Nothing kills that fresh-from-the-detail-shop vibe faster than dirty wheels. Let’s be real—clean car wheels are like the finishing touch on a masterpiece. They make your ride look slick and keep its value in check. Yet, despite being magnets for brake dust and grime, wheels often get left in the dust (pun intended) during the car cleaning process. Neglect them, and you’re asking for long-term damage and a not-so-hot look.
But here’s the deal: wheel cleaning isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite chore. It can be a real pain, especially when your wheels are sporting more dirt than your last off-road adventure. Fear not! We’ve got some simple tips to keep your wheels looking fresh and fabulous.
P.S. Got black wheels? They need a little extra love to keep their sleek, stealthy look intact. Don't worry, we've got you covered—check out our guide on How to Properly Clean Black Wheels and keep those bad boys shining!
Prepare Your Gear
Get ready to get your clean on like a pro! First, round up these must-have supplies:
Step 1: Rinse the Wheels
Before diving into the wheel cleaning, give them a good rinse from top to bottom to wash away that top layer of brake dust and grime.
For the best results, grab a Chemical Guys wheel cleaner like Diablo Wheel Gel—it’s safe for all wheel finishes and gets the job done right.
Step 2: Clean the Wheels
Start cleaning your wheels from the top and work your way around to avoid messing up areas you've already cleaned.
For tricky spots behind the wheel and calipers, the Easy Reach Wheel and Rim Detailing Brush is your go-to tool. Keep at it until every last bit of dirt and grime is gone.
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 work its magic. Next, use the Blue Stiffy Brush to scrub the tire in a circular or side-to-side motion, loosening grime until your tire is spotless and gleaming.
Step 3: Deep Clean the Wheels
For those hard-to-reach spots around the wheel, the Boars Hair Brush is your best friend. It’s perfect for scrubbing lug nuts and squeezing into tight spaces around the spokes. With this versatile tool, you’ll reach every nook and cranny, ensuring your wheels look spotless from every angle.
After scrubbing, 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.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
After the wheel is done, simply rinse it down again and proceed to the next wheel.
Repeat Steps 1-3 for each remaining wheels and then we'll move onto the tires. (You could stop here but why not complete the picture with shiny tires?)
Step 5: 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 evenly across the tire until you achieve your desired finish. If you prefer a more subdued shine, you can wipe down the excess using the Workhorse Towel, or leave it as is for a more polished look.
Repeat the process for all four tires, and your wheels will be looking fresh and ready to hit the road. Blue Guard High Shine and Protectant not only enhances the appearance of your wheels but also provides protection against harmful UV rays, keeping them looking their best longer.
Apply it to the tire using an applicator pad, then wipe down any excess to regulate the shine to your preference. Now your wheels will not only be spotless but also have that fresh, wet look that shines on!
What About Really Neglected Wheels?
Neglected wheels can be a real hassle to clean, especially with brake dust that’s stubbornly embedded in the finish. For those ultra-dirty wheels, we recommend using Two Face Color Changing Wheel Cleaner in conjunction with Diablo Wheel Gel for a cleaning boost.
Decon Pro tackles tough brake dust, iron deposits, and other stubborn metallic grime on your wheels and lower body panels.
Just follow Steps 1-3 again, but this time, spray Decon Pro onto the face of the wheel and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to penetrate the finish. Then, proceed with the same cleaning routine. Decon Pro will give you the extra cleaning power needed to tackle even the most neglected wheels!
Two Face may turn purple as you are using it but fear not! This just means your wheels were loaded with iron deposits and the purple is a result of the chemicals taking them off the wheel. If Two Face does not turn purple, it will still work and still provides a heavy duty cleaning solution.
Five (5) Tips for Clean Wheels
1. Start with the Wheels
Start with the car wheels to avoid splashing dirt and grime onto your freshly cleaned car body.
2. Focus on One Wheel at a Time
Focus on one wheel at a time to make sure the cleaning agents have time to work their magic without drying out too quickly.
3. Choose Gentle Cleaners
Choose non-acidic, pH-balanced cleaners to keep your wheels’ finish safe and their shine intact.
4. Invest in a Quality Wheel Brush
A dedicated wheel brush designed for the job will give you better results and avoid scratches, unlike household brushes.
5. Dry with Microfiber Towels
Wrap up by drying your wheels with a microfiber towel to keep them spotless and free from scratches.
Maintaining Clean Rims and Tires
Regular cleaning and maintenance keep your wheels in top shape, especially by tackling brake dust, dirt, and salt. Adding a protective layer, like a ceramic coating, after cleaning can reduce future maintenance and keep your wheels looking great longer.
Common Questions about Cleaning Car Wheels
How Often Should I Clean My Car Wheels?
Well, if you enjoy driving a car that looks like it's just been through a mud wrestling match, then once in a blue moon will do. But if you prefer your ride to look as sharp as my sarcasm, scrub those wheels every 1-2 weeks. It’s not like they’re going to clean themselves...or will they?
Can I Pressure Wash My Rims?
Sure can! Just remember to use a gentle setting and keep the nozzle at a safe distance. You don’t want to turn your wheels into a high-pressure art project. And avoid blasting the brake components—those parts don’t need a tsunami experience!
How Do I Keep My Rims Looking Shiny and New?
- Clean Regularly: Wash rims every 1-2 weeks to avoid buildup.
- Use Gentle Products: Choose pH-balanced cleaners and avoid acidic ones.
- Dry Thoroughly: Use a microfiber towel to prevent water spots.
- Apply Protectant: Use ceramic coatings or wheel sealants for added protection.
- Avoid Scratching: Use soft-bristle brushes to prevent scratches.
- Tackle Brake Dust: Remove brake dust promptly to avoid damage.
Will Magic Eraser Remove Brake Dust?
Thinking of using a Magic Eraser to tackle brake dust? It’s like bringing a superhero to a dust fight—just don’t let it go full Hulk mode on your rims. These erasers can do wonders, but they’re a bit of a tough guy and might scratch delicate finishes if you're not careful. Test it on a secret spot first, and maybe use it with water so it doesn’t go all ‘wrecking ball’ on you. For everyday cleaning, a pH-balanced wheel cleaner and a soft brush are your BFFs!
What is the Best Wheel Cleaner for Brake Dust?
Chemical Guys Diablo Wheel Gel - This is a popular choice for its ability to cling to wheels and dissolve brake dust effectively. It’s gentle on finishes but tough on grime.
Is Dawn Dish Soap Good for Cleaning Tires?
Dawn dish soap? Sure, it'll clean your tires, but it’s like using a butter knife to fix a leaky faucet. I mean, it does say "dish soap" right in the name so I don't think it would be my choice for a tire cleaner. (Not to mention the safety issues it could raise). Go for a proper tire cleaner—and get rid of those intrusive thoughts on grabbing dish soap.
