MOTORCYCLE CLEANING

MOTORCYCLE CLEANING:

Exposed to the elements one of the most difficult tasks to undertake is the regular cleaning of motorcycles.

With so many mechanical components exposed regular cleaning is neccessary to prevent dirt build up and spoiling of the vehicles appearance and finish.

After winter riding one of the main tasks to take on is a thorough clean of the bike and removal of any traces of road salt that may have been attracted to it.

For road bikes fitted without a rear hugger the area around the shock absorber should be thoroughly cleaned with either a powerful hosepipe or ideally a heavy duty pressure washer (used on it's lowest setting).

This should be followed by careful cleaning of the engine, the motorcycles frame, and front suspension / fork area. Careful attention should be made when cleaning around the bikes electrical items including the wiring loom, switchgear, lights, and all other electrical fittings.

For stubborn debris a purpose valeting brush should be used which removes the dirt but without scratching the motorbikes paintwork.

The next stage should be ensuring the bike is fully dry before treatment of the paintwork and plastics, as well as general lubrication of all related items. As well as leaving the bike to dry naturally the process can be speeded up with the use of a compressor and airline, or a tip for the home DIY'er is to use a household hair dryer.

When all traces of water have been removed and you are sure the vehicle is completely dry, the paintwork and plastics (fairing, chain guard, hugger, screen etc) should have a quality polish applied and be buffed to a protective finish. Several different types of specialist bike cleaners are available such as; autoglym, muc off, meguiars to name a few.

Lubrication: If fitted the motorbike should be greased and lubricated where needed according to the owners manual. Attention should be given to thorough greasing of the chain especially if a power washer was used to clean it. Other items include greasing of the swinging arm bushes (grease nipples may be present), linkages, footpeg points, and stand pivots. Care should be taken to make sure grease and oil is kept away from the bikes tyres, as well as all operator controls.

SPILLAGE CLEAN UP

SPILLAGE CLEAN UP::

If your home or property suffers a flood or water leakage prompt attention is required to prevent costly damage to it's fixtures and decorations.

The first course of action needs to be the prevention of any further damage by the turning off of the water supply. In most homes this can be located in an area normally in the kitchen, close to the sink basin. In commercial property this could vary but is generally situated close to the incoming water supply pipes to the building.

After shutting off the water supply the next step is removal of the water to allow work to be undertaken to repair and redecorate the effected area.

Tradition hand clean up methods can be used such as the traditional "mop & bucket", but to speed the job up an electric wet and dry vacuum cleaner or carpet cleaning machine could be used.

A wet & dry vacuum cleaner will suck up water as well as dry materials allowing you to work at a faster pace to tackle the spillage. If carpet soiling has taken place the best method of cleaning the carpets is with a professional carpet cleaning machine.

Both these two pieces of equipment are out of reach of the homeowner / DIY'er, but are available for hire at a reasonable cost from one of the leading tool hire companies. When hired due to these machines being electric it is normal for a "circuit breaker" to be offered at the time of collection. A "circuit breaker" offers peace of mind with extra levels of safety being provided when electrical equipment is used, especially in areas where flooding or water damage has occured.

Another piece of equipment to consider following a flood is the use of a water power washer. Commonly known as a pressure washer this item forces water out at a very high pressure to clean solid objects (walls/concrete floors) with ease.

Athough available at very low cost prices for DIY models, professional power washers are designed for regular use by professional tradesmen and so generally sell for a far higher price. Again this is the type of tool which can be more cost effective to hire, especially from a tool hire company that specialises in cleaning equipment rental.