If you spend a lot of time riding your bike, then there's a good chance that it gets dirty rather quickly. Washing your bike from time to time is important not only to keep it looking its best, but to keep it running well, too. If you're looking to wash your own bike, however, there are a few things you should know before you get started to make sure you do it correctly.

DO Wipe Down Brakes

Over time, bicycle brakes can easily become oxidized—especially if you do a lot of biking in rainy conditions. Heavily oxidized brakes can be dangerous to use because they aren't able to stop a bike as quickly. Fortunately, removing oxidation from your brakes is as easy as wiping them down with a clean, damp cloth every time you wash your bike.

DON'T Forget to Wax

You don't need to necessarily wax your bike every single time you wash it, but it is a good idea to wax every few washes. The nice thing about this is that you don't need any special kind of bike wax; you can use whatever you have on-hand for your car and it'll work just as well. Waxing will not only keep your bike looking like new, but will protect it from cosmetic damage as well.

DO Use the Right Brush

Having a quality scrub brush on-hand while you wash your bike can work wonders, especially when it comes to cleaning hard-to-reach areas and small crevices. A nylon brush is great for scrubbing your bike clean while also preventing dirt built-up in between the bristles. It's best to clean out your brushes before you get started on washing your bike to ensure that there aren't any debris in the bristles that could harm your bike while you scrub.

DON'T Forget to Towel Dry

Finally, understand that it's not a good idea to leave your bike sitting out while wet; much like a car's exterior, a bike can also rust and corrode when exposed to moisture for long periods of time. Take a few extra minutes to towel-dry your bike when you're done washing it. This way, you can avoid having to patch up rust damage down the road, depending on what your bike is made out of.

By keeping these tips in mind the next time you give your bike a wash, you'll end up with a great looking bike. For more information, visit a local bike shop to speak with a pro.