Cleaning the chrome (plastic cover) wheels

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AE5548

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Anybody have a good cleaning method that wont damage them? My truck has close to 50k and the wheels are pretty dark with brake dust. I tried Simple Green and Meguiars aluminum wheel cleaner. Neither did anything. I used a brusy and a sponge. Zero difference.

Suggestions?
 

Adamcr68

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88B3AE69-EDEE-46B5-8141-5BE6919D1926.jpeg
Anybody have a good cleaning method that wont damage them? My truck has close to 50k and the wheels are pretty dark with brake dust. I tried Simple Green and Meguiars aluminum wheel cleaner. Neither did anything. I used a brusy and a sponge. Zero difference.

Suggestions?
I wonder if a “magic eraser” would work or the (rubber wheel) for removing decals from paint would be gentle enough,sorry couldn’t be more helpful hopefully some else will have better answer for you. I recently removed mine but would wax after cleaning seemed to help protect them & previous owner must have cleaned often, bought my truck-15 with 52k
 

rwhjr

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My oem chrome clads have been flawless. Just wash them the same way I wash the paint on the truck and they literally look brand new at 3years old...
 
OP
OP
AE5548

AE5548

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My oem chrome clads have been flawless. Just wash them the same way I wash the paint on the truck and they literally look brand new at 3years old...

Im sure had i been doing that from the start they would be. But i neglected them, and now i need something powerful to clean them. Just don't know what.
 

bellaireroad

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Since it’s brake dust you could try brake cleaner. I would test it on an area that doesn’t show first


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rwhjr

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Since it’s brake dust you could try brake cleaner. I would test it on an area that doesn’t show first


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The chrome he wants to clean is only on the outward-facing part of the wheel so it would all show. Not sure if it would hurt the wheel or not but I bet someone here knows.
 

bellaireroad

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The chrome he wants to clean is only on the outward-facing part of the wheel so it would all show. Not sure if it would hurt the wheel or not but I bet someone here knows.

Yeah, that’s why I said to test it first. A small area that is not easily seen. Not half the wheel[emoji57]


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rwhjr

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Yeah, that’s why I said to test it first. A small area that is not easily seen. Not half the wheel[emoji57]


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hold them horses cowboy. No ones saying half of any wheel.

I wouldn’t necessarily want to test outer surfaces (which is the only part that’s chrome).

He obviously wants to clean ‘em up and make them look nice. A peeling or dull spot wouldn’t go far in achieving that if the test spot fails. And if he has the same wheels that I have, there isn’t a good inconspicuous spot to test.

I think he’s got the right idea asking people who might actually know what the strongest cleaner he can use (without damage) on these wheels happens to be.


OP—Do you have any pics of what you’re trying to remove?
 
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KeepRight

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Anybody have a good cleaning method that wont damage them? My truck has close to 50k and the wheels are pretty dark with brake dust. I tried Simple Green and Meguiars aluminum wheel cleaner. Neither did anything. I used a brusy and a sponge. Zero difference.

Suggestions?
Never Dull - I've used this for over 40 years. Boats, motorcycles, cars, trucks, and fighter jets.

https://www.amazon.com/Nevr-Dull-NEVER-DULL-POLISH/dp/B00097CRY6
 

abouttobeglue

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I mixed a bottle of the turtle wax Max power car wash extra strong to clean my wheels, works awesome. Also used dawn soap too.
 

abouttobeglue

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You could try an iron remover like eagle one wheel clean
 

KeepRight

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Anybody have a good cleaning method that wont damage them? My truck has close to 50k and the wheels are pretty dark with brake dust. I tried Simple Green and Meguiars aluminum wheel cleaner. Neither did anything. I used a brusy and a sponge. Zero difference.

Suggestions?
While you're getting great advice; here's a repeat and addition. I'm unsure if you're willing to put some effort into cleaning the wheels. Or if you're wanting a spray on with no effort solution. Unfortunately, for most true wheel cleaning, you're gonna have to work for it. Both of my solutions are a once a year application. You can do these one a month if you wanted.

Never Dull will do the trick with little effort. I'd start with this! Cleans, shines, protects!

http://www.nevrdull.com/

If you want another solution - Flitz. This too is a great product, takes a bit more work. Get the small tube.

https://www.flitz.com/

I'm a huge fan of both, but Never Dull is my go-to. Both can be found at Amazon or most auto part stores. You can use both Never Dull and Flitz together.

No I don't work for either product.

I've used both for 40 years, cars, trucks, boats, bikes, motorcycles, fighter jet.e10f11e08739d57b36ee208caa21c0ef.jpgcd19efc7a9aa0dd4ab7fc0c6a9dccc64.jpg
 

WY-Dave

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Just a FYI, the clad is NOT plastic. I tried to de-clad a wheel and on a slip, nearly cut a finger off. It is def metallic.

This is the backside
full
 

jwhyte

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I just used some chrome polish and a soft rag. Took care of the staining and black marks pretty well. This was off a 2012 Big Horn. 0f057e15a23be96d675d365b0ebd45bd.jpg

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duckman631

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Anybody have a good cleaning method that wont damage them? My truck has close to 50k and the wheels are pretty dark with brake dust. I tried Simple Green and Meguiars aluminum wheel cleaner. Neither did anything. I used a brusy and a sponge. Zero difference.

Suggestions?

I use 0000 steel wool on all my chrome. Never an issue and does not scratch. Gleams as bright as day 1.
 

billyw

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I've been afraid to try stuff like the 0000 steel wool simply because they aren't really chrome. I did use a magic eraser sponge and it did clean the embedded brake dust off, but it also left minor abrasions. You can't see them unless you get real close. It might be a good way to get an initial cleaning done, then maintain with something else.
 

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AE5548

AE5548

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Ill be posting pics later today. The NevrDull works AMAZING. I'm blown away. Two different types of wheel cleaner and straight Simple Green with brushes and pads did NOTHING. NevrDull is making them look like new. Not a drop of water or rinsing either.
 
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