Cleaning and degreasing wheels might be a dirty job, but it doesn’t have to be a hassle. Tires pick up all sorts of road crud—dirt, grime, grease, you name it—so using the right products and tools is key to keeping them looking like new.
Black wheels, while sleek, are notorious for showing off every speck of dirt and grime. Regular upkeep is a must to keep them looking showroom-ready. Let brake dust and road grime pile up, and your wheels’ shine will start to look more “meh” than magnificent.
Dive into our guide to clean black wheels to a dazzling shine. Not rocking black rims? No worries—check out our article on How to Properly Clean Your (not black) Wheels!
Prepare Your Gear
To ensure safe and effective cleaning, gather the necessary supplies:
Choose the Right Location
Set up in a spot where you can easily reach all your tires, and make sure there's enough light to see the grime you're dealing with. This way, you can gauge how much product you'll need for each tire—since some might be dirtier than others. Our go-to for tackling that gunk? Orange Degreaser. It’s just one of our many top-notch Chemical Guys products, and it's perfect for cleaning and degreasing tires.
Step 1: Rinse the Wheels
Before you dive into cleaning, give your wheels a good rinse from top to bottom to wash away the easy stuff—brake dust and grime don’t stand a chance. Grab some Chemical Guys Diablo Wheel Gel (or any of our awesome wheel cleaners). This stuff works on all types of black wheel finishes and is as gentle as a kitten—safe enough for your sleek black rims too!
Step 2: Apply the Wheel Degreaser
Mix Orange Degreaser with water at a 3:1 ratio, then spray it all over the tire, making sure to cover every inch. Let it sit for 5 to 10 seconds to let the magic happen. Next, grab our Blue Stiffy Brush, and scrub the tire in a circular motion or side-to-side, working that grime loose until your tire is spotless and gleaming.
Step 3: Scrub and Rinse
Wipe away the leftover grime with our Workhorse Black Towel, perfect for tires, rubber, vinyl, and engine bays. Once you’ve wiped it down, take a quick look to see if you missed any spots—if you did, just go in for round two to get every inch clean. You can stop here and enjoy your clean tires, or take it up a notch with a glossy finish using one of our awesome dressings, like Blue Guard High Shine and Protectant. Shine on!
Step 4: Dry and Finishing Touch
Apply dressing onto the tire using our Easy Grip Soft Pad Applicator, spray Blue Guard onto the applicator and apply it onto the tire until you get the desired look. You can always wipe down the excess using the Workhorse Black Towel to regulate the shine level to your preference or keep it as is for that nice wet look!
Repeat the process to all four tires and before you know it your tires will look amazing and ready for a new day. Blue Guard High Shine and Protectant not only gives your black wheels an amazing shine but it will also protect them from nasty UV rays with enhanced UV protection.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Black Wheels
Regular Cleaning Schedule
Keeping black wheels clean and looking sharp takes consistency. Set up a regular cleaning routine based on how and where you drive. The more often you wash them, the less brake dust and road grime will have a chance to build up and dull their shine.
Be Cautious with Wheel Cleaners
Make sure to use a wheel specific cleaner that is safe for your wheels’ specific finish. Some products can be too harsh, especially on delicate matte finishes, and could cause damage. If you’re not sure, always do a spot test first to play it safe.
Utilize Protective Coatings
Slap on a ceramic coating or protective wax, and you’ll practically be giving dirt and grime the cold shoulder. Not only will it make cleaning your wheels a breeze, but protective coatings will also help them stick around longer. Think of it as a force field that keeps your wheels looking fresh and fabulous with way less elbow grease.
Wheel Hacks
After you’ve cleaned your wheels, try using used dryer sheets to give them a wipe-down. Those anti-static powers work like magic, repelling dust and grime so your wheels stay cleaner for longer. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, spray some WD-40 onto a rag and give your wheels a quick wipe. It’s like giving them a VIP treatment—just pick your method and let the wheel glam begin!
Common Questions about Cleaning Black Wheels
Why are my black rims turning brown?
If your black rims are turning brown, they’re not just getting a stylish new look—they’re being invaded by brake dust and road grime. It’s like your wheels are hosting a never-ending party for dirt and they’re refusing to leave. Salt and weather can crash the party too, adding to the mess. Keep up with regular cleaning and give those rims a protective coat to kick the uninvited guests to the curb.
How do I protect black alloy wheels?
- Apply Ceramic Coating: It’s a protective force field against dirt and brake dust.
- Use Wheel Wax: Adds shine and makes future cleaning easier.
- Clean Regularly: Keep grime at bay with frequent washes.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stick to pH-balanced cleaners.
- Use Wheel Sealant: Protects against road salt and grime.
- Cover Up: Use wheel covers when not driving to keep dust off.
How do I get rust off of black rims?
- Scrub with a Wire Brush: Channel your inner wheel-wizard and scrub off that rust. Just don’t go all “hulk smash” and scratch your rims!
- Use Rust Remover: Apply a rust remover that’s made for wheels, and let it work its magic. Follow the instructions—this isn’t a free-for-all!
- Clean and Rinse: Give those rims a proper bath with a wheel cleaner and rinse thoroughly. Rust’s party is officially over.
- Apply Protective Coating: Slather on some wheel sealant or ceramic coating to keep rust from crashing your wheel’s new look.
- Regular TLC: Keep an eye on your rims and clean them regularly to stop rust from coming back for an encore.
