My disc brakes aren't working after I cleaned them

[Anthony MTB]

So my front disc brakes were squealing a bit, so I got some isopropyl and cleaned the rotor and pads. When I put the wheel back on, the squealing had stopped but the brake is not working properly. Even if I clamp the brakes really hard the wheel still moves if you push it. Has anyone got any solutions?

[Sprockets]

Something I've done in the past 

Ride your bike in the parking lot, pedaling while holding the brake in to warm up the disc and pads. Spray some clean water over the pads and again pedal with brake in to get it nice and hot again. Repeat this a couple times and see what happens. If your pads are contaminated, you could try holding a flame onto them to burn some contaminant off. But make sure to remove them from your brake caliper before doing this. 

[The Ouzo]

similar to what Sprocket has suggested

get a little speed (20-25km/h) and then slam on the brake in question, only release just before you come to a stop, repeat.

basically like you're bedding in the brake again.

[openmind]

Before you do the above things, take the pads out and rub them smooth and clean on some medium grit sandpaper. Don't use alcohol on the pads, only the rotors. Works for me every time. 

[MORNE]

Your disks basically work because when you apply the brakes, a small amount of material from the brake pad is deposited onto the rotors, creating a friction layer. When you clean them, you remove that layer.
 

So yes, when you bed them in initially / from new…you are basically trying to get pad material on them. As mentioned already, this is why water helps when bedding in a new/clean rotor…it makes a bit of a ‘paste’ which settles into the irregular braking surface better. They’ll be noisy for about 4-5 hard pulls but you’ll feel the power increase exponentially. 

Edited 3 hours ago by MORNE