Best way to clean wheels

[rablwo]

I have a 2014 Sport model with the 20x9 all aluminum wheels. I would like to know what best chemical to use to clean the wheels. It seems like most i see in the store are tire cleaners. Just looking for something that works on wheels and will not damage the wheel.

Edit* My build sheet says I have:
WLZC All Aluminum Wheels
WRFS 20X9.0 Polish/Painted Alum Wheels

I saw the thread a couple post down about the 22" RT wheels. I am not sure if mine are like his or not. I don't mean to be redundant. But, I figured if I had the question, I might not be the only one.

 

[jadocs]

I use sea foam wheel cleaner from autozone. Works for me.

 

[kcdt58]

I just use Dawn dish soap, warm water, and a microfiber sponge. Works like a charm for my chrome clads.

 

[BigA]

So far I have just been using regular car wash soap when washing the truck which works fine. although eventually I will need something to clean out around the lug nuts and tight places I can't get.

 

[Booms]

Spray some G9 on them and hit 'em with a pressure washer when it gets pulled in the detail bay....

 

[THETANK]

I am a little different (go figure) in that I just use the pressure washer and nothing else. In 500 miles I have polished them 3 times and waxed them twice, this is without the truck seeing anything but nice sunny summer days. I figure by the time they see any rain/snow I will have roughly 30 more coats of wax on them so they will be well protected from the elements.

 

[14hemiexpress]

I just use the soap that is in the bucket but a separate sponge. To get them to really shine I clay bar them and wax them.

 

[scottyram]

I use Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner with a combo of different sized wheel whoolies, works very well.

 

[Surf City Garage]

Good Morning,

Surf City Garage Professional Active Wheel Cleaner Plus is very easy to use and makes short work of dirty wheels.
You will want to use it with a soft haired brush for the wheel faces and something like wheel cleaning sticks for the back barrels. Surf City Garage offers both a 20" and 9" Wheel Brush along with Detailing Woolies to help you get the job done.

Here's some information from the product page:
Active Wheel Cleaner combines the powerful brake dust melting power of a wheel cleaner with the tire scrubbing power of a high quality degreaser, allowing you to clean both surfaces with just one product. Alkaline detergents remove old tire dressings and road grime from rubber while active particles attack and melt away brake dust. The color-changing formula turns red so you know the job is done.

http://youtu.be/cVID1PIxNso

 

[AdamsPolishes]

If they stay well maintained, Car Wash Shampoo is all you'll need.

If they accumulate a little more grime/brake dust, then Green Wheel Cleaner is a great option.

If they get dirtier than that or if your brakes REALLY make some dust, Deep Wheel Cleaner should be your weapon of choice as it's made to target brake dust.

With any of these options, you can use our new Wheel Woolie which makes cleaning a breeze.

They key to easy cleaning is to keep your wheels sealed up, which makes dirt and brake dust accumulate much more slowly and makes them much easier to clean!

 

[BigA]

I assume these wheels have a clear coat on the polished portion? If so regular wax the best for sealing them up? I want to keep them protected as much as I can this winter from all the salt.

 

[scottyram]

I assume these wheels have a clear coat on the polished portion? If so regular wax the best for sealing them up? I want to keep them protected as much as I can this winter from all the salt.

Wheel wax is fine to use, I used to use a product called Wheel Armor several years ago. Worked well for a little while but didn't last very long, definitely not the duration of the winter season. I recommend a permanant sealant like Opti-coat if you are concerned about protection especially in our crappy winters. I plan on doing my wheels before winter, then I won't have to worry at all.

 

[BigA]

Wheel wax is fine to use, I used to use a product called Wheel Armor several years ago. Worked well for a little while but didn't last very long, definitely not the duration of the winter season. I recommend a permanant sealant like Opti-coat if you are concerned about protection especially in our crappy winters. I plan on doing my wheels before winter, then I won't have to worry at all.

Thanks, I think I may try the Opti-coat this fall, sounds like a pretty good product.

 

[Lobster Poutine]

lol. i love the battle of the sponsors on here...

 

[AdamsPolishes]

I assume these wheels have a clear coat on the polished portion? If so regular wax the best for sealing them up? I want to keep them protected as much as I can this winter from all the salt.

Yes, all factory wheels, even ones advertised as "polished" are clear coated...which means you can care for them just as you would your paint.

Sealing them up is key, and while a wax is better than nothing, a synthetic sealant would be a choice that offers much better durability while still being very easy to use.

Our Quick Sealant is my preferred wheel sealant. Since it's an aerosol, it's easy to apply into the hard to reach areas on wheels and will offer 3+ months of protection on wheels, and 4-6+ months on the rest of your painted surfaces.