This article is about how to clean alloy wheels. This wasn’t a planned article, but I happened to clean my car and I thought some of my readers might enjoying seeing my experience with the cleaning products. We all have cars in the family, so we are aware how important regular maintenance is. That will keep the car in a spot on condition and therefore look and run better.
Some people leave car cleaning to the professionals and there is nothing wrong about it. However, I’ve decided to run a few experiments and see if I can do that by myself and get professional grade results. The main conclusion of my experiment is that you need to use products that are developed for car cleaning, because other shampoos can be too harsh for the paint and clear coats. In addition, invest in a quality brush / mitt that takes off the dust and leaves no scratches behind. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Materials
- Car Shampoo
- Wheel Sealer
Tools
- Pressure Washer
- Car Wheel Cleaner Kit
- Drying towel
Time
- One Hour
Tools to Clean Alloy Wheels
We start with… a really dirty car. Life is tough for cars, as well, so my BMW got neglected for a while. You can see it’s pretty dusty on all areas. It’s gonna need a really good scrub before it shines again.
In this tutorial, I will focus mainly on cleaning the alloy wheels. These rims have seem better days… Just check out how much break dust has accumulated over the wheels. We need to change that ASAP and I will show you how I cleaned mine.
Just half an hour of elbow grease and a few tricks that I will share in this tutorial. I am not an expert by any means, but I think car maintenance is something anyone can do at home with a few dedicated products and proper documentation.
This was the perfect opportunity to put the Allow Wheel Cleaning Kit to good use. The stake is high, but so are the rewards. As you can see the Kit comes with 2 brushes and 2 wash mitts.
And we also need a good car shampoo. There are dedicated shampoos for the alloy wheels, but I did’t have that at hand so I used a generic car washer. Make sure you use one that has a soft formula so it doesn’t damage the wheels, as the top coats are sensitive.
I also used a pressure washer for cleaning the rims. Noting fancy, just a regular 110 bar / 1700 psi electrical washer. Anything that is over that is good enough for the job, so you have my permission to go crazy and buy a professional pressure washer if you afford it.
I got mine for 100$ and I couldn’t be more pleased with its performance. I won’t open a car wash any time soon, so this is good enough for my needs. You also need a water source, so you can connect a hose to the back of the washer. The washer comes with a filter so in case the water is not 100% clean, it will retain the sand and other particles, preventing them from damaging the water pump.
The washer came with a gun and a lance. You need that so you can get the water mixed with air and dispersed at high pressure.
How to Clean Alloy Wheels
The first step is always to pressure wash the wheels thoroughly. This is called “the preliminary rinse” and it will basically clear away some of the brake dust that covers the rims. Make sure you leave the water enough time to come in contact with the tire and the interior side of the alloy wheels, as well. You can go over again after you have done the rest of the wheels, depending on how bad the situation is.
Next, I attached the foam gun to the pressure washer. This will mix the shampoo with water and create dense foam that will help with getting the break dust down so you can enjoy the most of your car. A nice and clean car lifts your spirit and helps you preserve a positive attitude.
After applying the foam to the wheels you need to step back for a few minutes, so the shampoo can do its job and dissolve the grease and the debris.
After that, it is time for the wash mitt. Go thoroughly inside and out the wheels. It would be good to have a bucket with clean water at hand, so you can rinse the mitt once it gets dirty. I found the mitt to be most useful and easiest to use. Big thumbs up for it!
If your rims are super dirty, as mines, you can step it up and unleash the brush. I used the brush that is more soft as I really care about my car and I don’t want any scratch marks all over the wheels. The brush is best to scrub off the remaining dirt and you can have access to the screws or around the spokes. You might need to add more shampoo if the rims aren’t getting any better. Clean the brush every minute or so, otherwise you will just spread the dirt and make them worse .
Next, final rinse for the wheels with the pressure washer. This will do the trick in most cases. If you are happy with the result you can proceed to drying them out. You can use a microfiber towel for that, because it is super soft and it absorbs more water than regular material.
There is a big difference between how the alloy wheels were before washing them. Wow… that totally changes the look of my sweet ride and I promise I will be more attentive to them from now on. If you want, you can add some wheel wax to the rims so you enhance the protection against the brake dust. This will basically help you postpone the next wash by a few weeks.
I will keep adding articles on how I maintain my car so if you are interested in my experience, feel free to come back and check out my updates.
My best tips on cleaning alloy wheels:
Alloy wheels add a sleek, stylish look to your vehicle, but they can easily become coated with brake dust, grime, and road debris over time. Regular cleaning not only keeps them looking great but also helps prevent long-term damage. Here are my best tips for cleaning alloy wheels, so you can restore their shine and keep them looking brand new.
1. Choose the Right Cleaning Products
- Alloy Wheel Cleaner: Use a cleaner specifically formulated for alloy wheels. These cleaners are designed to break down tough brake dust and road grime without damaging the finish. Avoid harsh acids or general-purpose cleaners, as they can cause pitting or discoloration on your wheels.
- Wheel Brush: Use a soft-bristled wheel brush to scrub the wheels. Avoid wire brushes, as they can scratch the alloy surface. Look for a brush with long bristles to reach tight spaces.
- Microfiber Cloths or Mitts: Microfiber is ideal for wiping and polishing alloy wheels without leaving scratches. It’s also great for drying the wheels after rinsing.
- Wheel Sealant or Wax (Optional): After cleaning, you can apply a protective layer of wheel sealant or wax. This helps prevent dirt buildup and makes future cleaning easier.
2. Pre-Rinse the Wheels
- Loosen Dirt and Grime: Before applying any cleaner, rinse the wheels with water to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. This prevents scratching when you start scrubbing the surface.
- Use a Hose or Pressure Washer: A hose with a spray nozzle or a pressure washer is ideal for blasting away dirt in crevices and wheel wells. Make sure to avoid using too much pressure, as it could damage the wheel finish.
3. Apply Alloy Wheel Cleaner
- Spray Evenly Over the Wheel: Once the wheels are pre-rinsed, spray the alloy wheel cleaner evenly over the entire surface of the wheel, including the spokes and inner rim. Pay special attention to areas with heavy brake dust buildup.
- Let It Sit: Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes, but do not let it dry on the wheel. This gives the formula time to break down tough grime and brake dust.
4. Scrub with a Soft Brush
- Use a Wheel Brush: Gently scrub the wheel using a soft-bristled wheel brush. Focus on areas with caked-on dirt or brake dust, like the spokes and lug nuts. Make sure to reach into all the nooks and crannies to remove dirt from hard-to-reach spots.
- Work in Small Sections: If the wheels are particularly dirty, work in small sections to ensure the cleaner stays wet and effective. Rinse the brush frequently in clean water to avoid spreading grime.
5. Clean the Wheel Face and Inner Barrel
- Wheel Face: Use the brush or a microfiber cloth to clean the flat surfaces of the wheel, such as the face and outer edge. Apply more cleaner if necessary, and continue to scrub gently.
- Inner Barrel: Don’t forget the inner part of the wheel (the barrel). Brake dust often accumulates here, so use a long-handled wheel brush or a sponge to reach this area.
6. Rinse the Wheels Thoroughly
- Rinse with Clean Water: Once you’ve scrubbed the wheels, rinse them thoroughly with clean water. Make sure to remove all traces of the cleaner to avoid streaks or residue.
- Use a Hose or Pressure Washer: A hose with a spray nozzle or a pressure washer helps to wash away all remaining dirt, grime, and cleaner. Ensure the water flows through all areas of the wheel, especially around the lug nuts and spokes.
7. Dry the Wheels
- Use a Microfiber Cloth: After rinsing, use a clean microfiber cloth to dry the wheels completely. Drying the wheels prevents water spots and helps bring out their shine.
- Blow Dry for Hard-to-Reach Areas: If water tends to pool in hard-to-reach areas, use a leaf blower or compressed air to dry the wheels thoroughly.
8. Apply Wheel Sealant or Wax (Optional)
- Protect the Finish: To keep your alloy wheels looking cleaner for longer, apply a coat of wheel sealant or wax. This provides a protective barrier against brake dust, dirt, and grime, making future cleaning easier.
- Follow Product Instructions: Apply the sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, you’ll need to apply it with a microfiber cloth and buff it to a shine once dry.
- Reapply Regularly: For best results, reapply sealant or wax every few months, especially if you drive in harsh conditions or on rough roads.
9. Maintain Regular Cleaning
- Clean the Wheels Weekly: To prevent brake dust and grime buildup, clean your wheels at least once a week. Regular maintenance makes deep cleaning easier and keeps your alloy wheels looking sharp.
- Spot Clean When Needed: If you notice brake dust starting to accumulate between cleanings, do a quick spot clean with a wheel cleaner and microfiber cloth. This helps prevent long-term damage and discoloration.
Cleaning alloy wheels doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require the right products and techniques. By following these tips, you’ll be able to restore your wheels’ original shine and keep them looking great with minimal effort. Regular cleaning and applying a protective layer of sealant will help prevent brake dust and grime buildup, ensuring your wheels stay in top condition for years to come.
Thank you for reading our article about how to clean alloy wheels and I recommend you to check out the rest of our tips regarding ways to save money. Please share my articles with your friends, by using the social media widgets. Check out all my Maintenance Tips.
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