How to Clean Alloy Wheels

Maintaining clean alloy wheels is not only essential for your vehicle’s aesthetic appeal but also vital for its performance and longevity. As much as you might be a proud car holder and enjoy having your car in pristine condition, we don’t pay the deserved attention to wheels when cleaning.

It is common knowledge that wheels get the most exposure to grime and dirt because of their nature. In addition, alloy wheels often face the challenge of accumulating brake dust, which can deposit a dark brown residue across the wheel surface, detracting from their clean and polished appearance.

At Chipex, our mission is helping people have their cars in the most optimal state and that’s why we are proud to offer the best quality for our products, not just for our Touch Up paints but our selection of cleaning products as well. The Chipex wheel cleaner, Seeing Red Wheel Cleaner, is an advanced super concentrate with very high active ingredients that offer an extremely effective means to clean all wheel types whilst remaining non-corrosive.

Our Seeing Red Wheel Cleaner has been specifically formulated to convert insoluble iron brake dust deposits welded to wheel rims and bodywork into a water soluble salt, thereby enabling "quick release" from vehicle surfaces that otherwise would require physical abrasion. Now that you know about our solution for your alloy wheels, learn more about how to implement it in your alloy wheel cleaning routine.

Alloy Wheel Cleaning Hacks

The frequency and approach to cleaning alloy wheels can significantly impact their condition and lifespan. Regular cleaning is crucial to remove the build-up of brake dust, road salts, and grime, which can be particularly aggressive on alloy wheels. The driving environment plays a crucial role in determining how often you should clean your wheels. For instance, driving in urban areas with more pollution, or in coastal regions where salt air prevails, may necessitate more frequent cleaning.

Stubborn stains on alloy wheels, such as ingrained brake dust, tar, and road film, require more than just soap and water. A specialised cleaner like the Chipex Seeing Red Wheel Cleaner is designed to tackle these tough stains. Its unique formula works by converting the insoluble iron from brake dust into a water-soluble compound, making it easier to rinse away. For the best results, apply the cleaner and allow it to sit for a few minutes. You’ll know it’s working when you see it turn red, indicating that the brake dust is being dissolved. However, a pressure washer will make the job much easier, especially for those difficult to reach spaces.

We have seen many times people using household items like toothpaste or vinegar to clean alloy wheels, they can offer a temporary solution but may not be as effective for long-term maintenance and can sometimes be too abrasive. For a more thorough clean that restores the wheels to a like-new condition, professional products like Chipex’s wheel cleaner are recommended. These products are specifically formulated to be gentle on alloy materials while providing a powerful cleaning action.

Chipex's key tips include:

• Always clean the wheels when they are cool to the touch to prevent the cleaner from drying too quickly and leaving residues.
• Avoid using harsh brushes or scouring pads that can scratch the wheel surface. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth.
• Do not allow wheel cleaners to dry on the wheel. Rinse thoroughly within 10 minutes of application.

Get Your Alloy Wheel Products Ready

Choosing the right product is crucial in caring for your alloy wheels, and when it comes to washing your precious car wheels, many people ask themselves what is best for cleaning alloy wheels to avoid the don’ts and keep their intact look.

Keep these must-have alloy wheel products handy:

• We recommend wearing gloves since this can be a messy job and sometimes car wheels can be covered in corrosive materials that can damage your hands
• If you have access to a pressure wash, it’s ideal, however, a hose will do the job
• Soft sponge
• A tyre brush to reach between the spokes
• Microfibre towel
• Chipex Seeing Red Wheel Cleaner
• Wheel wax to apply an extra layer of protection

What is the Best Way to Clean Alloy Wheels

Follow these steps to clean your alloy wheels effectively:

• Start by rinsing the wheels with water and use the soft sponge to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Spray Chipex Seeing Red Wheel Cleaner Simply spray and leave for 2-5 minutes - the fast acting gel turns red on contact with iron and releases the dirt. Can then be easily pressure washed, bucket sponge wash or brush cleaned. Reapply and repeat if stubborn heavy deposits remain.
• Rinse the wheels thoroughly with water, ensuring all cleaner and loosened dirt is washed away.
• Dry the wheels with a clean microfibre towel to prevent water spots.
• Lastly, you can use a wheel wax to add and stra layer of protection to your alloy wheels. Applying this will create a defensive coating on your wheels, effectively hampering the accumulation of brake dust and defending them against subsequent wear and tear.

By following these steps and using the right products, you can effectively clean and maintain your alloy wheels, keeping them looking new and performing optimally.