Is there a wheel cleaner that actually works?

[edweather1]

I've been cleaning my wheel covers for 30 years, but my arm is wearing out . Is there a wheel cleaner that will really do the work? Power washing helps but there's some stuff that's always a ***** to get off. Thanks

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

You're not going to get something that dirty, clean again without some elbow grease. That looks like the "after" picture also so I assume it was pretty bad before.

 

[edweather1]

Yeah, guess there's no Santa Claus. Thanks.

 

[Nukeman7]

I've been cleaning my wheel covers for 30 years, but my arm is wearing out . Is there a wheel cleaner that will really do the work? Power washing helps but there's some stuff that's always a ***** to get off. Thanks

Either one of these cleaners will clean up those wheel. Warning...do not apply to wheels that are hot. Also, get a cheap 2" wide nylon bristle paint brush and cut off all but 1.5" of the bristles. Apply masking tape around the metal crimped part of the brush (to prevent scratching the rims) and use it agitate the tough brake dust deposits after spraying on the cleaner.

 

[DemoFly]

P&S Brake buster and an EZ detail brush. Its what every detailer uses.

 

[jeepman3071]

This is the only thing that works on my BMW's brake dust crusted wheels. Not cheap, but works better and easier than anything else I've tried.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KS5JJ4...=&crid=2FEKQ8FBRUDEA&sprefix=sonnax+whee&th=1

 

[Hall]

You don't want anything aggressive enough that it removes 'dirt' without scrubbing as it's bound to destroy any coating. I've used dozens of brands of wheel cleaner chemicals and they have all worked with along with a brush. The only bad part is so many wheels have little nooks and crannies that are a pain to get into with that brush.

 

[BHopkins]

I have been very pleased with Chemical Guys Diablo wheel cleaner. All but the very toughest spots wipe right off. If I clean the wheels regularly, I can just spray the cleaner on and, after a short time, rinse the wheels clean.

 

[Krieg]

You should consider using a ceramic coating on the wheels after they are cleaned to perfection. A lof of work....Good luck sir!

 

[thescreensavers]

Either one of these cleaners will clean up those wheel. Warning...do not apply to wheels that are hot. Also, get a cheap 2" wide nylon bristle paint brush and cut off all but 1.5" of the bristles. Apply masking tape around the metal crimped part of the brush (to prevent scratching the rims) and use it agitate the tough brake dust deposits after spraying on the cleaner.

View attachment 251976View attachment 251978

+1 for hot rims in the purple bottle. It is an acidic wheel cleaner so make sure the wheel is cool and work one at a time. Use a wheel brush to agitate and then rinse.

I've had people ask me how I make my OEM silver wheels look so good. It's that easy

 

[Turbo Actual]

I’d recommend Meguiars wheel n tire cleaner in gallon concentrate. Diluted 4:1 or straight for tough grime on wheels. Brake buster is another good one that can foam if you have a IK foamer it’ll cling and break down the debris. Dark Fury is another good option. Wheel acid is another option, that stuff is strong. Wear gloves and try not to breathe it in. Spray on in shade and rinse off, it’ll probably get most of the dirt and grit off without scrubbing.

 

[RhondaHonda]

I’d recommend different brake pads.

 

[edweather1]

I’d recommend different brake pads.

I've been replacing brake pads on my 5 Explorers for 30 years. All brake pads seem to do this. Are there dustless brake pads?

 

[97prizm]

I've been cleaning my wheel covers for 30 years, but my arm is wearing out . Is there a wheel cleaner that will really do the work? Power washing helps but there's some stuff that's always a ***** to get off. Thanks

View attachment 251959

Once you get it off, there is a sealant that will keep the brake dust off. I've read that one of the blue non-scratch dawn scrubby pads and heavy duty cleaner can help. What about a steam cleaner?

 

[dubber09]

On cheap - Purple Power diluted to be safe on the rims. Ceramic pads for much less dust that is lighter in color and easier to wash off too.

 

[RhondaHonda]

I've been replacing brake pads on my 5 Explorers for 30 years. All brake pads seem to do this. Are there dustless brake pads?

There are some that are much better than others. How often between wheel cleanings?

I rarely clean my wife’s Yukon wheels. The OEM pads are pretty dustless.

 

[Dadillac]

https://3dproducts.com/products/3d-...afkLWuy2IJxpUcutMm8YlnGp_aLol-HbIh4N48pYjiUGb

Had an issue with brown tires. Tried several "boutique" cleaners only to be left unsatisfied. Got turned onto the yellow degreaser and it is amazing. I spray it on and pressure wash it off. Makes for a no scrub touchless wheel and tire cleaning.

Don

 

[TomYoung]

the problem is that wheels get damaged, corroded, embedded with brake dust. Additionally, some cleaners were far better back in the day. You must put in the time and use the chemicals and abrasives. Maybe they will get clean, maybe not. What is certain is that they will improve.

 

[Strommen95]

Not to hijack the thread but what's a good soft brush that won't damage an OEM wheel like this?

 

[XJRiver]

This is effective. Dilute with water if too strong.