Rims cleaner products

[Ahbengdriver]

Just like to share with all MCFers a little experience with the rim cleaning products from my limited period of experiment and experience.

 

When I decided that I wanted to keep my rims clean of brake dust, I started analysing the results of a few brands of off-the-shelf products. Meguiar, 3M, Turtle wax. I was told all brands hv more or less similar formula.

I tried a few methods of cleaning using these products:

1. I used them with a brush on my rims. First I wet the rims by spraying with a garden hose to rid whatever lose brake dust. Then I spray/scrub each area as I go until I clean the whole rim. The rubbers were also scrubed at the same time.

Result: usually quite clean but over time a little tough dirt seem to have bedded into the corners of rims which this method doesnt remove. I suspect this is due to the delay in cleaning the rim after becoming dirty n also the cleaner did not remain long enuf or concentrated enuf to get rid of these stuffs.

2. Spray concentrated rims cleaners onto dry rims, yes dry rims. Wait for like 2 mins, then follow same steps as method 1 above.

Result: some old tuff stains are also removed which cannot be done using method 1. However, some areas had some whitish remains after the wash when dried.

3. Dilute the concentration of the rims cleaners to half. Spray on rims, leave for 1 or 2 mins. No scrubbing, just hose off with water.

Result: not as clean as method 2 cost some tuff grim still there, probably due to reduced concentration of cleaner.

 

From my own experience, in terms of time the spray/wait/hose off method seems best but gotta be careful with potential corrosion as i undertsd the products contain mild acids. make sure it doesnt get onto yr car body's paint.

From a thoroughly clean perspective, I think the more concentrated the cleaner the better the results. Reduced concentration can be used but some tuff dirt may not come off. Scrubing helps remove dirt in diff to reach places which the spray cannot reach but doesnt not guarantee tugg grime is removed unless the cleaner has sufficient concentration.

 

Recently I ve also bot a glove to clean my rims I wear it and use my fingers to reach diff to scrub places esp behind the spokes

 

Ok now on the products What are these.....well f knows All I knew is they normally cost ard $15 each, friggin expensive if u use in concentrated form. Have I tried cheaper alternatives? Yes, kitchen products available in supermarts such as:

1. MML - good provided u use sufficient concentration otherwise noticed some tuff grime doesnt comes off. Generally cleans pretty well if use brush to scrub, cannot use just spray/hose off method. price.....probably 1/4 price of car products. Can buy refill packs somemore

2. I recently came across an even better product - Kiwi Clean all purpose cleaner Love it so much. Only $3.20 per spray bottle, blue liquid. Works better than MML IMO. Smells good too ! The label states that it can be used for cleaning rims

3. Another potential kitchen product I hvnt tried but might try in near future, but needs to use with care. Its is the MAGIC CLEAN kitchen/toilet cleaner also in spray bottle form. I almost tried it until I read that it may contain strong active ingredients hence I was fearful its too strong n may corrode the rim. Around $3 per bottle or so. However, I was also thinking it might work like meguiar rim cleaner which is also acidic n cost $15

 

How do u guys/gals clean yr rims?

[Friendly]

Tried Sonax Products from germany, not bad...

[Imuya]

I simply use strong cheapo carwash/detergent and a cheapo sponge for rims.

Preferably a damn "nua" sponge that can be compressed so you can reach in between the spokes and the inside of the rims.

 

I have used these rim cleaners before but it doesn't beat squatting down at the rims and using the detergent and sponge method.

 

If you clean the rims regularly, it is unlikely to have those hard to remove stuffs that needs those special rim cleaners.

 

From Bro Maddriver's experience, it is not good to use those chemical cleaners for cleaning rims. Let the detailing addict do the elaboration.

[Mzrmazda3]

Hi Bro I'm using Meguiar's Gold Class All Wheel Cleaner I jus spray it on my rims and let it settle for a while before using another ultra wet cloth to wipe over So far so good

Edited July 6, 2006 by Mzrmazda3

[Toalson]

Agree If u clean ur rims when washing regularly aka weekly with the normal car shampoo, most brake dust should be easy to remove. N try to use some polish and sealant on the rims, its helps in the next cleaning. This is provided that the rims are clear coated.

 

My rims of close to 2yrs is still shiny except for the inside which I dont clean. Anyway not obvious unless u bent over n look through the spokes.

[Carchngchia]

How to know whether the rims are clear coated or not?

[Kanr]

where to get?

[RadX]

Just like to share with all MCFers a little experience with the rim cleaning products from my limited period of experiment and experience.

 

When I decided that I wanted to keep my rims clean of brake dust, I started analysing the results of a few brands of off-the-shelf products. Meguiar, 3M, Turtle wax. I was told all brands hv more or less similar formula.

I tried a few methods of cleaning using these products:

1. I used them with a brush on my rims. First I wet the rims by spraying with a garden hose to rid whatever lose brake dust. Then I spray/scrub each area as I go until I clean the whole rim. The rubbers were also scrubed at the same time.

Result: usually quite clean but over time a little tough dirt seem to have bedded into the corners of rims which this method doesnt remove. I suspect this is due to the delay in cleaning the rim after becoming dirty n also the cleaner did not remain long enuf or concentrated enuf to get rid of these stuffs.

2. Spray concentrated rims cleaners onto dry rims, yes dry rims. Wait for like 2 mins, then follow same steps as method 1 above.

Result: some old tuff stains are also removed which cannot be done using method 1. However, some areas had some whitish remains after the wash when dried.

3. Dilute the concentration of the rims cleaners to half. Spray on rims, leave for 1 or 2 mins. No scrubbing, just hose off with water.

Result: not as clean as method 2 cost some tuff grim still there, probably due to reduced concentration of cleaner.

 

From my own experience, in terms of time the spray/wait/hose off method seems best but gotta be careful with potential corrosion as i undertsd the products contain mild acids. make sure it doesnt get onto yr car body's paint.

From a thoroughly clean perspective, I think the more concentrated the cleaner the better the results. Reduced concentration can be used but some tuff dirt may not come off. Scrubing helps remove dirt in diff to reach places which the spray cannot reach but doesnt not guarantee tugg grime is removed unless the cleaner has sufficient concentration.

 

Recently I ve also bot a glove to clean my rims I wear it and use my fingers to reach diff to scrub places esp behind the spokes

 

Ok now on the products What are these.....well f knows All I knew is they normally cost ard $15 each, friggin expensive if u use in concentrated form. Have I tried cheaper alternatives? Yes, kitchen products available in supermarts such as:

1. MML - good provided u use sufficient concentration otherwise noticed some tuff grime doesnt comes off. Generally cleans pretty well if use brush to scrub, cannot use just spray/hose off method. price.....probably 1/4 price of car products. Can buy refill packs somemore

2. I recently came across an even better product - Kiwi Clean all purpose cleaner Love it so much. Only $3.20 per spray bottle, blue liquid. Works better than MML IMO. Smells good too ! The label states that it can be used for cleaning rims

3. Another potential kitchen product I hvnt tried but might try in near future, but needs to use with care. Its is the MAGIC CLEAN kitchen/toilet cleaner also in spray bottle form. I almost tried it until I read that it may contain strong active ingredients hence I was fearful its too strong n may corrode the rim. Around $3 per bottle or so. However, I was also thinking it might work like meguiar rim cleaner which is also acidic n cost $15

 

How do u guys/gals clean yr rims?

Beng, u shld try the BMW RIms cleaner....still the best

[Toalson]

I dont know how to explain. Unless ur rims are powder coated meaning matt finishing. Most polish surfaces r clear coated, esp for those with diff color from normal steel color.

[Ahbengdriver]

hi Radx,

yes I know. forget to add that one. I think its among the better rims cleaners vs those 3M, TW, MG.

[Carchngchia]

Ok thanks. I know what you mean.

[RadX]

Go for the BMW rims cleaner...I have a bottle, and next Wed, I pass to you

[Aimnfire]

simple green for me;p

[Ivan96935sg]

BMW products not cheap

[RadX]

contrary to popolar belief.....it is pretty affordable, $13

[Ahbengdriver]

actually no, the BMW rim cleaner is also ard $15 I think, same as most other cleaners sold like Meguiar and 3M

[Southpark2000]

- Turtlewax F21 Wheel Foam Cleaner - $10 off-the-shelf b4 disc...

[Ivan96935sg]

Is it sold at Stamford?