Muc-Off first launched their pink bike cleaner way back in 1994, and over that 30 years, they have refined the formulation and have defined the way we clean our bikes. Though the cleaner itself has had various updates over the years, and the classic one-liter trigger spray bottle has bar some color and graphic changes, remained the same as it has always been, and though still available, there is now a new, much more environmentally friendly Bottle for Life version.
Design and specifications
To reduce plastic use, the one-liter bottle is made from aluminum and supplied with a silicone base that is said to be food-grade, though I'm not sure how important that is unless you need to use it to make an emergency espresso in the workshop. It comes supplied with Muc-Off’s Punk powder, and each packet makes a liter of the famous pink cleaner. They have gone the extra mile in the name of being eco-friendly, using packaging from compostable materials and even printing on the packaging using vegetable inks. However, I don't think their claim of being the world's first plastic-free cleaner is entirely correct, having tested Schwalbe's Natural Bike Soap previously.
The Bottle for Life is available in two options, either with two or four extra packs of Punk powder. However, if you don't need the full cleaning power of those of us living in muddier parts of the world, then nothing stops you from making a more diluted version that will last longer. Cost is marginally cheaper than buying four single bottles, with the Bottle for Life costing £45 / €55.99 / $54.99 compared to a single plastic bottle coming in at £12 / €17.99 / $16.99, so for the same four liters of cleaner that would be £48 / €71.96 / $67.96, so in total, it's slightly cheaper, though not as cheap as some of the bulk buy options Muc-Off offers.
Performance
Muc-Off, over the years, has refined its Nanotech bike cleaner to be an effective, safe product, and this is no different here. Simply spray your bike with water, followed by the cleaner, and spray it off. I personally prefer to spray as much dirt and muck off as possible with water before using the cleaner, then follow up with a good scrub with a soft brush. This way, you are less likely to scratch the frame or parts when cleaning, and you are left with a much better finish with fewer streaks and grubby marks.
Much like the standard ready mixed version, this formulation is safe on paint and anodized finishes with no fading or damage, even when left on the frame to dry out totally. Mixing was straightforward: simply pour the powdered formula into the bottle and top it with water. It does foam up a bit when filling, so I put my days of working behind the bar as a student to good use and poured water in at a roughly 45-degree angle, much like you would when pouring a Guinness, which kept foaming and overspilling to a minimum.
The bottle and trigger work well, with the trigger offering two spray options. One is a concentrated spray, the other more of a foaming spray, and both worked well, with the latter doing a great job of covering the bike. It's also compatible with its own pressure washer, it simply screws into the lance head and makes covering your bike and cleaning even more straightforward. The silicone base was a handy addition, ensuring it stays upright in your workshop and protects it from damage. Perfect if you like to take it with you when riding to get your kit clean before putting it back in your car or van.
Verdict
This clever update to a well-loved classic has really improved its eco credentials and made it much easier to store and transport. It's not the cheapest, but it does work very well, and the punk powder top-ups are easy to store and take up much less room in your workshop or toolbox than individual bottles would.
So, all in all, a clever update with minimal downsides makes it a win for me.
Tech specs: Muc-Off Bottle for Life cleaner
- Price: $54.99 / £45 / €55.99
- Spray bottle: Recyclable alloy bottle, nontoxic silicone base
- Sachets: recycled, compostable materials and vegetable-based inks
- Size: 1 litre
