What Tools Do You Use to Clean Your Wheels?

rit · 01-07-2007, 09:07 AM

This question was inspired by post where E90Brian mentioned having what seemed like 20 different tools for cleaning his 162s.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...7&postcount=13

Cleaning my wheels is the only part of the detailing process that I don't really enjoy. It takes FOREVER to do it well - mostly because of all the hard to reach places.

Here's the method I've been using:

Spray down all four wheels with Mothers FX Wheel Cleaner
Wait a minute or two, then blast wheels in the same order with the hose.
Sponge wheels with car wash solution and ratty sponge, then rinse
Wash hard-to-reach places with a small wheel brush wrapped by a soapy MF towel
Use a toothbrush or the wheel brush alone to remove any stubborn dirt
After washing and drying the rest of the car and moving it into the garage, use a damp MF towel clean up the missed spots
If I have any energy left, wax wheels with Poorboys Wheel Sealant

Some of the problem areas are on the top inside of the wheel and behind the brakes (but I can usually catch most of that after I move the car to the garage), around the lug nuts, and behind the "spokes". I think it would be nice to have a longer wheel brush, a smaller-diameter wheel brush, and an L-shaped wheel brush to get behind the "spokes".

What does everybody else use? I know I'm not the only one that spends this much time working on my wheels!

Ninjaneer · 01-07-2007, 10:29 AM

Wow. I feel embarrassed to comment now

I spray the wheels down, agitate with a similar wheel brush, then wipe down with an MF mitt (my wheel-only mitt). I recall picus saying that PB's WS can be reapplied every 3-4 months and I haven't had trouble getting brake dust off since I've applied it.

I don't reach behind my spokes though

Maybe I'll dedicate more time to it next time.

Does applying Mother's Wheel Cleaner strip the PB's WS?

boyce'06 330i · 01-07-2007, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninjaneer

Wow. I feel embarrassed to comment now

I spray the wheels down, agitate with a similar wheel brush, then wipe down with an MF mitt (my wheel-only mitt). I recall picus saying that PB's WS can be reapplied every 3-4 months and I haven't had trouble getting brake dust off since I've applied it.

I don't reach behind my spokes though

Maybe I'll dedicate more time to it next time.

Does applying Mother's Wheel Cleaner strip the PB's WS?

Same Here! I use Eagle One wheel cleaner, agitate with a similar brush, spray off with my power washer and I'm done.

I'm pretty impressed with the Eagle One. I had some stubborn brake dust on my wife's X5 that I hadn't been able to get off in over a year and the Eagle One took it off on the first try!

rit · 01-07-2007, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninjaneer

Does applying Mother's Wheel Cleaner strip the PB's WS?

I've wondered the same thing. I was hoping somebody would pipe up and say so if it does.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninjaneer

I don't reach behind my spokes though

Maybe I'll dedicate more time to it next time.

Wha? Really? Dude, that's "car fingernails". Gotta keep 'em clean or it detracts from everything else! LOL

Here's mine from this morning.

picus · 01-07-2007, 12:16 PM

Caustic or acidic cleaners will strip the wheel sealant; you'll usually know if they are caustic or acidic if it warms you not to use them on uncoated aluminum wheels.

I use soap and water, when I am not using soap and water I use amazing roll off (caustic), but cut 4:1 with water. If that doesn't do it I use Megs Wheel Brightener (highly acidic), but that's rare. I am going to try Menzernas new gel soon; it supposed to be perfectly ph neutral, which is a huge bonus for uncoated wheels.

homerunball · 01-07-2007, 01:20 PM

[QUOTE=Ninjaneer]Wow. I feel embarrassed to comment now

I take mine to the car wash, + $2 for wheel and tire cleaning.

MacAttack · 01-07-2007, 01:35 PM

[QUOTE=homerunball]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninjaneer

Wow. I feel embarrassed to comment now

I take mine to the car wash, + $2 for wheel and tire cleaning.

Ouch. I bet they're not brushless either.

dawgdog · 01-07-2007, 08:52 PM

I never use anything stonger on my wheels than I would the rest of the paint on my car. I wash the wheels no less than weekly, usually using QEW (Quick and Easy Wash) which is a rinseless wash solution I use for the rest of the car. I have a separate bucket for the wheels, and a separate wash mitt for the wheels. In addition to the wash mitt I have a small sponge and a paint brush. I use the paint brush to get the area around the lug bolts. Periodically after cleaning the wheels I will use Klasse AIO and follow this up with a coat of SG.

Jaws · 01-07-2007, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ninjaneer

Wow. I feel embarrassed to comment now

Likewise. I use a sponge and dish detergent (I don't use it on the rest of the car) and I've always gotten good results. I am pretty easy on my brakes and don't get a lot of dust which I think helps.

ICALL · 01-13-2007, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawgdog

Periodically after cleaning the wheels I will use Klasse AIO and follow this up with a coat of SG.

Did this two weeks ago after the car wash and dry and didn't have time to do the wheels last week. Went out this morning and hit the wheels. The brake dust didn't come off with the water alone, but after two weeks, the slightest touch of the sponge removed every bit a brake dust. No scrubbing. Still took me an hour to clean them cause I'm still in the retard phase of having a new car and I clean the deep parts of the inside of the rim with a tooth brush.

Anyway, just wanted to give an update on the Klasse SG on the wheels. I remember in another post(or maybe this one) someone asked if this was good on rims. In a word YES!. Anyone know how long it lasts? lol

ctgazer · 01-13-2007, 09:27 PM

a sponge, some mf cloths, and umm, elbow grease...ohh and water...takes about 15 minutes a wheel..then i use the same sealant that i use on the car and then i finish it off with wheel wax...does magic

250XFOS · 01-15-2007, 11:36 AM

To contribute to the post. Before I got my 335 I had an MB with sports pacakge, very nice silver clear coated wheels, I always used every and any kind of wheel cleaner that I came by in the store, tried many brands, they certainly did the job of helping remove the dust and grime. However I never realized the compunds on them could be harmfull for the finish, all bottles said "safe on all wheels". I have to confess that after 3 years that I had the MB, the front part of the wheels were perfect no damage caused by all the shit I sprayed on them. However the inside finish seem to fade a bit, I mean from a silver painted, coming to a gray, but that was the inside only. see picture below.

Now with my 335 I do not want to risk either outside or inside, style 189 wheels have BIG openings between spokes so I use a cheap "california duster which is about 2.5 inches wide and about 15 inches long, all covered in microfiber "tentacles", I am using only car cash soap, soak the whole thing in the bucket and I can reach all the way in the interior rim, move it to the left, right and that pretty much cleans all of it. Then with a MF rag I soake it on the soap bucket and by hand I clean each back of the spokes. For the area behind the calipers, you have to move the car a bit and then clean that area. After finishing the whole car, wheels might be dried, if not I dry them and apply wheel wax, once a month. Wheel wax helps get rid of the brake dust easier but this car certainly generates brake dust as hell, three times more than the MB did, and actually stops 3 times better lol.

Beware of brake dust, if left uncleaned IT WILL embed on the finish.

Good Luck.

Ninjaneer · 01-15-2007, 11:50 AM

Update: I washed my car last night and finally focused some more on that inner portion - MAN was it dirty! I used my wheel wash-mitt but gonna have to try my brush and maybe a toothbrush for some portions of it.

Right now the car is so bling-bling in the sun (yay no rain, finally!)... a couple drove by where I was parked TWICE and kept staring

m3power13 · 01-15-2007, 12:07 PM

I agree with 250XFOS, I am convinced that prolonged use of wheel cleaners is bad for the finish on the wheels (from experience). Those cleaners just smell potent. The wheel cleaner you can buy from BMW recommends wearing rubber gloves when applying, yikes.

However, I clean my wheels often enough that just soap and water is enough to remove the brake dust. Wipes right off. As another poster mentioned, leaving brake dust on your wheels for a prolonged period with the heating and cooling of the wheels can cause big problems.

picus · 01-15-2007, 03:35 PM

Whether or not a wheel cleaner damages wheels will depend entirely on the wheel cleaner. Some are acidic, some are caustic, some are neither. The BMW wheel cleaner is caustic (ph 10 I think). Your best bet is to use your wash water and soap, and then use a cleaner as close to ph 7 as possible if needed.

glockz · 02-15-2007, 12:47 PM

I've had good results using Simple Green on my wheels. I've been using it on various brands of clear coated or painted wheels over the years without any issues. I normally mix it 50/50 with water. They have a wheel cleaner foam that just came out but I haven't tried it.

Ghunger · 02-15-2007, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glockz

I've had good results using Simple Green on my wheels. I've been using it on various brands of clear coated or painted wheels over the years without any issues. I normally mix it 50/50 with water. They have a wheel cleaner foam that just came out but I haven't tried it.

I do the same thing, or close rather. Spray down, spray on concentrated simple green on all 4 wheels, then brush with a wheel brush and rinse 1 at a time. I usually don't bother with behind the spokes either, unless I'm doing a thorough detail. Definitelly don't bother with it during the winter.

pander5 · 02-15-2007, 06:21 PM

I have the luxury of 5 spoke wheels (SSR GT3's) and can get behind them to the inner perimter fairly easy - every weekly wash. I just use my Z-7 soap and it helps to maintain them with this frequency. My time is spent on the perimter rivet thingies (bolts) - for that it's a toothbrush. For some wheels I do that are more difficult I grab my paint stick and wrap it in a dedicated MF for wheels. That and a soft wheel brush works well for me.

i save the Eagle One and Simple Green (cut 75:25) for the really problem cases - then flush thoroughly!!!

TTG · 02-15-2007, 06:45 PM

No cleaners in here.... My wheels are treated with Z-2 and I take my time washing them w/ Z-7.... It is some what of a PIA get behind the 189's on rear wheels but do manage to get them clean.... It bugs me when that area is diry :-)

Autopia Car Care · 02-16-2007, 08:58 AM

P21S wheel cleaner and Meguiars wheel face brush and spoke brush are a winning safe cleaning process.
Wax your wheels with Klasse AIO, Smartwax rim wax or Autoglym Super resin polish followed by Extra gloss protection.

tdekany · 02-16-2007, 04:29 PM

for those very dirty wheels I use my pressure washer and a wheel cleaner.

shragon · 02-23-2007, 04:17 PM

i just use car soap and water, and use a half a sponge. as for the inside rim, i just clean where my hand can reach. i apply wheel wax every so often.

i wash my wheels first. then i proceed to wash the rest of the car (with a different bucket of water and car soap of course).

01-07-2007, 09:07 AM	#1
rit Second Lieutenant 64 Rep 240 Posts Drives: 335i Sedan Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (0)	What Tools Do You Use to Clean Your Wheels? This question was inspired by post where E90Brian mentioned having what seemed like 20 different tools for cleaning his 162s. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...7&postcount=13 Cleaning my wheels is the only part of the detailing process that I don't really enjoy. It takes FOREVER to do it well - mostly because of all the hard to reach places. Here's the method I've been using: Spray down all four wheels with Mothers FX Wheel Cleaner Wait a minute or two, then blast wheels in the same order with the hose. Sponge wheels with car wash solution and ratty sponge, then rinse Wash hard-to-reach places with a small wheel brush wrapped by a soapy MF towel Use a toothbrush or the wheel brush alone to remove any stubborn dirt After washing and drying the rest of the car and moving it into the garage, use a damp MF towel clean up the missed spots If I have any energy left, wax wheels with Poorboys Wheel Sealant Some of the problem areas are on the top inside of the wheel and behind the brakes (but I can usually catch most of that after I move the car to the garage), around the lug nuts, and behind the "spokes". I think it would be nice to have a longer wheel brush, a smaller-diameter wheel brush, and an L-shaped wheel brush to get behind the "spokes". What does everybody else use? I know I'm not the only one that spends this much time working on my wheels! Attached Images __________________ Matt 335i Sedan \| Arctic Metallic \| Black Leather / Light Poplar \| All Options Read About My Performance Center Delivery (with Pics)
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01-07-2007, 10:29 AM	#2
Ninjaneer Shadow Warrior 143 Rep 2,095 Posts Drives: '07 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Wow. I feel embarrassed to comment now I spray the wheels down, agitate with a similar wheel brush, then wipe down with an MF mitt (my wheel-only mitt). I recall picus saying that PB's WS can be reapplied every 3-4 months and I haven't had trouble getting brake dust off since I've applied it. I don't reach behind my spokes though Maybe I'll dedicate more time to it next time. Does applying Mother's Wheel Cleaner strip the PB's WS? __________________ 335i E90 / Arctic / Gray / Burl Walnut / Steptronic / ZPP / ZSP / Paddles / CA / Nav / PDC / OEM Spoiler Mods: PIAA Angel Eyes, Rear Fog Switch, Escort X50 Blue hardwire, 30% Charcoal Llumar Installing soon: Rear Power Outlets (Happy Robot mod!)
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01-07-2007, 12:16 PM	#5
picus Brigadier General 125 Rep 4,172 Posts Drives: e92 SG 335i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	Caustic or acidic cleaners will strip the wheel sealant; you'll usually know if they are caustic or acidic if it warms you not to use them on uncoated aluminum wheels. I use soap and water, when I am not using soap and water I use amazing roll off (caustic), but cut 4:1 with water. If that doesn't do it I use Megs Wheel Brightener (highly acidic), but that's rare. I am going to try Menzernas new gel soon; it supposed to be perfectly ph neutral, which is a huge bonus for uncoated wheels.
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01-07-2007, 01:20 PM	#6
homerunball Private 0 Rep 81 Posts Drives: 96 Geo Metro 1.0L Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	[QUOTE=Ninjaneer]Wow. I feel embarrassed to comment now I take mine to the car wash, + $2 for wheel and tire cleaning.
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01-07-2007, 08:52 PM	#8
dawgdog Colonel 150 Rep 2,278 Posts Drives: 2015 M3, 2016 GT3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Seattle, Wa. iTrader: (0)	I never use anything stonger on my wheels than I would the rest of the paint on my car. I wash the wheels no less than weekly, usually using QEW (Quick and Easy Wash) which is a rinseless wash solution I use for the rest of the car. I have a separate bucket for the wheels, and a separate wash mitt for the wheels. In addition to the wash mitt I have a small sponge and a paint brush. I use the paint brush to get the area around the lug bolts. Periodically after cleaning the wheels I will use Klasse AIO and follow this up with a coat of SG. Attached Images __________________ 2015 f80 M3, 2016 GT3
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01-13-2007, 09:27 PM	#11
ctgazer Major General 385 Rep 7,952 Posts Drives: a dilapidated ride Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: canada eh! iTrader: (10) Garage List 2006 e90 [0.00]	a sponge, some mf cloths, and umm, elbow grease...ohh and water...takes about 15 minutes a wheel..then i use the same sealant that i use on the car and then i finish it off with wheel wax...does magic __________________
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01-15-2007, 11:36 AM	#12
250XFOS Private First Class 3 Rep 117 Posts Drives: ED10-18-06/335i Monaco\Brown Join Date: May 2006 Location: So.FL iTrader: (0)	Wheel Cleaners To contribute to the post. Before I got my 335 I had an MB with sports pacakge, very nice silver clear coated wheels, I always used every and any kind of wheel cleaner that I came by in the store, tried many brands, they certainly did the job of helping remove the dust and grime. However I never realized the compunds on them could be harmfull for the finish, all bottles said "safe on all wheels". I have to confess that after 3 years that I had the MB, the front part of the wheels were perfect no damage caused by all the shit I sprayed on them. However the inside finish seem to fade a bit, I mean from a silver painted, coming to a gray, but that was the inside only. see picture below. Now with my 335 I do not want to risk either outside or inside, style 189 wheels have BIG openings between spokes so I use a cheap "california duster which is about 2.5 inches wide and about 15 inches long, all covered in microfiber "tentacles", I am using only car cash soap, soak the whole thing in the bucket and I can reach all the way in the interior rim, move it to the left, right and that pretty much cleans all of it. Then with a MF rag I soake it on the soap bucket and by hand I clean each back of the spokes. For the area behind the calipers, you have to move the car a bit and then clean that area. After finishing the whole car, wheels might be dried, if not I dry them and apply wheel wax, once a month. Wheel wax helps get rid of the brake dust easier but this car certainly generates brake dust as hell, three times more than the MB did, and actually stops 3 times better lol. Beware of brake dust, if left uncleaned IT WILL embed on the finish. Good Luck. Attached Images __________________ 335I, ZSP, Monaco\Saddle paddles,CA,PRS ED Drop Off, Zurich, Oct 30, REDELIVERED DEC 29 '06
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01-15-2007, 11:50 AM	#13
Ninjaneer Shadow Warrior 143 Rep 2,095 Posts Drives: '07 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Update: I washed my car last night and finally focused some more on that inner portion - MAN was it dirty! I used my wheel wash-mitt but gonna have to try my brush and maybe a toothbrush for some portions of it. Right now the car is so bling-bling in the sun (yay no rain, finally!)... a couple drove by where I was parked TWICE and kept staring __________________ 335i E90 / Arctic / Gray / Burl Walnut / Steptronic / ZPP / ZSP / Paddles / CA / Nav / PDC / OEM Spoiler Mods: PIAA Angel Eyes, Rear Fog Switch, Escort X50 Blue hardwire, 30% Charcoal Llumar Installing soon: Rear Power Outlets (Happy Robot mod!)
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01-15-2007, 12:07 PM	#14
m3power13 Lieutenant 112 Rep 531 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Stripper Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	I agree with 250XFOS, I am convinced that prolonged use of wheel cleaners is bad for the finish on the wheels (from experience). Those cleaners just smell potent. The wheel cleaner you can buy from BMW recommends wearing rubber gloves when applying, yikes. However, I clean my wheels often enough that just soap and water is enough to remove the brake dust. Wipes right off. As another poster mentioned, leaving brake dust on your wheels for a prolonged period with the heating and cooling of the wheels can cause big problems.
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01-15-2007, 03:35 PM	#15
picus Brigadier General 125 Rep 4,172 Posts Drives: e92 SG 335i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	Whether or not a wheel cleaner damages wheels will depend entirely on the wheel cleaner. Some are acidic, some are caustic, some are neither. The BMW wheel cleaner is caustic (ph 10 I think). Your best bet is to use your wash water and soap, and then use a cleaner as close to ph 7 as possible if needed.
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02-15-2007, 12:47 PM	#16
glockz First Lieutenant 22 Rep 304 Posts Drives: 2016 M4 ZCP Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Plano, TX iTrader: (8)	I've had good results using Simple Green on my wheels. I've been using it on various brands of clear coated or painted wheels over the years without any issues. I normally mix it 50/50 with water. They have a wheel cleaner foam that just came out but I haven't tried it.
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02-15-2007, 06:21 PM	#18
pander5 Special Forces - Discretion is superior 31 Rep 1,011 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Sapphire Black Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i Coupe [0.00]	I have the luxury of 5 spoke wheels (SSR GT3's) and can get behind them to the inner perimter fairly easy - every weekly wash. I just use my Z-7 soap and it helps to maintain them with this frequency. My time is spent on the perimter rivet thingies (bolts) - for that it's a toothbrush. For some wheels I do that are more difficult I grab my paint stick and wrap it in a dedicated MF for wheels. That and a soft wheel brush works well for me. i save the Eagle One and Simple Green (cut 75:25) for the really problem cases - then flush thoroughly!!! __________________ M3 + trailer hitch = oxymoron
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02-15-2007, 06:45 PM	#19
TTG ... 936 Rep 4,327 Posts Drives: M340 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [7.84] 2007 335 Coupe (ret ... [9.00]	No cleaners in here.... My wheels are treated with Z-2 and I take my time washing them w/ Z-7.... It is some what of a PIA get behind the 189's on rear wheels but do manage to get them clean.... It bugs me when that area is diry :-) __________________ 2020 G20 M340 xDrive - Portimao Blue - ZDA\|ZPP\|ZPX\|1CR\|1PE\|6NW\|6WD 2016 F10 535i xDrive - AW - Retired 2011 E92 M3 - AW……………....ED April 29th, 2010 - Retired 2007 E92 335i -Space Gray.....ED Oct 19th, 2006 - Retired
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02-16-2007, 08:58 AM	#20
Autopia Car Care New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: Black Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Detail Heaven iTrader: (0)	P21S wheel cleaner and Meguiars wheel face brush and spoke brush are a winning safe cleaning process. Wax your wheels with Klasse AIO, Smartwax rim wax or Autoglym Super resin polish followed by Extra gloss protection.
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02-16-2007, 04:29 PM	#21
tdekany Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 265 Posts Drives: 2001 VR6 Jetta Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Estacada Oregon iTrader: (0)	for those very dirty wheels I use my pressure washer and a wheel cleaner.
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02-23-2007, 04:17 PM	#22
shragon Moderator 497 Rep 27,441 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (7)	i just use car soap and water, and use a half a sponge. as for the inside rim, i just clean where my hand can reach. i apply wheel wax every so often. i wash my wheels first. then i proceed to wash the rest of the car (with a different bucket of water and car soap of course). __________________ www.cardomain.com/id/shragon
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