What is the best alloy wheel cleaner for your car?

Wheels can be tough to clean, in order to get off all the grease and dirt you need to get yourself a good alloy wheel cleaner. There are a number of alloy wheel cleaners on the market.

From acid-based wheel cleaners, pH-balanced cleaners, and iron contaminant removers, all are effective and will leave your wheels looking brand new if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

As there are so many different cleaners out there it is hard to find the best product that offers a shiny finish and is good value for money.

Here is a guide on how to use alloy wheel cleaners and what ones are the best on the market.

Are acid-based cleaners safe?

One of the cleaners mentioned above was an acid wheel cleaner. They are an effective way to clean alloy wheels however, they must be used with caution.
Depending on the coating of the wheels, some are unsuitable for cleaning with this cleaner type - for example, alloys with anodised or chromed coatings should not be treated with acid cleaners. It is best to use higher-end products and even then, don’t leave it on the wheel for too long!

What are iron contaminant removers?

If your wheels are particularly covered in dirt and dust, then an iron contaminant remover is useful for cleaning up brake dust and iron filings from the brake discs that have gotten stuck to the wheel.

The iron contaminant works differently from acid cleaners as it is meant to be left on the wheel for a longer time. Do not be discouraged if the wheel colour changes to purple, this shows that it is working properly.

What is the best alloy wheel cleaner on the market?

Here is a video demonstrating how to use the Bilt Hamber wheel cleaner and how well it cleans the grime from the wheel.

Here's a video demonstrating the Simioniz spray, how to apply it and the effects.

Here is a video using the Kenotek wheel cleaner and what you should expect from this product.

What is the best way to clean alloy wheels?

The first step is to remove the wheels. This will allow you to get right into all the crevices and will make the cleaning process much easier. Whether you decide to remove the wheels or not, you must make sure that the wheels are cold. If not the cleaning agents will evaporate and leave deposits on the alloys.

You will want to start by removing any dirt, dust or residue with a hose or pressure washer. Then apply the cleaning product. Which type of cleaner agent you have chosen will decide how long you leave the product on the wheel. The acid needs less time, and the iron contaminant needs more time.

Depending on how dirty the wheel is you may need to repeat this for a second time.

After you have left the agent on according to the product instructions. Rinse off with clean water, preferably with a pressure washer. If you find you are left with tar spots these can now be removed with some tar remover.

Then you can wipe the wheels dry with a microfiber towel and apply a wheel wax to protect your wheels from brake dust and road contaminants.

How do I protect my wheels?

After all your hard work cleaning the wheel you will want it to look good for a while! By applying a good wheel protectant, it will stop brake dust and dirt from clinging to them and will make the next big clean much quicker. Just know this won't protect against any pothole damage from roads which you may have to claim for.

Make sure you are using a product specifically to protect wheels, as normal wax or polish are not suitable.