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General => Detailing => Topic started by: Neaty on 10 August 2007, 17:21

Title: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Neaty on 10 August 2007, 17:21
Can anyone recommend a product for cleaning wheels, is wonder wheels the best or can it be beaten?

i need to clean by BBS RX's coz they are filthy!
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: ...joe on 10 August 2007, 18:27
wonder wheels is very harsh but does the trick. i think yours have suffered from laquer peel so wonder wheels would make the raw alloy even worse. a decent citrus degreaser should help but might need a bit of work.
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Neaty on 11 August 2007, 19:09
ok cheers! and where might i get some of that from?

Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Rhyso on 11 August 2007, 20:23
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=64295.0

think www.elitecarcare.co.uk might be your best bet  :smiley:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Conker on 09 October 2007, 13:18
A clay bar (e.g. sonus green) is very very good at getting really stuborn bits off your wheels. Takes ages though.
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Guy on 09 October 2007, 18:24
as conker said... clay the wheel and then use something better than wonder wheels

wonder wheels is very acidic and will happily eat away at your alloys...  I learnt my lesson after having a set of alloys ruined years ago by using wonder wheels weekly :angry:

i now use meguairs hot rims on a bi-weekly/monthly basis only - the results are fab  :grin:

Quote
Unlike the majority of wheel cleaners on the market today our Hot Rims product is safe to use on all wheel types even split rims, polished alloys and chrome finishes. Simply apply Hot Rims to a cool wheel and let the highly effective neutralising agents penetrate brake dust and grime to break down contamination and loosen its hold. Then hose away the residue to reveal the lustrous surface underneath

The best thing to do is get your alloys wheely clean  :wink: and then use soapy water (not the same mitt as you clean your paintwork with) as much as possible.... done weekly your rims should not suffer and brake dust build up.  You can use Meg quick wheel detailer in between washes to remove contaminates before they have time to bond.

http://www.meguiars.co.uk/ (http://www.meguiars.co.uk/)  look in shop / enthusiast / other surfaces

Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: rombonie on 17 February 2008, 23:30
Hi Guys, if you are starting with clean wheels then mister sheen, stardust or autosmart will do a really good job of cleaning off brake dust and stuff, it also help to protect them. try it! spray on to clean soft cloth and clean the wheel is the best method to avoid get it on the disc's, but if careful you can just spray direct on to rim and clean off polish after with a second clean dry soft cloth. well i'm sure you get the idea.

cheers rombonie

got one for bugs if you want it :)

Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Guy on 17 February 2008, 23:54
Hi Guys, if you are starting with clean wheels then mister sheen, stardust or autosmart will do a really good job of cleaning off brake dust and stuff, it also help to protect them. try it! spray on to clean soft cloth and clean the wheel is the best method to avoid get it on the disc's, but if careful you can just spray direct on to rim and clean off polish after with a second clean dry soft cloth. well i'm sure you get the idea.

cheers rombonie

got one for bugs if you want it :)



i've heard autosmart 'smart wheels' is the biz.. but where can average joe like me get hold of it?  and i've also heard that bilberry is very good too as a lot of people on DW are raving about it?
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Conker on 21 February 2008, 22:05
I'm totally ghetto with my wheels... I use 50/50 fairy liquid with hot water with a decent wheel brush, mainly because a) its cheap, and b) BBS RA's are a nightmare.

At least it must be better than wonder wheels (aka sulphuric acid).

Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: sesterfield on 21 February 2008, 23:47
I'm totally ghetto with my wheels... I use 50/50 fairy liquid with hot water with a decent wheel brush

tesco own brand wheel cleaner + pressure washer for me  :grin:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: JC on 27 August 2009, 20:57
so, wheel cleaning, whats the best BRUSH  to use then ? cos my bbs are a pain in the ar$e.  :undecided:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Steve_PD on 27 August 2009, 21:10
EZ detail brush (http://www.waxamomo.co.uk/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=212&idcategory=13)  :wink:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Guy on 27 August 2009, 22:26
so, wheel cleaning, whats the best BRUSH  to use then ? cos my bbs are a pain in the ar$e.  :undecided:

vikan wheel brush mate

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-wheel-brush/prod_389.html (http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-wheel-brush/prod_389.html)

i mainly use this brush though

http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Vikan_Multi_Brush_1.html (http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Vikan_Multi_Brush_1.html)

find vikan brushes very good though much better than megs or the like
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Guy on 27 August 2009, 23:03
so, wheel cleaning, whats the best BRUSH  to use then ? cos my bbs are a pain in the ar$e.  :undecided:

got a wheel brush you can try if you want

threw one of those ez detail brushes out last week as it is so sh!te

you need bilberry or smart wheels in your life  :wink:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: stealthwolf on 27 August 2009, 23:24
I rate bilberry over hot rims. As for brushes, I use an alloy wheel brush to do the inner surfaces of the rim and a swissvax-style brush to do the face and corners of the alloy.
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: nogrille on 01 September 2009, 12:46
I wouldn't bother with Megs Hot Rims - you have to use SO much product, it's not ecomical.  Megs Wheel Brightner however is very good, quite toxic however so proceed with caution.  I've heard good things about Bilberry too but never used it myself.
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Guy on 01 September 2009, 12:58
since my last post in this topic about hot rims I have seen the light and found bilberry and then autosmart smart wheels... the second being better and more economical  :smug:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: s_boulton02 on 03 September 2009, 16:40
I have a set of Keskin Kt1 and the polished rims are getting a little faded whats the best way to polish them back..?

Cheers
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: nogrille on 04 September 2009, 11:28
Belgom Chrome from Elite Car CAre
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Rhyso on 07 September 2009, 14:59
so, wheel cleaning, whats the best BRUSH  to use then ? cos my bbs are a pain in the ar$e.  :undecided:

vikan wheel brush mate

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-wheel-brush/prod_389.html (http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-wheel-brush/prod_389.html)

i mainly use this brush though

http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Vikan_Multi_Brush_1.html (http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Vikan_Multi_Brush_1.html)

find vikan brushes very good though much better than megs or the like

ordered!

They best be worth the money now  :tongue:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Guy on 07 September 2009, 15:59
so, wheel cleaning, whats the best BRUSH  to use then ? cos my bbs are a pain in the ar$e.  :undecided:

vikan wheel brush mate

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-wheel-brush/prod_389.html (http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-wheel-brush/prod_389.html)

i mainly use this brush though

http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Vikan_Multi_Brush_1.html (http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Vikan_Multi_Brush_1.html)

find vikan brushes very good though much better than megs or the like

ordered!

They best be worth the money now  :tongue:

good man yerself... watch for splatter from the 'pokey' brush... does allow you to get very deep behind the wheel though... you can also bend the tip over to clean behind the rear rim inside the wheel... if you are that anal  :lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: JC on 07 September 2009, 16:07
so, wheel cleaning, whats the best BRUSH  to use then ? cos my bbs are a pain in the ar$e.  :undecided:

vikan wheel brush mate

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-wheel-brush/prod_389.html (http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-wheel-brush/prod_389.html)

i mainly use this brush though

http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Vikan_Multi_Brush_1.html (http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Vikan_Multi_Brush_1.html)

find vikan brushes very good though much better than megs or the like

ordered!

They best be worth the money now  :tongue:

good man yerself... watch for splatter from the 'pokey' brush... does allow you to get very deep behind the wheel though... you can also bend the tip over to clean behind the rear rim inside the wheel... i as i know you are that anal  :lipsrsealed:

 :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Rhyso on 07 September 2009, 16:10
so, wheel cleaning, whats the best BRUSH  to use then ? cos my bbs are a pain in the ar$e.  :undecided:

vikan wheel brush mate

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-wheel-brush/prod_389.html (http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-wheel-brush/prod_389.html)

i mainly use this brush though

http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Vikan_Multi_Brush_1.html (http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Vikan_Multi_Brush_1.html)

find vikan brushes very good though much better than megs or the like

ordered!

They best be worth the money now  :tongue:

good man yerself... watch for splatter from the 'pokey' brush... does allow you to get very deep behind the wheel though... you can also bend the tip over to clean behind the rear rim inside the wheel... i as i know you are that anal  :lipsrsealed:

 :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:

 :rolleyes:

got one of those EZ brushes and i've not been overly impressed  :undecided:  its good for keeping the inside of the wheel clean but useless for cleaning the spokes  :sad:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: mk2_singh_is_back on 11 September 2009, 19:23
I have got alloys that have a mirror polished lip, I usually wash the alloys with car shampoo, then dry the alloys. If they are really grimy I use Autosol metal polish to get the brake dust off, then I use Autoglym alloy wheel protector (its a white spray can). I recommend the Autoglym alloys protector as it puts a nice polish on the lip and when the brake dust builds up again, I can easily wipe them clean with a tissue/rag.

 
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Guy on 11 September 2009, 22:54
I have got alloys that have a mirror polished lip, I usually wash the alloys with car shampoo, then dry the alloys. If they are really grimy I use Autosol metal polish to get the brake dust off, then I use Autoglym alloy wheel protector (its a white spray can). I recommend the Autoglym alloys protector as it puts a nice polish on the lip and when the brake dust builds up again, I can easily wipe them clean with a tissue/rag.

 

how much is it?
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: MickeyC on 12 September 2009, 22:02
Help guys

i need some advice on what to use to clean my alloys.

I currently use Meguiars hot rims wheel cleaner

its good but ive got some really stuck on black tar marks that the meguiars wont shift at all.

What will get it off and whats the best method to clean them?

 :nerd:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Guy on 13 September 2009, 12:10
Help guys

i need some advice on what to use to clean my alloys.

I currently use Meguiars hot rims wheel cleaner

its good but ive got some really stuck on black tar marks that the meguiars wont shift at all.

What will get it off and whats the best method to clean them?

 :nerd:

try tar remover  :wink:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: MickeyC on 13 September 2009, 13:18
such an obvious answer  :grin:

might shoot down to halfrauds today and have a look
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Guy on 13 September 2009, 13:43
such an obvious answer  :grin:

might shoot down to halfrauds today and have a look

AG tar remover ftw if you are in halfords
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: jaydubveedub on 14 September 2009, 13:00
I have got alloys that have a mirror polished lip, I usually wash the alloys with car shampoo, then dry the alloys. If they are really grimy I use Autosol metal polish to get the brake dust off, then I use Autoglym alloy wheel protector (its a white spray can). I recommend the Autoglym alloys protector as it puts a nice polish on the lip and when the brake dust builds up again, I can easily wipe them clean with a tissue/rag.

 

I used to use that AG stuff - is that the 'Alloy wheel seal'. Basically a spray on wax. Didn't rate it at all.

I now use Pete's 50/50 concours wax on my wheels (and on the bodywork). Great product. Lots of protection and lasts for ages. Takes slightly longer to apply but worth it - the dirt almost falls off the rims when you wash them.
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: T_J_G on 14 September 2009, 15:31
Very impressed with Bilberry Juice so far, for £9 you can make litres of the stuff and it really gets rid of all stubborn marks!
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: robz on 14 September 2009, 15:44
i used the autoglym clean wheels on mine - and it was horrible - got a bit on my disc and went brown straight away and as mine are curbed it didnt look good, could almost see it munching away!!
but i then used it on my gf painted saxo wheels and it was brill!!
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Rhyso on 19 September 2009, 14:58
Used the Vikan brushes yesterday for the first time

The pokey brush is excellent for cleaning deep into the spokes and removing the more stubborn stains

The soft brush is excellent for cleaning the face of the wheel and in between the spokes - also found it cleaned around the tyre valve very well

FOr about £10 delivered for the pair they are very good IMO - much better than the EZ brush i got

its a :afro: from me  :cool:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: T_J_G on 19 September 2009, 17:39
Used the Vikan brushes yesterday for the first time

The pokey brush is excellent for cleaning deep into the spokes and removing the more stubborn stains

The soft brush is excellent for cleaning the face of the wheel and in between the spokes - also found it cleaned around the tyre valve very well

FOr about £10 delivered for the pair they are very good IMO - much better than the EZ brush i got

its a :afro: from me  :cool:

Linky mate, my Sainsburys Value tootbrush ( 2 for 10p) isn't cutting it anymore.
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Rhyso on 19 September 2009, 17:41
vikan wheel brush mate

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-wheel-brush/prod_389.html (http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-wheel-brush/prod_389.html)

i mainly use this brush though

http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Vikan_Multi_Brush_1.html (http://www.i4detailing.co.uk/acatalog/Vikan_Multi_Brush_1.html)

find vikan brushes very good though much better than megs or the like

Bought both of mine from clean your car though as it worked out about the same by the time you factor in P&P
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Rhyso on 19 September 2009, 17:44
actually I've just realised I was sent the  Vikan Extra Long wheel brush (http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels-and-tyres/vikan-extra-long-wheel-spoke-brush/prod_391.html) ...........yet charged the same amount lol
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: T_J_G on 19 September 2009, 17:46
Cheers Rhys.
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Guy on 19 September 2009, 18:37
Used the Vikan brushes yesterday for the first time

The pokey brush is excellent for cleaning deep into the spokes and removing the more stubborn stains

The soft brush is excellent for cleaning the face of the wheel and in between the spokes - also found it cleaned around the tyre valve very well

FOr about £10 delivered for the pair they are very good IMO - much better than the EZ brush i got

its a :afro: from me  :cool:

see... told you!  :smiley: :smiley:

i swear by these brushes... knock everything else into touch.  :smug:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Rhyso on 20 September 2009, 15:00
Used the Vikan brushes yesterday for the first time

The pokey brush is excellent for cleaning deep into the spokes and removing the more stubborn stains

The soft brush is excellent for cleaning the face of the wheel and in between the spokes - also found it cleaned around the tyre valve very well

FOr about £10 delivered for the pair they are very good IMO - much better than the EZ brush i got

its a :afro: from me  :cool:

see... told you!  :smiley: :smiley:

i swear by these brushes... knock everything else into touch.  :smug:

yeah i was impressed - even more impressed when i found out i'd been sent the £15 extra long brush by mistake  :smug: :lipsrsealed: :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: JC on 20 September 2009, 15:09
Used the Vikan brushes yesterday for the first time

The pokey brush is excellent for cleaning deep into the spokes and removing the more stubborn stains

The soft brush is excellent for cleaning the face of the wheel and in between the spokes - also found it cleaned around the tyre valve very well

FOr about £10 delivered for the pair they are very good IMO - much better than the EZ brush i got

its a :afro: from me  :cool:

see... told you!  :smiley: :smiley:

i swear by these brushes... knock everything else into touch.  :smug:

yeah i was impressed - even more impressed when i found out i'd been sent the £15 extra long brush by mistake  :smug: :lipsrsealed: :grin: :grin:

they better be good, mine are in the post  :huh:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: northeast_gti-t on 20 September 2009, 15:31
Used the Vikan brushes yesterday for the first time

The pokey brush is excellent for cleaning deep into the spokes and removing the more stubborn stains

The soft brush is excellent for cleaning the face of the wheel and in between the spokes - also found it cleaned around the tyre valve very well

FOr about £10 delivered for the pair they are very good IMO - much better than the EZ brush i got

its a :afro: from me  :cool:

see... told you!  :smiley: :smiley:

i swear by these brushes... knock everything else into touch.  :smug:

yeah i was impressed - even more impressed when i found out i'd been sent the £15 extra long brush by mistake  :smug: :lipsrsealed: :grin: :grin:
dunno how you manage it mr rhys  :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: MickeyC on 10 October 2009, 09:17
I have another question...

Are there any products out there that i could spray on my alloys (at the car wash) which will totally loosen all the brake dust so i can blast it off.

My alloys are a PITA to clean, so many spokes and little gaps to get in when doin them by hand  :grin:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Guy on 10 October 2009, 14:42
I have another question...

Are there any products out there that i could spray on my alloys (at the car wash) which will totally loosen all the brake dust so i can blast it off.

My alloys are a PITA to clean, so many spokes and little gaps to get in when doin them by hand  :grin:

yes... autosmart smart wheels or bilberry wheel cleaner - however... you would be well advised to do the following

spend TIME cleaning the wheels manually... with a decent brush... you could do this with smartwheels/bilberry
then WAX your wheels with poorboys wheel sealant/collinite/a.n.other hard wax - spend time doing this with a couple of coats.
you can then easily just spray a non-acidic wheel cleaner such as those mentioned and wash off without the need for scrubbing... the brake dust will find it more difficult to adhere with the wax one

btw - your paintwork won't be thanking you for using the swirly brush at the garage jetwash  :cry:
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: MickeyC on 16 October 2009, 18:28
Well i have today learnt an easier way to clean my wheels using a small paint brush.

I sprayed my wheel cleaner on then brushed the sh*te to loosen it and i made up a seperate spray bottle of water to rinse off as i went, it was  so much easier and they look 10 x cleaner as i got in all the little corners with the brush

 :smiley:

Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: Schuey on 17 October 2009, 00:07
Used Bilberry for the first time this week & gotta say it is brilliant, well worth it & good value too!
Title: Re: Wheel Cleaning products
Post by: ub7rm on 17 October 2009, 22:19
When I use alloy wheel cleaner I use the AG custom wheel cleaner.  But I havent used it in over a year as I always apply collinite to the wheels which means I can just use normal shampoo and they come up perfect.