Reinig en smeer de ketting
Verwijder vuil en oude smering van de ketting en breng verse smering correct aan.
Goal: Een fietsketting reinigen en smeren zodat hij soepel loopt en langer meegaat.
Minimum practice time: 0.25 hours
Materials needed
- • Chain degreaser
- • Chain cleaning brush or old toothbrush
- • Clean cloths (3)
- • Chain lubricant (correct type for conditions)
- • Nitrile gloves
Safety first
- ! Wear nitrile gloves when handling degreaser and lubricant
- ! Do not use degreaser on brake pads or rotors — it removes braking ability
- ! Dispose of dirty cloths and degreaser safely according to workshop rules
Steps7 total
- 1
Put on nitrile gloves
Put on a pair of nitrile gloves before handling degreaser or chain lubricant.
Done when:Your hands are protected.
Why:Degreaser is a chemical that irritates skin with repeated contact.
- 2
Apply chain degreaser
Apply degreaser along the full length of the chain while turning the pedals backwards slowly.
Done when:The full chain is coated with degreaser.
Why:Degreaser breaks down the built-up oil and grime in the chain links.
- 3
Scrub the chain
Use a chain cleaning brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the chain, cassette and chainring. Turn the pedals slowly.
Done when:No visible black grease or dirt remains on the chain and sprockets.
Why:Brushing loosens dirt that degreaser alone cannot remove.
- 4
Wipe the chain clean
Hold a clean cloth around the chain. Turn the pedals to pull the chain through the cloth. Repeat with a fresh part of the cloth.
Done when:The cloth comes away with little or no black residue.
Why:Wiping removes the dirty degreaser before applying fresh lubricant.
- 5
Rinse and dry if needed
If the chain is very dirty, rinse with warm water and dry with a cloth. Allow to dry fully before lubricating.
Done when:The chain is dry and clean.
Why:Water left in the chain will prevent lubricant bonding properly.
- 6
Apply chain lubricant
Apply one drop of lubricant on each chain link while turning the pedals backwards slowly.
Done when:Every chain link has received a drop of lubricant.
Why:Lubricant reduces wear between the moving chain links.
- 7
Wipe off excess lubricant
Hold a clean cloth against the chain. Turn the pedals for 10 seconds. The chain should feel slightly slick but not oily.
Done when:The chain feels smooth. No excess lubricant drips from it.
Why:Excess lubricant collects dirt and makes the chain dirty again quickly.
Common mistakes to avoid
- × Not waiting for the chain to dry before applying lubricant
- × Applying too much lubricant
- × Not wiping off excess lubricant after application
- × Using wet lubricant in dry conditions — it collects dust and grit quickly
Supervisor checklist
Confirm each item is completed before signing off.
- Gloves worn throughout
- Chain is clean with no black residue
- Lubricant applied to every link
- Excess lubricant wiped off
- Chain runs quietly when pedalling
Evidence required
- • Clean chain visible — photo taken before and after
- • Supervisor confirms chain runs quietly
Track this work card with a learner
Tick off steps, add evidence and register hours in Bloeiindex.