At-Home Chain Cleaning With The Muc-Off x3 Dirty Chain Machine

As my life as a bicyclist has progressed, I’ve found myself taking on more of the maintenance tasks that I previously had off-loaded to a shop. One of those tasks was drivetrain cleaning. Living in apartments and condo’s made a task like drivetrain cleaning challenging, but with the Muc-Off Dirty Chain Machine, the task can be contained, keeping the nasty bits off your floor, ceiling, dog etc.

The kit contains the tool itself and 2.5 ounces of their signature Drivetrain Cleaner, a  biodegradable cleaner that cuts grease without an olfactory assault – no scary chemicals needed. The cleaner is added to a reservoir at the top of the Chain Machine, with the bike chain enclosed by the clam-shell design of the lid, snapping assuredly shut with a metal clasp to keep it closed during cleaning.

Once the chain has been set up inside the tool, the tool can be held with the left hand, while the right-hand spins the cranks. The amount of cleaner can be controlled by releasing the button at the top of the tool, dispensing cleaner onto wheels that brush the dirt away from the surface and internals of the chain into a collection tank at the bottom.

The best part of the whole experience is the clean-up. After you’ve used the tool, you’ll have a clean chain as a reward. The entirety of the tool comes apart to allow for cleaning before the next use. As the cleaner is biodegradable, it is safe for disposal, but be sure the lube you use is also biodegradable before dumping down the sink. The results speak for themselves. Muc-Off X-3 Chain Cleaner $45 on Amazon