SCMike

Maybe everyone else already knows this, but I thought that I would share anyway. When I got Quasi-Moto, the PO passed on what looked like a toilet brush that he was using to clean the wheels. I have now used the brush on two different sets of spoke alloy wheels, and the brush is fantabulous - can easily get to every surface of the wheel, due to the angle of the brush handle and the bristle geometry. The wheel ends up as clean as it would if you dismounted it to clean it off the car. Also does the caliper surfaces.

Looking around, I found it locally at Home Depot (#158HDXRM) for $2.97. It's sold as a bottle brush:

rackhenry

Thanks for the tip!!

Pep!RRRR

Anyone know a good way to clean stubborn brake dust residue from painted wheels? It's not going to wash off unless I use some kind of solvent, but worry about taking the paint with it.

LexVan

Try:

Simple Green or Wurth Citrus Degreaser.

For best access and leverage, remove wheels from car.

n4v4nod

Sonax Wheel Cleaner

LexVan

Even WD40.

MJBird993

I disagree with the simple green - it can damage the paint. DAMHIK.

I like Griot's wheel cleaner or P21S (I think they're from the same supplier). It's easy on the paint, and gets off the brake dust with a little scrubbing.

If you can't get the stains out, odds are that the paint has been damaged from the dust being on there too long. Again, DAMHIK. (wife's BMW)

xpensivewino

I recently purchased Brown Royal from Flash. The stuff is the best spray on/ rinse off wheel cleaner I've ever used. The GT3 and the Spyder wheels would get very dusty, and were difficult to clean due to the spoke configuration. This stuff is amazing. It ain't cheap, but it flat out works.

Marine Blue

+1

Or P21S.

Phil G.

I've used Sonax with excellent results. As for a tool, had bought a Meguiar's wheel brush - available on UK Amazon site but not sure for the US any longer. It's the best. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-Ul...=1&*entries*=0

KShep

Heavy Duty Clay Bar

Warm, soapy water or manufacturers clay lubricant and Wolfgang Elastic Poly clay bar or other heavy duty grey clay bar.

Easier if the wheels are warmed in the sun for half an hour or so.

Not guaranteed but my final option when soaps, mild solvents and brushes fail.

I have heard of handheld compressed air guns (Tornador) that will clean interior and exterior of autos including wheels. Perhaps a detailing professional in your area can demonstrate.

ClintonM3

+1 Sonax. I assume everyone is referring to Sonax Full Effect. Sonax now sells a wheel cleaner PLUS, which is stronger than the normal Full Effect. In my experience, the normal Full Effect is strong enough.

I have also tried P21S wheel cleaner, as well as Griot's heavy duty wheel cleaner, both are great.

The one that I want to try next is Poorboy's Spray and Rinse or IronX, both of which get very good reviews.

SCMike

But, but, but, it costs almost 10 quid plus shipping. And will it do the innermost edge of the wheel barrel, reaching in through the spokes from the outside, like the $2.97 bottle brush?

Phil G.

I won't spend more than 5 quid on a brush! But seriously, the Meguiars product has very soft bristles that will not scratch the paint finish on any part of the wheel. What about your $2.97 bottle brush - is it soft enough for wheels??

Phil G.

I have used Sonax Full Effect - the one that turns brake dust crimson. Not sure I'd use it on my 981 wheels, but probably safe. Mild soap/water is all I will likely use on them.