How to Clean a Dirt Bike: Step-by-Step Wash Guide

By Shopwada Team · · 2 min read
Young rider in a blue Brraaap motocross jersey pressure washing a muddy dirt bike on a stand in a driveway

How to clean a dirt bike? Pull the delicate parts (air filter, seat), plug the exhaust and cover the airbox, rinse off loose mud, scrub with a mild soap, rinse top to bottom and dry the bike completely. Clean it after every ride so dirt does not sit on the metal.

Below is the six-step routine, what to put in your cleaning kit, the spots people miss and answers to common questions. Gearing up for the next ride? See our blue dirt bike jerseys.

Why clean your dirt bike after every ride

Silver Powersports puts it this way: "Leaving dirt to collect on the surfaces of your dirt bike can lead to corrosion and other maintenance issues that may lower its resale value." A clean bike is also easier to inspect, so you spot loose bolts, leaks and worn parts before the next ride. (Silver Powersports)

Front and back of a blue and white motocross jersey with a rider, Brraaap text, custom name and number
Blue Brraaap Motocross Jersey

What you need: the cleaning kit

  • A garden hose or pressure washer
  • A bucket
  • "A mild cleaning solution, such as dish soap"
  • A soft sponge or brush, plus an old toothbrush for tight spots
  • Clean rags or towels
  • Optional: a hair dryer or compressed air for crevices
  • An exhaust plug and a cover for the airbox

How to clean a dirt bike step by step

  1. Prep the bike. Remove parts that water can damage. Silver Powersports lists "the air filter, seat, skid plate, and handguards," and says to cover "the exhaust, airbox, and muffler" so water stays out.
  2. Rinse off loose dirt. Knock off mud with the hose or washer. Propping the bike on its side helps you reach the underside.
  3. Scrub with soap. Wash with the mild solution, paying "special attention to areas such as the chain and sprockets."
  4. Rinse top to bottom. Wash away all soap and leftover dirt, then check for missed spots.
  5. Dry it fully. Air drying "can leave streaks on the finish," so towel it off and blow out the crevices.
  6. Put it back together. Reinstall the parts, pull the exhaust plug and cover, and service the air filter and chain before the next ride.
Front and back of a blue, white and black motocross jersey with a rider graphic, custom name and number
Blue Motocross Rider Jersey

Pressure washer or garden hose?

Both work. If you use a pressure washer, keep the spray moving and away from the parts you covered, and do not blast directly at bearings, seals, electrical connectors or the airbox. A garden hose is slower but gentler on those parts.

Area What to do
Air filter Remove before washing; clean or replace separately
Exhaust and airbox Plug and cover before any water
Chain and sprockets Scrub with a brush, dry, then lube
Seat Remove so water does not soak the foam
Underside and skid plate Rinse with the bike propped for access

Spots riders often miss

Mud packs under the fenders, around the shock linkage, behind the number plates and between the radiator fins. Work these with a soft brush, not a hard jet, and finish with your normal dirt bike pre-ride checklist.

Front and back of a blue and black motocross jersey with an Xtreme rider, custom name and number
Blue Xtreme Motocross Jersey

Wash your riding gear too

Your jersey picks up the same mud. Follow the care label on the product page. Need riding basics? Read what to wear dirt biking.

Front and back of a light blue and black motocross jersey with a skull, Moto Racing text, custom name and number
Blue Skull Moto Racing Jersey

Blue dirt bike jerseys

Our blue dirt bike jerseys come with a custom name and number. Styles listed include Long Sleeve UPF and Kids Long Sleeve UPF; check each product page for current styles and price.

FAQ

What should I clean my dirt bike with?

A hose or pressure washer, a bucket, a mild cleaning solution such as dish soap, a soft sponge or brush and clean towels.

Can you use Dawn dish soap to wash a dirt bike?

Silver Powersports lists dish soap as an example of a mild cleaning solution for washing a dirt bike.

Should I take the air filter out before washing?

Yes. Remove the air filter and cover the airbox and exhaust so water cannot get into the engine.

How do I dry a dirt bike after washing?

Towel it off from top to bottom and use a hair dryer or compressed air for crevices. Air drying can leave streaks.

Blue Dirt Bike JerseysDirt BikeDirt Bike Tips
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