7 Steps for Cleaning Wheels and Rims

Exterior  /   /  By Mark Bach

Dirty wheels and tires can destroy the look of an otherwise gorgeous vehicle. Fortunately, you can restore a wheel to like-new condition with the right cleaning supplies and a little effort.

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

A man cleaning a car wheel with soapy water and a wheel brush

Tools Needed

Read: The Wonderful World of Car Detailing Brushes

Shop now for wheel & tire cleaning products

Steps 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

A close-up view of a Porsche car wheel sprayed with an iron removing cleanerIn 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

Using a bristle brush to clean a car wheelFill 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 brushes

Rinse the Rims

A man rinsing off a custom car wheel with a spray hose

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.

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About the Author

Mark C. Bach has oil in his veins and remembers feeler gauges and brake springs. He has a love for all things that move, especially old-school muscle cars. Bach writes for a variety of outlets, including Chevy Classics and FuelCurve.com, and maintains Route66pubco.com.