The best way to clean an ATV after mudding is by using a pressure washer as it is most effective and will take you the least amount of time.
However, if you do not own a pressure washer, you can always use a garden hose, a bucket of soapy water, and a sponge to remove the tough mud.You should always begin with a soak to loosen up all the mud, then a rinse to try and get as much of the stubborn dirt off as possible, and then go in with cleaning the ATV with a detergent with either a bucket and sponge or a pressure washer brush.
Before we delve deeper, remember: ATVA Online is your source for outdoor vehicles news, so bookmark us now and visit us daily!
If there are any greasy spots from the chain lube being chucked around, then you should use a degreased microfiber cloth to remove those areas.You can just leave your ATV to dry naturally outside or you can use an air compressor to blow at the harder-to-reach areas so they don’t rust.
Leaving your ATV to dry naturally may leave spots or residue on the surface, so many people do prefer to use a lint-free towel to get an even finish. If you’re keen on keeping your ATV looking brand new, then using plastic polish will help keep it looking good no matter how much you ride it. This step isn’t compulsory and most people find it pointless as regular ATV drivers will only get it dirty within a matter of days again. From time to time, you’ll also need to clean out the air filter inside your ATV, this will help prevent engine wear and will prevent a build of dirt from seeping into the engine. You can use mild dish soap from your home to do this or you can buy a specialized air filter solution.
You should let it dry for a while before then applying filter oil to the inside and outside and squeeze out excess oil before reinserting it.
Can you pressure wash an ATV?
Yes, it is completely safe, and also recommended to pressure a wash an ATV to keep it looking clean.
As soon as you get back from mudding with your ATV, you should use a pressure washer to get rid of all the dirt that has accumulated and already dried on the surface and underneath your ATV.
You’ll want to completely soak the ATV to start with so the dried mud has time to loosen up with the water, so leave it for a few minutes.Then you can go in for a second round of spraying with a pressure washer to get rid of the bulk of the mud. You should always spray the ATV from top to bottom to make sure all the excess mud falls down the ATV and then down to the floor.
You should walk in a circle around your ATV and make sure you’re spraying from every angle to make sure every crevice is clean. To clean your ATV with a pressure washer, your pressure washer will need to have a 1300-2000 PSI to effectively do the job.
How do I clean under my ATV?
Unless your brand of ATV recommends using a pressure washer for cleaning underneath your ATV, then you should try to avoid it as much as possible as the pressure can damage the bearings and the electrical components. If you can hoist your ATV up so it goes on its back wheels at an angle (not upright), it’ll make it easier for you to clean underneath without having to crawl underneath completely. Before standing it up though, you should turn off the gas line so the oil doesn’t drain everywhere.Cleaning underneath your ATV will be made easier if you clean it after every time you go out, otherwise, the build-up of old mud can be extremely hard to remove by hand. Most people that use a garden hose, soft wheel brush, and car detergent should be able to remove all mud effectively. Every time you wash the underneath of your ATV, you should spray metal surfaces with a rust inhibitor to keep everything in good condition.
How do I get mud off my ATV motor?
When you’re traveling around on your ATV in the mud, it manages to get everywhere, even the motor, however, you can’t just use regular detergent to clean these areas.
Use a specialized aluminum brightener on the motor and make sure to put any protective plastic around other components as products like these contain acid and can damage the surface of components that have a painted or a shiny surface.You can get an aluminum acid cleaner or brightener at most generic automotive stores or online.You should always put on safety goggles and gloves before using this sort of product. Spray the product onto your motor and leave for 20 seconds before rinsing it off with a garden hose.
More stubborn areas can be scrubbed with a brush to help loosen the mud, but numerous applications and rinsing will eventually get rid of everything.
Why should you wash your ATV after every ride?
Every time you come back from a season, your ATV will have accumulated more dirt and mud all over. Over time, the mud becomes thicker and harder to remove and will just make your ATV look dirty and older than it is. Cleaning your ATV after every ride will keep it looking new and will prevent the mud from corroding the paint’s surface. An excessive build-up of mud can also damage the motor and could cause further problems for your ATV that could begin to add up in cost. Not cleaning or rinsing your wheels after every ride, can also lead to a build-up of hard dry mud and make it more difficult for your wheels to turn when you’re next out on your ATV.
