Contents
Many folks refer to their vehicle’s wheels as rims. Technically, a rim is only the outer face of the wheel. So, when we explain how to clean that dirty rim, we are also describing how to clean the vehicle’s entire wheel.
Safety Is Critical
Some chemicals used for cleaning rims are slightly acidic and can do nasty things to the human body. Work with plenty of fresh air, and use safety goggles and nitrile gloves. Don’t clean your rims in direct, harsh sunlight.
Some cleaning agents might stain the surface area, so rinse the surface thoroughly after use. You could roll the car onto an old piece of carpet or tarp if the driveway is susceptible to staining. If you are unsure whether the wheel cleaner is compatible with your rims, use a cloth to rub a little product in an inconspicuous spot on the back of the wheel and check for any issues.
Read: 8 Expert Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Car
Tools Needed
- Wheel cleaner
- Two buckets
- Soft-bristled washing brushes (short-handle, long-handle, and lug nut brush)
- Shop rags or microfiber cloths
- Car wax or wheel wax
- Safety goggles
- Nitrile gloves
- Iron remover and decontaminator (optional)
Read: The Wonderful World of Car Detailing Brushes
Shop now for wheel & tire cleaning productsSteps to Clean Your Wheels
Rinse and Evaluate
Work with only one wheel at a time. Ensure the rim is cool to the touch, and use a steady stream of water to wash away any surface residue. Follow up with a wheel cleaner from a detailing firm. Ensure the cleaner is compatible and safe for your wheel composition, as some cleaners are made explicitly for aluminum or chrome rims. Spray the cleaner on the wheel surface. Let it dwell for one minute, and then rinse it off.
After the first wash, evaluate how deeply the dirt has embedded into the wheel. If the rim is dirty but lacks any etched or embedded dirt, you can skip the next step (iron removal) and take out your brushes.
Iron Removal and Decontamination
In severe cases, if the dirt has etched in, you must use an iron decontamination removal spray to loosen the grime. Iron deposits come from many sources, including brake pads and rotors. Even new car rims might have iron deposits from railroad tracks and train wheels.
Spray on the cleaner and let it dwell per the instructions, usually a minute or two. Some cleaners might change color to indicate that the iron is releasing from the wheel. Rinse the wheels with cool, fresh water.
You might have heard of professional car detailers using various acids to help clean rims. If the rims are so bad that you consider using acid cleaners, let a professional handle this task. Acid wheel cleaners are highly corrosive and can ruin the metal finish if not used properly. There is also an increased risk of to personal health.
Read: The Ultimate Brake Dust Guide
Brush Dirt Away
Fill a bucket with cool water and add some wheel cleaner. Swish it around to generate some foam. Fill a second bucket with water to use as a rinse bucket for your brushes. This is part of the “two-bucket” method of car detailing.
Soft-bristled brushes avoid scratching your rims. Use a long-handled wheel brush to reach in and clean the wheel barrel and a shorter wheel brush to clean the wheel’s rim. Frequently return the brushes to your second rinse bucket to rinse off the grime, then get fresh wheel cleaner on the bristles and brush some more. Continue brushing until all the dirt is removed.
Clean the Nooks and Crevices
Use a lug nut brush to clean the area surrounding each lug nut. Depending on the design of your wheel, you might want a small detail brush to get the cleaner into smaller crevices. Use a shop rag or cloth to help remove the dirt and grime.
Shop now for wheel and tire brushesRinse the Rims
Rinse with fresh water. If your wheel is polished metal or chrome, use a metal polish to remove all the remaining tarnish. Dry with a microfiber cloth to avoid water spots.
Wax on the Wheel
Consider applying an all-purpose wax or sealant to the wheels. These lessen how much dirt and brake dust gets stuck on the rim and make the next clean more manageable.
Clean Your Gear
Rinse off your brushes and buckets and let them dry for future use. Keep any shop rags or microfiber cloths separate and use them exclusively for the rims. These cloths accumulate dirt and grime that you don’t want scratching the rest of your car.
Now that your wheels are squeaky clean be sure to include them in your routine car washing process. Frequent cleaning keeps them sparkling clean with minimal effort.
Shop now for automotive care products