Cleaning Carbon Fiber

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2009-07-24 2:02 PM

Expert
1030
100025
Miller Place, Long Island
Subject: Cleaning Carbon Fiber
Hi Everyone,

I recently got a carbon fiber bike for the first time.  For years I have been using Simple Green to clean my Aluminum bikes (frames and drive trains, etc)  Is it safe to use Simple Green on Carbon Fiber frames as well?

2009-07-24 2:10 PM
in reply to: #2306296

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Austin, Texas or Jupiter, Florida
Subject: RE: Cleaning Carbon Fiber
Zinn says Pledge wipes.
2009-07-24 2:18 PM
in reply to: #2306296

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Pro
4528
2000200050025
Norwalk, Connecticut
Subject: RE: Cleaning Carbon Fiber
i use simple green on mine, so far so good!!!

2009-07-24 2:24 PM
in reply to: #2306296

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Regular
103
100
NYC/South Jersey
Subject: RE: Cleaning Carbon Fiber
I use Pedro's green fizz. Works great!
2009-07-24 2:33 PM
in reply to: #2306296

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Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: Cleaning Carbon Fiber
Simple Green's probably better on your carbon than on your aluminum, as I've heard it's corrosive to that metal.

I use mild solutions of car wash on all my bikes.
2009-07-24 3:05 PM
in reply to: #2306296

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Expert
1296
1000100100252525
Subject: RE: Cleaning Carbon Fiber

Spit, Rain and a towel....otherwise dirty is better!

2009-07-24 3:31 PM
in reply to: #2306371

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Champion
7036
5000200025
Sarasota, FL
Subject: RE: Cleaning Carbon Fiber

the bear - 2009-07-24 3:33 PM Simple Green's probably better on your carbon than on your aluminum, as I've heard it's corrosive to that metal.

I use mild solutions of car wash on all my bikes.

Simple Green cleans great but it can corrode Aluminum if it's not completely rinsed off.  The Air Force uses it on aircraft components, but has some specific mil spec procedures to follow when they use it.  On bikes, the biggest concern would probably be the discoloring of bare aluminum - it can darken or stain it with a brownish tint.  I know some fellow Corvette owners who have discolored their valve covers and other parts when they used it to clean their engine compartments and didn't get it thoroughly rinsed off.   

I use it all the time on my bike's drive train and then hose it off before relubing. 

x2 on using car wash soap on my bike frame.

Mark

2009-07-24 3:57 PM
in reply to: #2306296

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Pro
6767
500010005001001002525
the Alabama part of Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: Cleaning Carbon Fiber
I use a squirt of Dawn in a bucket of hot water.  Then polish with ICE wax.
2009-07-27 8:16 AM
in reply to: #2306296

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Regular
389
100100100252525
Subject: RE: Cleaning Carbon Fiber
I use Pledge as well. Bike Shop recommended it.
2009-07-27 3:16 PM
in reply to: #2306296

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Master
1222
1000100100
Lafayette, IN
Subject: RE: Cleaning Carbon Fiber
I use a citrus cleaner on my drivetrain and Turtle Wax Brand Car Zip Wax Car Wash.
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