How to clean bicycle brakes effectively?

Brakes are the component your life literally depends on. A single failed braking manoeuvre on a steep descent, in wet conditions, or in heavy urban traffic can result in a serious crash. The problem is that even the best disc brakes gradually lose power — not through wear, but through contaminants that aren't visible day to day. Pad dust, chain oil spray, road surface deposits — all of this settles on discs and pads, creating a layer that acts like a lubricant. The result? Longer stopping distances and an unpleasant squeal that can be heard from afar.

Why do brakes lose power?

Disc brakes work on the principle of friction — pads press against a metal disc, converting kinetic energy into heat. The cleaner the friction surface, the more effective the braking. Unfortunately, these surfaces are permanently exposed to dirt.

Main sources of contamination

Oil and grease from the chain are enemy number one. During riding, particularly in rain or on wet trails, oil from the drivetrain sprays and settles on the discs. Even a small amount of lubricant drastically reduces the friction coefficient — pads slide across the disc instead of gripping it.

Brake pad dust is produced naturally during braking. Fine particles from the pad and disc material mix with moisture, creating a sticky mass that gradually bakes onto the surface. This layer acts as an insulator — reducing braking effectiveness and generating that characteristic, piercing squeal.

Tarmac, tar, and road deposits adhere to hot discs when riding on sun-baked asphalt in summer. Tar from the road surface, puddle spray, fine gravel — all of this creates coatings that are difficult to remove and which trap further contaminants.

How do contaminants affect braking?

The effects of dirty brakes are immediately noticeable. Stopping distance increases — sometimes by as much as 20–30%, which in an emergency situation can be the difference between stopping safely and having an accident. An unpleasant squeal appears — a high-pitched, piercing sound caused by pad vibration on the contaminated disc. Braking becomes inconsistent — sometimes stronger, sometimes weaker, because the layer of dirt is uneven.

Worse still, contaminants accelerate pad wear. Sand particles and dust act like sandpaper, grinding down pad material far faster than normal friction against a clean disc. This directly translates to more frequent replacements and higher running costs.

When should you clean your brakes?

There's no need to wait until brakes start squealing or lose power. Regular cleaning is the best preventative measure.

After every ride in mud or rain — water mixes with dust and oil, creating a substance that quickly adheres to discs. A few minutes after returning home is enough to remove fresh contaminants before they dry and bake on permanently.

Every 2–3 weeks with regular riding — even if you only ride on tarmac in dry conditions, discs collect microscopic particles of oil, dust, and airborne pollutants. Regular cleaning keeps them in optimal condition.

Before important rides — marathons, longer mountain trips, group rides — it's always worth ensuring brakes are working at 100%. Cleaning discs and pads before such a trip is a safety standard.

When the first warning signs appear — squealing, increased stopping distance, inconsistent power — these are signs it's time to clean. The sooner you act, the easier it is to restore full effectiveness.

How to clean brakes properly

Cleaning brakes is a straightforward process, but it requires the right tools and precision. Ordinary soapy water isn't sufficient — a specialist degreaser that quickly dissolves contaminants and evaporates completely is needed.

Preparation for cleaning

Before starting work, position the bike securely — ideally on a stand or leaning against a wall. Check that the wheels rotate freely. Prepare a clean cloth (microfibre is best as it doesn't leave fibres) and a suitable cleaning product.

OC1 Brake Cleaner is an aerosol designed precisely for this task. Its formula instantly dissolves oils, greases, tar deposits, and dust, leaving no residue. Unlike multi-purpose cleaners that may leave a film, Brake Cleaner evaporates completely without a trace.

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Spray the discs — hold the can approximately 10–15 cm from the disc. Spray the entire disc surface on both sides if possible. The liquid will immediately begin dissolving contaminants — you'll see dirt running downwards.

Step 2: Clean the pads — carefully spray the surface of the brake pads. Don't overdo the quantity — a few short bursts are sufficient. The aerosol will penetrate the microstructure of the material, removing internal contaminants.

Step 3: Wait for evaporation — Brake Cleaner evaporates within a few seconds. Don't wipe whilst wet — wait for the surface to dry on its own.

Step 4: Wipe away deposits — with a clean, dry cloth, wipe the disc and pads to remove dissolved dirt residue. If contaminants were particularly stubborn, repeat the process.

Step 5: Check other components — whilst you're at it, you can clean the brake callipers, mounting bolts, and guides. Brake Cleaner safely removes dirt from metal without damaging components.

Important considerations during cleaning

Avoid spraying on plastic fairings or paintwork — Brake Cleaner is a strong solvent that can damage delicate surfaces. Focus only on metal brake components.

Don't touch discs with bare hands after cleaning — finger oils will immediately transfer to the disc and negate the cleaning effects. Always use gloves or hold the disc by its edges.

Work in a well-ventilated area — aerosols evaporate quickly, releasing vapours. An open window or working outdoors is good practice.

Benefits of regular cleaning

Consistent brake maintenance delivers measurable benefits that you'll notice from the first lever pull.

Full braking power — clean discs and pads work together with maximum friction. Stopping distance is reduced, and the bike responds instantly, confidently, and predictably. In emergency situations, this can be the crucial difference.

Silence instead of squealing — after removing the layer of contaminants, brakes stop squealing. Pads press evenly against the smooth disc surface, without vibration or unpleasant noise.

Longer component lifespan — clean brakes mean less wear. Pads work in optimal conditions and aren't ground down by dirt particles. Discs don't suffer premature thickening or warping. This means direct savings — pads are replaced 30–40% less frequently.

Better modulation — with clean brakes, controlling braking force is easier. You can precisely meter power, which is particularly important on technical descents or in heavy urban traffic.

Cleaning other bike components

Brake Cleaner is a versatile product that proves useful beyond just brakes. Its powerful degreasing action and zero residue after evaporation open up a range of additional applications.

Chain cleaning before lubrication — before applying fresh lubricant, it's worth removing old, dirty oil. Brake Cleaner quickly dissolves accumulated dirt on chain rollers, preparing it for re-lubrication. Simply spray the chain, rotate the cranks a few times, and wipe with a cloth.

Degreasing cassette and derailleurs — cassette sprockets and derailleur jockey wheels collect oil mixed with dust, creating a sticky mass that slows shifting. Brake Cleaner effectively removes these deposits, restoring smooth drivetrain operation.

Surface preparation before installation — before applying tubeless tape to a rim, before fitting new pads, or before applying grease, it's worth degreasing the surface. Brake Cleaner provides a perfectly clean base with no risk of leaving residue.

Cleaning suspension components — suspension dust wipers (those rubber seals on front fork and rear shock bearings) collect dirt that penetrates inside and damages seals. Regular cleaning of these areas with Brake Cleaner extends suspension lifespan.

Frequently asked questions about brake cleaning

Can Brake Cleaner be used on carbon fibre brake components? Yes, OC1 Brake Cleaner is safe for carbon brake components. It doesn't damage the material structure and effectively removes contaminants without risk of chemical etching.

How often do brakes really need cleaning? It depends on riding conditions. For regular road riding in dry conditions, once every 2–3 weeks is sufficient. If you ride MTB in mud — after every outing. The golden rule is: as soon as you notice reduced braking power or squealing, clean immediately.

Can Brake Cleaner be substituted with white spirit or isopropyl alcohol? In theory yes, but in practice — it's not worth it. White spirit and alcohol leave traces, don't evaporate as quickly, and don't have such powerful degreasing properties. Brake Cleaner is designed specifically for this task and does it most effectively.

What if brakes still squeal after cleaning? Squealing after cleaning may indicate that pads are too worn or the disc needs grinding (if it's noticeably warped). It's also possible that contaminants have penetrated deep into the pad material — in such cases, lightly sanding the pad surface with fine sandpaper may help.

Will Brake Cleaner damage paintwork or plastics? Yes, it can. Therefore, when working with the aerosol, take care not to spray it on the frame, fairings, or other painted components. If it accidentally contacts plastic, quickly wipe with a dry cloth.

Can you ride immediately after cleaning? It's best to wait 2–3 minutes for the product to evaporate completely and for pads and discs to be dry. The first few braking applications may feel gentler — this is normal, as pads need to bed in to the freshly cleaned disc.

Summary

Brakes are the foundation of cycling safety. Their effectiveness depends not only on component quality but, above all, on regular maintenance. Cleaning discs and pads is a process taking just a few minutes that dramatically improves braking power, eliminates squealing, and extends system lifespan. In the longer term, it also means real savings — pads and discs last considerably longer when working in clean conditions.