If you use your bike it will need cleaning from time to time to wash away dirt and mud, and remove old lube that may be splattered around.

The mud will respond to warm, soapy water and everything else will disappear under some citrus degreaser, a clean rag, and some elbow grease. Do not spray the degreaser onto the bike, spray it on the rag and wipe the bike.

If you have to use a hose (or that nemesis of bikes – a pressure washer!) do not direct the jet onto your wheel bearings, headset, drivetrain or bottom bracket. It will have a similar effect to spraying degreaser in your bearings.