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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs Wheel cleaners
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      07-15-2019, 03:20 AM   #1
Dave88
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Wheel cleaners

Can anyone suggest a good wheel cleaner for break dust build up and the process they use to keep gloss black rims clean
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      07-15-2019, 12:21 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave88 View Post
Can anyone suggest a good wheel cleaner for break dust build up and the process they use to keep gloss black rims clean
I use Wheel Wax and don't need a wheel cleaner; regular car-wash soap does the trick.

As for a cleaner, I would use something gentle. O would think Dawn would do the trick, though it will strip any wax.
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      07-25-2019, 09:37 AM   #3
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For cleaning wheels and tires I typically use Purple Power degreaser diluted with about two parts water. If you clean your wheels regularly, at least monthly, you shouldn't need anything stronger.

If wheels are not cleaned often enough, the brake dust can get "sintered" and normal detergents will not budge it. An acid wheel cleaner like Meguair's Wheel Brightener melts away the nastiest, sintered brake dust with ease. It can damage bare aluminum or anodized wheels, but doesn't hurt modern clear coated or powder coated wheels. It's inexpensive too.

Another popular choice for super-nasty wheels is Sonax Wheel Cleaner. I've never used it, but it supposedly works as well as acid-based wheel cleaners but without the acid. It's expensive but effective.
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      07-26-2019, 07:28 AM   #4
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I guess the question is maintenance cleaning versus long overdue cleaning....

If you're long overdue you need some heavier cleaners. Wheel Brightener, Sonax (which includes an iron remover) and the like. Once you get things clean, the goal is to keep it that way without returning to the occasional use chemicals.

For decades now I have used a wax or sealant on wheels but it always had a lot of trouble lasting through the winter on my winter wheels. Since I change over wheels for the seasons this gives me the opportunity for a thorough cleaning and treatment once per season.

Once per season I clean with something like Eagle One A2Z or Meguiars D143 undiluted or 1:1. I also use Iron-X and rinse off again. I have started using Gtechniq C5 wheel armor ceramic coating - it always lasts the season and keeps things from building up again.

My maintenance clean every wash is usually Meguiars D143 2:1 or 3:1 and soft brushes or sponges in whatever shape required to adequately reach the contours of the particular wheel style. I use some different tools for summer vs. winter as a result. Generally the dust rinses right off due to the C5.
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      10-10-2019, 05:41 AM   #5
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After lots of trial and error, I am now using this with fantastic results https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-G1...dDbGljaz10cnVl
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      10-10-2019, 10:22 AM   #6
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After lots of trial and error, I am now using this with fantastic results https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-G1...dDbGljaz10cnVl
They sell a gallon sized version of that under their Detailer lineup. If you're using this a lot, I'd look into that.
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      11-25-2019, 09:59 AM   #7
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Sticky Citrus Wheel Cleaner from Chemical Guys does a good job. I clean the wheels regularly and typically do not rely on anything that is super strong.
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      11-26-2019, 08:58 AM   #8
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Sticky Citrus Wheel Cleaner from Chemical Guys does a good job. I clean the wheels regularly and typically do not rely on anything that is super strong.
Don't get chemical guys lol
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      11-26-2019, 10:11 AM   #9
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I like Chemical Guys. I have no complaints on any of their products. next year i'll probably start looking into the Adam's product line just to mix things up
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      11-26-2019, 10:37 AM   #10
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I like Chemical Guys. I have no complaints on any of their products. next year i'll probably start looking into the Adam's product line just to mix things up
Wheel Wax my friend. Then you won't need wheel cleaner.
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      11-26-2019, 10:49 AM   #11
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Wheel Wax my friend. Then you won't need wheel cleaner.
that came highly recommended
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      11-27-2019, 11:08 AM   #12
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Quote:
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I like Chemical Guys. I have no complaints on any of their products. next year i'll probably start looking into the Adam's product line just to mix things up
None of their products are bad per-say. They just overmarket their stuff and hype it up way too hard. They release so many different variations of the same thing. Seriously, they have 22 different car shampoo products alone and 24 different sealants and waxes as well. Why?! Some other products feel like they don't even know what it's supposed to be. Blacklight is a sealant and a glaze. Well, which is it? It can't really be both.

Chemical guy products are just wildly OK for the price. You can almost always find better products for the same price or cheaper. For instance, none of their waxes or sealants are cheaper than $15. Their cheapest one is a carnauba, meaning it lasts for maybe a week, max, so you're not getting much bang for your buck. Meanwhile, Turtle Wax Ice Seal n Shine is $9.59 at Walmart and Amazon and lasts for months.
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      12-16-2019, 06:40 AM   #13
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I can recommend Meguiars ultimate all-wheel cleaner. It may turn your uncoated wheel weights a slight hue of green but it will knock off all that brake dust rather quickly.

Also, a wheel coating will help keep that brake dust from sticking.

This photo was taken the day after it received a ceramic coat for the paint, glass, undercarriage(Wheel wells), and wheels.
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      01-18-2020, 05:40 PM   #14
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Try Sonax, sprays on clear and turns purple when ready to brush and rinse. Does not have acid like some and it really works.
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      02-25-2020, 01:20 AM   #15
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Crushed potatoes will work.
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      02-28-2020, 05:09 AM   #16
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Wow! Looks good Danny!
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      03-27-2020, 04:14 PM   #17
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Hasn't anyone used this? I use it and it's FREAKING amazing, just like the reviews... everything turns purple and the it all just melts away with a spray.

https://smile.amazon.com/DipYourCar-...s%2C163&sr=8-3
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      03-29-2020, 11:43 PM   #18
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Alright guys.. corona virus has us on lock down and me and my son had some fun today. Did a little review on the product. Let me know what you think of the video... good times with my son!

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      03-30-2020, 03:05 PM   #19
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I use Sonax Wheel Cleaner...
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      04-04-2020, 03:06 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by leemr72 View Post
After lots of trial and error, I am now using this with fantastic results https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meguiars-G1...dDbGljaz10cnVl
I bet this is the same as what I just did a review on, it turns purple too but this is WAY cheaper. I'm going to try this now.
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      04-17-2020, 07:29 PM   #21
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I bet this is the same as what I just did a review on, it turns purple too but this is WAY cheaper. I'm going to try this now.
I got this and it smells and looks exactly the same as the BDP stuff. It's now getting my vote since it's TONS cheaper.
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      04-19-2020, 06:52 AM   #22
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Sonax (230200-755) Wheel Cleaner. (My personal fav)
CarGuys Super Cleaner.
Meguiar's G9524 Hot Rims Wheel Cleaner.
Mother's 05924 Foaming Wheel & Tire Cleaner.

Hope this helps
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