what product works best to deep clean clear coated aluminum rims. I started cleaning up my daily driver and the 10 year old rims look kind of dirty (brown brake dust and acid?? stains) after washing with car soap. I'm thinking that I need some kind of acid?? But I think some of the problem is from the car wash that used acid on them in the first place.

 

I would use either P21S gel wheel cleaner or clay . For your rims, I would use some sort of agitator brush because your rims are so dirty. Also, one other thing that you might need is some #000 steel wool. This is available at your local hardware store. I only recommend this if you CANNOT remove contamination any other way. Using the wool is very effective, but it will dull your rims. You will need metal polish if you dull them. Try the first two solutions first. Post pics of before and afters!! One thing I forgot to mention...if you don't have much experience with cleaning rims...read this article before you move and further!!

 

You really have to stay on top of whels to avoid your particular situation! Whatever you decide to buy, make sure its safe for all wheel types, dont spray on all four to let penetrate, and make sure the wheel is cool! There are actually a few OTC brands that are pretty good. I like Eagle Ones wheel and tire cleaner. I also like Four Stars Wheel Cleaner gel.......Find your self a nice brush that will accomodate your particular wheel design, and be patient, and meticulous......Theres really no magic, its going to take some work....
Seal with some polymer protectant or a dedicated "Wheel Sealant" afterwards.....

 

ditto on what exceldetail said....except I dont like eagle one. The thing I like about P21S is that I KNOW it's safe on all wheel types....no questions asked

 

thanks for all the great advice. The rims are 1994 chevy s-10 blazer rims with the holes around the outside (like AR Outlaws) and look pretty good for being 11 years old. One has spots from where the car wash guy sprayed acid on a hot rim and one has a slight brownish tint from brake dust that wont come off. I'm gonna try the P21S and then Mothers clay and then some kind of polish. Any suggestions?? I'll post before pics tomorrow/I'm going to a BBQ now with the fam.
Have a great day



Can I use the Flitz or Mothers ball on thes clear coated rims?? All I have read only talks about using on un-coated metal so I'm assuming no.

 

I've never seen these. What brands do you suggest? Are they applied like a wax? Thanks for all your help. Much appreciated

 

Poorboys World Wheel Sealant......Applied like a wax.....