How to Properly Clean Your Car Wheels with Good Stuff

Your rims and tires face constant abuse from road grime, dust, tar, and especially brake dust. Left untreated, dirty wheels not only look bad but can suffer from corrosion and damage to the clear coat. That’s why knowing how to clean your wheels with the right cleaning products is an essential part of car care.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to perform washing car wheels safely and effectively. With Good Stuff premium cleaners and Work Stuff professional tools, you’ll learn the easy steps to achieve a true deep clean that keeps your wheels and rims looking great.

Why Cleaning Wheels Matters

Every time you brake, hot particles are released and settle on the rim, creating stubborn brake dust. Over time, this contamination can bond to the surface, especially on alloy wheels or bare aluminum. Combined with road grime and moisture, it can attack the protective coating, leading to damage on uncoated aluminum finishes.

Without regular cleaning and maintenance, even the best wheel cleaners won’t fully restore neglected wheels. That’s why it’s critical to use a safe and effective cleaning solution before contamination becomes permanent.

What You’ll Need

Good Stuff Cleaning Products

Wheel Cleaner Acid – strong formula for stubborn contamination (beware of acidic cleaners on delicate finishes).
Wheel Cleaner Alkaline – versatile aluminum cleaner for daily washes.
Iron Remover – designed to chemically dissolve brake dust and other metallic deposits.
Tire & Rubber Cleaner – perfect for tire prep before applying dressings.
Tire Dressing Shine – for glossy finish.
Tire Dressing Mat – for a subtle satin finish.

Work Stuff Tools & Accessories

THUNDER Wheel Brush – small soft brush for tight areas around the wheel and lug nuts.
MONSOON Wheel Brush – long wheel brush for barrels and nooks and crannies. Available in two sizes: MONSOON – 26 cm | MONSOON XL – 50 cm
WILLY WILLY Brush – flexible option for delicate areas.
CYCLONE Applicator – for even application of tire dressings. Available in two sizes: CYCLONE: Round applicator (Ø 5 cm), and CYCLONE XL: Oval applicator (9.5 × 4.4 cm).

Step-by-Step: Cleaning Car Wheels in Easy Steps

Before you start, park the car in a shaded area, make sure wheels are cool to the touch, and gather your cleaning supplies. Always clean one wheel at a time for best results.

Step 1: Rinse and Wash the Wheels

Use a garden hose or use a pressure washer to rinse the wheels and remove loose road residue. Some people try soap and water, or even Dawn dish soap, but for washing the car you should avoid household soaps. Instead, use a gentle automotive cleaner, since safer household alternatives aren’t strong enough for clean brake dust.

Step 2: Apply the Wheel Cleaner

Spray Wheel Cleaner Alkaline for maintenance washes, or Wheel Cleaner Acid for heavy dirty wheels. Both are designed for cleaning car wheels safely. Remember: wheel cleaners come in different types of cleaners – always use this one that matches your finish.

Step 3: Dissolve Brake Dust with Iron Remover

On alloy wheels, apply Iron Remover to chemically target metallic contamination and remove brake dust. This safe and effective step gets into nooks and crannies that brushes can’t reach.

Step 4: Agitate with Brushes and Sponge

Take your MONSOON or THUNDER Brush and clean around the rim, lug, and spoke areas. For flat surfaces, use a sponge to clean and scrub the rims gently. When trying to clean delicate clear coat areas, always use a soft brush or use a gentle touch.

Step 5: Clean the Tires

Spray Tire & Rubber Cleaner and agitate with a stiff brush. This removes old dressings, degreaser residue, and prepares the rubber for a fresh finish.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry

Rinse and wash away all remaining cleaner. Then use a microfiber and dry thoroughly. Drying ensures your wheels look spotless and prevents water spotting.

Step 7: Dress and Protect

Apply Tire Dressing Shine for a glossy wet look or Tire Dressing Mat for a satin style. Apply evenly with the CYCLONE Applicator. This adds a layer of protective coating while making your wheels apearing great.

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes

Always clean the wheels wheels first during a car wash. This avoids splashing contaminants onto a freshly washed body.
Avoid highly acidic or household cleaners — these can damage clear coat and uncoated aluminum.
Always work with wheels cool to the touch to prevent chemical spotting.
Use proper elbow grease with the right tools, not shortcuts.
Wheels should always be cleaned and maintained regularly to prevent build-up.

Conclusion

Learning how to clean wheels is about more than just making your car clean. It’s about preserving aluminium wheels, protecting finishes, and ensuring your wheels and rims stay in top condition. With Good Stuff cleaners and Work Stuff accessories, you can achieve professional results at home.

Remember: with the right cleaners, accessories and consistent cleaning and maintenance, you’ll keep your wheels looking great for years to come.

Because real car care always starts from the ground up.

Find a Store in Your Neighborhood

Looking to buy Good Stuff products? Our car cosmetics are available at various retailers, making it easy for you to find what you need. Simply choose your desired product and explore nearby stores that carry it, ensuring you get the best cosmetics for exceptional car care. We recommend using the highest quality accessories like Work Stuff to ensure maximum effective car washing.

Clean Car Rims and Tires: Brake Dust Removal & Car Care

How to Properly Clean Your Car Wheels with Good Stuff

Why Cleaning Wheels Matters