What do you use to clean wheels?

[alext72888]

I've only washed my car several times, but when I do, I use formula 409 to break up the break dust before I go in there with a brush and soap. After the drying, I wax the wheels.

Is formula 409 safe? I hear mixed answers.

What is your method for cleaning wheels.

Please, no "rain" answers, or something else similar.

 

[Granth77]

I mix up two buckets of car wash soap...one for the truck and one for the wheels. I just use a small soft sponge with car wash soap to clean the wheels. I've never used a brush on wheels in the 25+ years of washing cars. Never had to worry about ruining any finishes that way.

Grant

 

[JasonSauce]

I've only washed my car several times, but when I do, I use formula 409 to break up the break dust before I go in there with a brush and soap. After the drying, I wax the wheels.

Is formula 409 safe? I hear mixed answers.

What is your method for cleaning wheels.

Please, no "rain" answers, or something else similar.

I use Adam's polishes deep wheel cleaner. Their new formula is awesome. I use their wheel and lug nut brush as well. I definitely wouldn't use 409. Lol.

This is the kit I use.

http://adamspolishes.com/shop/kits/adam-s-new-wheel-tire-kit.html

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk

 

[03_4x4Runner]

This is what I use. https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G95...qid=1477013911&sr=8-1&keywords=meguires+wheel

 

[Nikodevious]

Two bucket system, one soapy water the other rinse water. Personally I use a cheap disposable terry cloth rag to wash, and a not as disposable microfiber cloth to dry. Wax afterwards.

 

[mazatal]

Puddles

 

[Antman]

You know they make wheel cleaner, right?:crazy:

 

[Socalrugger]

Sonax---- great stuff

 

[Engineer]

Lifes to short to worry about dirty wheels.

I have never used anything different then the carwash soap, heaven forbid same bucket too. Just do them last.

 

[Cymon]

Isn't that what puddles are for?

Edit: didn't see [MENTION=90482]mazatal[/MENTION] post above... carry on!

 

[FourEyedWilly]

So I picked up an electric pressure washer from Home Depot and I have to say it's made washing the car and wheels much easier and safer. When I'm done washing the car the water in the bucket is nearly clear. After that I just use a wet microfiber towel to detail the wheels. I highly recommend this little washer. It isn't the power of a gas model, but I find it perfect for washing wife's MB and my 4Runner...

Ryobi 1,600 PSI 1.2-GPM Electric Pressure Washer-RY141600 - The Home Depot

 

[tinman831]

Generally washing the car with a pressure washer is frowned upon since it can damage the paint. Just make sure to keep an adequate distance away from the car and you should be fine. I find the pressure washer works great for cleaning the undercarriage. I still hand wash the rest of the car and pressure wash the wheels and undercarriage. Works awesome for me.

 

[Victor_inox]

WD40- best cleaner ever for aluminum wheels.

 

[Watchdogg]

Lifes to short to worry about dirty wheels.

I have never used anything different then the carwash soap, heaven forbid same bucket too. Just do them last.

Exactly what I was gonna say. Never had a need to use anything other than the car wash soap to clean the wheels.

 

[sandcrawler]

Griot's Wheel Cleaner – great stuff. it's gentle but efffective, and totally biodegradable.

don't use any of that "spray-on, spray-off" stuff. they're harsh, toxic and bad for your wheels and the environment.

 

[salong53]

Wash your wheels one time with some Dawn or other degreaser soap to remove any brake dust or wax, then give them a fresh coat of wax once a year, and you won't ever have to wash them with anything other than car wash soap. And I'd suggest a two bucket wash system, soap bucket and sponge rinse bucket. That will keep your soap bucket clean until the end of the wash when you're washing your wheels and tires.

 

[catrains]

I use car wash soap with a soft long bristle long handle brush made for car paint finish. then when it is dry I spray silicone onto a soft micro fiber cloth and wipe down the painted alloy wheels.

I have a vehicle 16 yrs old with alloy painted wheels and still look good using this method. the silicone keeps the grit/brake dust from sticking and etching into the clear coat. you will find that brake dust will damage the clear coat, info on the net.

spray on wheel cleaners are acid washes. this over time eats at the finish not good . in a few years it will look dull and start corrode.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

DEP Citrus based cleaner you can get at Home Depot. A gallon will last you forever. Dilute it as specified on the instructions.

Best solution I have ever found for removing grime and brake dust and oil and such.

Totally safe, will not harm any surface and works, very well.

Never clean your wheels when hot, that will cause spotting.

 

[Adventure-Yeti]

I use a "Baby Bottle" Brush, purchased cheap from Home Goods- as the bristles are super soft and won't scratch your finish.

Two bucket method, with standard Adams Polish car-wash detergent. Scrub, rinse, dry and mist with some spray wax and a soft microfiber towel. Then usually hit the side-walls with some Mother's wheel shine and a tire sponge.

 

[TBBrewer]

Wash a truck?

I haven't washed a car/truck since I can remember, and I sure won't wash our '16 4Runner Trail. But I will take it through a car wash once a month, maybe more, depending on how gritty it gets. One of the touchless washes that does the underside, the wheel wells and everything else except the interior, for $15 or so. Worth every darned penny! - Ted.