Rex Chain Cleaner is a high-performance degreaser designed to effectively remove even the most stubborn oils, waxes and dirt from your drivetrain. Thanks to its Active Solvent technology, it can be used undiluted for intensive cleaning or diluted with water (1 part product to 2 parts water) to feed a cleaning machine whilst reducing product consumption. Its formula ensures that residues can be easily rinsed off with water, making for quick and efficient maintenance.
Unlike many alkaline degreasers, Rex Chain Cleaner is safe for frames and components made from anodised aluminium or carbon fibre. It does not cause corrosion, does not dull anodised surfaces and leaves no film on brake discs that could impair their effectiveness. Largely biodegradable, it offers a solution that is both effective and gentle on bike components.
Technical specifications:
- Rex Chain Cleaner bike degreaser 1000 ml
- Capacity: 1 litre
- Format: Liquid
- Practical: Bike cleaning
- Dissolves oils, waxes and other dirt
- Gentle on aluminium and carbon
- Suitable for use in cleaning machines
- Can be used undiluted or diluted
- Biodegradable
- Brand: Rex
How do you use Rex Chain Cleaner to degrease a road bike chain?
Rex Chain Cleaner can be used undiluted or diluted with water, depending on the intended use.
For a quick clean of the cassette and derailleur, simply spray the product directly onto the dirty parts, scrub off the grime with a brush (such as an old washing-up brush), then rinse with clean water.
For thorough degreasing of the chain, the product can be used undiluted or diluted in a dedicated chain cleaner (chain cleaning machine). It is recommended to finish with a final rinse using the product mixed with clean water, then dry the chain thoroughly before applying a lubricant.
To remove factory grease from a new chain, it is advisable to soak it overnight in the Chain Cleaner, then rinse with water and wipe thoroughly. The product used for this soak can be reused several times.
What is the recommended dilution ratio for Rex Chain Cleaner?
The recommended ratio is 1 part Chain Cleaner to 2 parts water.
This dilution allows for more economical use of the product whilst maintaining its degreasing effectiveness thanks to the active solvent technology. The special surfactants contained in the formula enhance the wetting properties of the low-aromatic hydrocarbon blend, creating a water-miscible solution that can be used undiluted or diluted, particularly in a chain cleaning machine.
After use, never pour the dirty liquid down the sink: the used solvent should be absorbed with cloths or paper and then left to evaporate. The product is also classified as readily biodegradable according to OECD 301F, which limits its environmental impact when disposed of correctly.
Is Rex Chain Cleaner safe for carbon and aluminium frames?
Yes, Rex Chain Cleaner has been specifically designed to be safe for aluminium and carbon.
Its non-alkaline formula sets it apart from many popular bike cleaners which, according to research carried out during the product’s development, have been found to be harmful to these materials in the long term. Alkaline cleaners do indeed cause corrosion on aluminium parts over time and cause anodised aluminium parts to lose their shine.
The Rex Chain Cleaner has been verified as completely safe for anodised aluminium parts during long-term soaking tests. This makes it a suitable choice for the regular maintenance of high-end carbon or anodised aluminium components, without any risk of damaging the finishes or the structure of the materials.
Can Rex degreaser affect the performance of hydraulic disc brakes?
The Rex Chain Cleaner leaves no film on the brake discs and therefore does not reduce their performance.
This feature was specifically tested and validated during the product’s development, as many conventional degreasers can leave oily or film-forming residues on braking surfaces, thereby reducing the braking power of hydraulic disc brakes.
However, caution is advised: the instructions specify that direct contact between the product and the brake pads must be avoided, as the fluid may seep in and reduce braking efficiency. It is therefore recommended that you protect or remove the brake pads when cleaning the drivetrain near the calipers, in order to fully preserve the bike’s braking performance.
How do you remove factory grease from a new bike chain using this product?
Soak the new chain overnight in Rex Chain Cleaner before rinsing and drying.
New chains are usually coated with a thick layer of factory grease designed to protect them during transport and storage, but this grease is not always ideal in terms of performance and cleanliness for regular use.
The procedure involves completely submerging the chain in the Chain Cleaner overnight, allowing the active solvent to thoroughly dissolve this original grease. You then simply rinse the chain with clean water and wipe it down thoroughly before applying a suitable lubricant. A notable advantage is that the soaking liquid can be reused several times, which optimises the product’s value for money over time.
Is Rex Chain Cleaner biodegradable and environmentally friendly?
Yes, the product is classified as readily biodegradable according to the OECD 301F standard.
This certification confirms that the product breaks down rapidly in the environment in accordance with internationally recognised standardised test protocols, making it a more responsible choice compared to certain traditional degreasers based on harsh solvents.
It is nevertheless essential to follow the instructions for use and disposal: the product must never be poured directly down the drain. After use, the soiled liquid should be absorbed using cloths or paper, then left to evaporate, rather than being poured down the sink. This precaution helps to limit the spread of the solvent into the sewage system whilst still benefiting from its inherent biodegradability.
Can Rex Chain Cleaner be used in a chain cleaning machine?
Yes, Rex Chain Cleaner is specifically designed for use either undiluted or diluted in a chain cleaning machine.
Its active solvent technology creates a water-miscible solution that remains effective even when diluted, making it particularly suitable for use in a chain cleaning machine, where the product circulates in a closed circuit around the chain for combined mechanical and chemical degreasing.
For a thorough clean, it is recommended to use the product undiluted or diluted in the machine, followed by a final rinse using the same product mixed with clean water. The chain must then be dried before applying a lubricant, to ensure a clean and fully relubricated drivetrain for use on the road or on gravel.