Cleaning Black Wheels

[sspddmn]

Originally Posted by dorfmac

Your best bet on wheels is just to use soap and water. Anything else, over time, could result in damage to the finish.

I used to detail cars a long time ago. Any cleaning agent will and can cause corrosion of the paint even clear coated polished wheels as well as chrome wheels over continued use of the product. Car wash soap which is safe enough for your paint is safe enough for the wheels. Most people use the cleaning agents to save time and use less effort. Not much more effort to just use soap and water.

[RobZL1580]

I use an old meguiars empty wheel cleaner spray bottle. Clean it out and then add new fresh water with your favorite car washing detergent. That is my wheel cleaner along with a bucket of water with my car wash detergent in it.

The reason why I like the old meguiars bottle, is it foams out the spray with my detergent just like the wheel cleaners.

I am personally afraid of long term use of anything but a car wash detergent.

Don't use dishwasher detergent as that will strip any wax.

[Ron71]

Sonax wheel cleaner works great too.

[BIGBLKZL1]

Meguiare's Black Detail Spray 3 times a weeks with gloves on, sleeves rolled up and on your knees(!)seems to be the best answer. That's for 30 miles per day. No, there is nothing easier if they are going to be dust free. Other option is to let them dust over which creates a contrast to a very clean car.

[ZL1-V]

Dawn dish soap and a bucket of warm water. I also use a soft wheel brush to get in between the wheels.

[DangerZL1]

I used Simple Green a couple of times on my polished wheels but have since gone back to soap and water. I think it's too harsh and doesn't remove the gunk without scrubbing. A soft wheel brush that will reach through the spokes to the rear of the wheel really makes it pretty easy.