How to lubricate a bike chain and clean it so it stops squeaking

To lubricate a bike chain so it does not squeak or rust, use a wet lube based on highly refined mineral oil: apply it only to a cleaned chain every 100 km, after washing the bike and after rides in the rain. First clean the chain with a chain cleaner and let it evaporate completely, then apply the lube, let it soak in and wipe off the excess.

What you need

Chain cleaner, 400 ml

For bicycle and motorcycle chains

Bike lubricant

All-weather chain protection

Sizes: 100 ml, 210 ml, 400 ml

Why a chain squeaks and picks up dirt

A squeak usually means the chain is dry and short of lubricant; a crunch means sand and dirt have got into the links. Lube applied over dirt, or excess left on the outside, makes the chain collect dust: the Bike chain lube is a wet type, and any wet lube in excess attracts dust on dry dirt roads. If the noise remains after cleaning and lubrication, check the pedals, bottom bracket and derailleur.

How to clean and lubricate a bike chain — step by step

1. Prepare the work area. Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, away from open flames. Cover the brake discs or rims with a cloth or remove the wheel: keep both products off them.
2. Apply the cleaner. Shake the can of NANOPROTECH Chain cleaner and spray short bursts onto the inside of the chain while slowly turning the pedals. Treat the cassette and derailleurs if needed, but do not aim at the hub and bottom bracket bearings. The chain stays on the bike.
3. Let the cleaner evaporate. Wait until the dirt runs off and the product evaporates completely: the chain should feel dry, with no solvent smell. At room temperature this usually takes a few minutes; in the cold, longer.
4. Wipe the chain dry. Use a dry rag; on a very dirty chain, use a non-abrasive brush and repeat the cleaning.
5. Apply the lube. Shake the can of NANOPROTECH Bike chain lube well and spray the cleaned chain from about 20 cm, or through the applicator straw onto the inside of the chain. With the 100 ml oiler, put a drop on each roller.
6. Let the lube soak in. Turn the pedals several times to spread it through the links and wait 10–15 minutes.
7. Wipe off the excess. Wipe the outer surfaces dry with a cotton cloth: the lube stays inside the links, and dirt has nothing to stick to outside.
8. Check the brakes. Before riding, check at low speed that they work as usual.

For the fork and shocks, use silicone lubricant — see how to lubricate a bike fork.

Why it may not work

• Excess lube was left on the chain. It collects dust and dirt. Always wipe the outside dry; in dry weather and on dusty roads, apply a thinner coat.
• The lube went on a dirty chain. Remove old lube, sand and road dirt with the cleaner first.
• The cleaner had not evaporated. Lube goes only on a dry chain.
• The lube was not renewed after rain or washing. Reapply after rain, puddles, sand and washing, and otherwise every 100 km.

Safety precautions

• Keep the lube off brake discs, pads and rims, and do not degrease them with the chain cleaner. If either product gets on them, wipe the disc or rim and degrease it with isopropyl alcohol or brake cleaner; oil-soaked pads are usually replaced.
• Keep the cleaner off a painted frame and wipe off any splashes at once.
• Both products are flammable aerosols in pressurised cans. Do not spray them near open flames, red-hot objects or live electrical equipment, leave the cans in the sun or heat them above +50 °C.
• Do not pierce or burn the cans, even when empty; keep them out of the reach of children.
• The products have a technical smell that fades once dry; in a flat, work with the windows open.
• In case of eye or skin contact, rinse with water; wash the cleaner off skin with soap and water.

Frequently asked questions