Best way to clean painted rims??

[nate95tsi]

Hello dsmtuners,

I recently bought some evo 9 Mr wheels and they have a little brake dust on them. I was wondering the best way to clean them. Would soap and water suffice? What do you guys do to clean your wheels!?

Thanks!!

 

[pauleyman]

Simple soap and water. If that doesn't do let us know

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

Aero wheel acid. We use it at work and it works wonders on any wheel, even plastic wheel covers. Spray it on, leave it sit for 30 seconds to a minute, then rinse well.

 

[keithcfisher29]

I like eagle one a2z all wheel cleaner it works great on painted wheels

 

[Silver99OZ]

If regular wheel cleaners wont get all of the brake dust off you can use some compound by hand to clean them more.

 

[hunkajunk]

That eagle one is the best wheel cleaner I've seen

 

[nate95tsi]

Okay great thanks. I'll give the eagle one a chance. I was doing some reading and a lot of people were saying to be careful because you don't want to use anything to strong.

 

[sccrbrandon4788]

I've been using Black Magic wheel and tire cleaner. Its a pH cleaner that seems to remove the dirt and dust before even scrubbing with a wheel brush. Sold at Advance.

 

[97tal]

Eagle one a2z or a good diluted apc that is safe for paint

 

[Dominasian]

I used Acetone

 

[97tal]

^^^^

 

[GSTurbo1]

Becareful with high pressure water it will peel paint off.

 

[schalk35]

I use chloroform, seems to work really well, just make sure you wear a mask

 

[onyxtyson]

Dawn dishsoap the hit it with some good wax afterwards. Keeps them cleaner longer.

 

[yayocc393]

I just use the same stuff I use to wash my car

 

[nate95tsi]

Yeah Ill give the eagle a2z a shot. Acetone works great on the equipment at work but wouldn't it be to strong and take the finish off? Thanks everyone! I even heard dawn might be to abrasive.

 

[onyxtyson]

Yeah Ill give the eagle a2z a shot. Acetone works great on the equipment at work but wouldn't it be to strong and take the finish off? Thanks everyone! I even heard dawn might be to abrasive.

Yea there being sarcastic! Dont use acetone! Whatever you use to clean your cars paint with use the same thing to clean painted rims.

 

[nate95tsi]

You know... I don't know why I didn't really think of that. whoops

 

[AUTOMODSGST]

this goes to everyone if you can't get your rims clean and they are painted, insted of trying different products just spend some time using rubbing compound that is pretty much the safest way to get those rims looking like new again and for sure won't hurt your painted wheels

 

[nate95tsi]

Any specific compound you would recommend?

 

[performance]

Only use a microfiber rag to prevent further swirls. Spray off excess dirt prior to washing.

 

[turtlebain]

There's a product called "LA's Totally Awesome" you can spray it on and watch brake dust & dirt run right off. Then spray it down with water and wipe. It's at "Family Dollar" around me, and oh, did I mention it's a dollar? I buy it in the $3 large handle, and use it for cleaning the engine bay as well and spots on upholstry & carpet.

I've used it on painted wheels, also. Hope this helps.

Any specific compound you would recommend?

Hey, I'd be very careful with that. Is it a single stage like just the base? or is there a clear coat protective coat? If you use compound depending on the finish you could dull or shine the way it looks in that one spot. Just stick to cleaning it in my opinion.

 

[nate95tsi]

I'm not 100% sure on the finish. They are evo 9 Mr I believe bbs wheels. They aren't even that dirty at all

 

[AUTOMODSGST]

3M rubbing coumpound should do the job

 

[Detail]

Nate,
I have the exact same wheels in the SE color. They are clearcoated. So, you can treat them exactly like any painted surface as far as polishing goes. Don't try metal polish, use paint polish. And if you'd like, seal them after you clean them.

Or, just go the normal guy route and get them clean!
To clean mine, I use MeguiarsDirect.com:Wheel Brightener Wheel Brightener . That is cut 4 parts water to 1 part cleaner. The stuff is strong, so wear gloves and follow directions. But it cleans like a mofo. Also, do yourself a favor and get one of these Daytona Speed Master Wheel Brush, Auto Detail Brush, flexible wheel brush, spoke wheel brush, corvette wheel brush, mercedes wheel brush, sport wheel brush . That will really make it easier to clean all the spokes. I've had a gallon of that for over 3 years and I've cleaned a hundred cars easily in that time.