc-Off says it’s specifically designed for motorcycles (and bicycles), and it comes with three different lance extensions to match your cleaning needs, as well as a snow-foam diffuser to turn your world (and bike) white.

"The unit is mains-fed (both power and water), running a 1200W motor and knocking out 80-100bar of squirt (that’s about 6 litres per minute). It’s cold water only, so don’t connect it to the hot feed. The whole kit also packs away snugly inside the provided drybag, but I tend to leave it unbagged in my garage to allow moisture to disperse.

"The power lead is 5 meters in length, and all the fixtures and fittings have so far proved durable. I disconnect the lance hose at both ends and break down the lance with every use, and everything still feels crisp and tight. I also use multiple lances and the snow foam attachment on every wash, so it’s had ample opportunity to show up weaknesses.

"In use, the snow-foam diffuser gives great coverage, and uses surprisingly little foam for each slathering. You can alter the strength of the foam/water mix to match how much filth needs soaking. I’ve been using this with the Nano Tech Cleaner spray provided (which is excellent) and also the Snow Foam (£12/ltr or £40/5ltr), which is great for a thorough pre-soaking slathering of dirt-loosening suds.

"Once slathered and soaked, it usually requires a little bit of light agitation with a brush before you can blast the grot away with the clean water and your chosen lance for the job. As ever, you need to be careful around bearings and seals, but the jet really does appear to be strong enough for the job, without being damaging.

"My verdict: Highly effective, and great value for money."

Pros

  • Deliberately 'underpowered' to be safe for motorcycles
  • 5m power cord is long enough for most
  • Comes with three lance extensions and dry bag for storage

Cons

  • Cold water only
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0
  • Overall
    5.0
Power 1200W
Weight 11.3kg
Rated pressure 80-100 bar
Flow rate 360 l/h
  • Safe for motorbikes
  • Includes range of lances
  • Various packages available
Tested by Adam Binnie

"Going to the effort of digging out your corded washer, finding an extension lead, and then uncoiling the hosepipe seems like a lot of effort to go to if all you want is to blast the bugs off a few panels. And that’s assuming you’ve got an outside tap in the first place.

"Cordless pressure cleaners are not a new thing – Karcher has a 12v model and there’s even a smaller version of the Worx unit on test available – but neither shifts enough water to replace a corded machine entirely, even when it comes to cleaning relatively delicate things like motorbikes.

"It’s very much like a cordless vacuum cleaner – easier to store and deploy at a moment’s notice, it makes cleaning your bike so easy you’ll do it more often, and then it’s less of a task."

Read our full Hydroshot Brushless review

Pros

  • Convenient to use and great if you don't have an outside tap
  • Easy to set up

Cons

  • Not as powerful as a corded pressure washer
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0
  • Overall
    4.0
Power 20V rechargeable battery
Weight 2.2kg with battery
Rated pressure 38 bar
Flow rate 220 l/h
  • Portable, battery operated design
  • No need for a hose or a tap
  • IPX7 waterproof battery case

Best motorbike cleaning accessories

Price: $10.66
Tested by Gareth Evans for five months

"I’ve got a lot of time for this useful little gadget. It’s got two functions: dry dusting and cleaning with fluids. I’ve done both, so was glad it’s machine washable between uses. 

"For a penny under £6 I reckon it’s brilliant value for a reusable microfibre cleaning implement, and the ‘noodle’ element means it’s easy to get right into the nooks and crannies of even the busiest of adventure bike bodywork. It retains loads of fluid too, allowing more to get onto the bike compared with a traditional sponge.  

"The elastic strap at the back prevents dropping it on a gritty floor, which adds peace of mind for anyone who’s dropped a sponge or a cloth mid-clean, writing it off as a cleaning tool in the process to avoid rubbing gravel into your perfect paintwork. In fact, the noodles are so soft that it really feels like you’re looking after your bike, and yet it’s well made and there are no indications of quality issues so far."

Pros

  • Cheap and cheerful accessory
  • Makes the job of cleaning easier

Cons

  • None that we've found so far
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0

Things to keep in mind

Make sure you check the compatibility of any cleaning solutions or chemicals before you use them on your bike. Some motorcycle cleaning products cannot be used on chrome or aluminium, for example, but they will say on the bottle.

If you use a pressure washer, avoid spraying directly into electronic components or switches, down the exhaust or into the air intake. Bearings should also be avoided, and be careful of your decals. If your pressure washer has a lower setting, opt for that.

A coating of general lube or water dispersant spray on a clean bike can lengthen the gap between washes, protect vulnerable surfaces and make future washes easier. ACF-50, FS-360 or Oxford General Protectant are all solid options.

How MCN tests products

At MCN, our team of expert journalists have decades of experience gained over hundreds of thousands miles and we want to use that wisdom to make sure you buy cleaning products that are worth the money.

We ride year-round and in all conditions, and so we get a lot of bikes dirty. That means a LOT of washing for our test bikes and our own machines and so we get through cleaner and cleaning accessories quickly.

We use cleaning products just how you do, not in a lab and not in controlled conditions but in the real world.

If you can’t see a review against an item on this page, it’s because we haven’t tested it yet. These items will only be included if we think they’re important and relevant in the market, and rest assured, we will be working on bringing you a review as soon as we’ve done the miles.

To find out more, head to our dedicated page explaining how we test motorcycle products.


What our scores mean

When we review a product, we award it a score out of five. In the ratings tab of a given product, you may also find more specific scores for the different aspects of a product’s performance to help you make an informed decision. In order to be included in a buying guide, a product must achieve an overall score of at least four stars.

Here’s a guide to what each number score means:

  • 1 star – Poor performance in this category or overall. A product with a single star rating has fallen below the expected standard and should be avoided.
  • 2 stars – Basic performance in this area or overall. A product with a two-star rating has managed to perform to a barely acceptable level and there is room for improvement.
  • 3 stars – An average performance in this area or overall. A product with a three-star rating has achieved a basic level of performance and is deemed adequate.
  • 4 stars – A product has performed over and above the accepted averaged in this category or overall. A product with a four-star rating has surpassed expectation and delivered in a particularly impressive way.
  • 5 stars – A product has performed at the highest possible level in a particular category or overall. A product with a five-star rating has delivered to the highest possible level, impressing the tester with its performance. We would happily spend our own money on it.

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