I've had good results scrubbing with a wheel brush coated with Dawn, rinsing, then using Simple Green, Super Clean or any degreaser definitely diluted as needed.
Is there a wheel cleaner that actually works?
- Thread starter edweather1
- Start date
Be aware that the regular (green dyed) Simple Green cleaner can be corrosive on certain soft metals like aluminum if exposed for a long time or if it dries before it is rinsed off with water. Simple Green recommends using their purple HD Pro cleaner for cleaning wheels since the formula is strong, but safe for all metals. I buy it at Home Depot in the concentrated form for ~$16/gallon.
I get the Dawn that has "moisturizers" that are "gentler". If it's "gentle" enough on skin, it'll be just fine for the wheels. I do wear gloves all the time despite the ad, and use a soft bristle brush.
I've seen Simple Green actually start to remove paint from an alloy. My go to is my own formula: Dawn Ultra, vinegar and car wash solution.
Dark Fury works far better than I thought it would. Dilutable and is reasonably priced and multifunctional. If a wheel is really nasty with embedded dust, a good acid cleaner is probably required. Only use outdoors with gloves.
3D BDX will make a wheel spotless without touching it with a brush.
I had the same concern.
I think you should be OK so long as the brush is from a reputable brand and specifically for tires/rims.
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