How to wash a scooter at home without damaging it
Short answer
Wash in the shade on a cool bike: rinse first, wash from top to bottom with a pH-neutral shampoo and a clean microfibre mitt, keep water off the intake, switches and ignition, rinse well and dry with a microfibre towel. Never use dish soap or a hard brush on dusty paint.
What you need
- Two buckets (one for soap, one for rinsing the mitt).
- pH-neutral bike or car shampoo.
- A clean microfibre mitt and soft brush for wheels.
- Microfibre drying towels.
- A hose without a high-pressure nozzle.
- Chain lube for manual bikes.
Step by step
- Let the engine and exhaust cool, and work in the shade.
- Rinse the bike gently to lift sand and dust.
- Wash from top to bottom with the shampoo and mitt, rinsing the mitt often.
- Clean the wheels and tyres last with a separate brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with low pressure.
- Dry with microfibre towels.
- Lubricate the chain on a manual bike once it is dry.
Keep water away from
- The air intake and the exhaust outlet.
- Switches, the ignition and the dashboard.
- Wheel bearings and the chain, which should not be blasted by a jet.
Mistakes that scratch paint
- Washing a dry, dusty bike with a cloth.
- Using one dirty sponge for the whole bike.
- Dish soap, which strips wax.
- Washing in direct sun.
Short on time?
Our Essential Wash takes about 30 minutes from IDR 80k, and the Care Plan gives you four washes a month for the price of three.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash my scooter with a hose?
Yes, with a gentle flow. Avoid a high-pressure jet near the chain, bearings, intake and electrics.
What soap should I use to wash a motorbike?
A pH-neutral bike or car shampoo. Avoid dish soap.
Should I wash a scooter when the engine is hot?
No. Let it cool first, and work in the shade.
How do I dry a scooter?
With clean microfibre towels, so no water spots are left.