Has anyone got any tips for removing really baked on dust, the previous owner did not clean the wheels when they had the XK. I have tried all the major brands Mothers, maguires etc and all clean the wheels well but I have some really baked on stuff in some of the mag creases. Think if I can find thevrightvstuff it will only take one time to really clean them then I can protect the wheels and carry on cleaning them once a week. Any help would be great.

 

I found grocery store baby wipes does a good job on my wheels but they're not in bad shape.

 

Mr Clean Magic Eraser, you may need the heavy duty ones.
Vector

 

I've used Vim Bathroom or Sink cleaner and an old toothbrush to gently remove really brake dust stain on another vehicle in the past. There is an abrasive in it so use sparlingly and with water. May be better products with just the right sovent, but keep this in mind if others fail.

 

Haven't found anything that Wesley's Bleach white won't clean. Cleans really deeply oil stained stuff as well as bad brake dust. Hasn't harmed my wheels. Just rinse it off thoroughly.

It's in Wal Mart and just about any auto store...

 

Be careful about what some of these products will do to your tires. I've used products like Simple Green in the past that greatly discolored my tires permanently. Eagle One wheel cleaner works well for me.

 

i use Sonax wheel cleaner...it sprays on green and turns red as it comes in contact with brake dust. agitate it using a daytona speed brush for wheel barrels and hose off with pressure washer. wheels come clean even brake rotors will be clean.

 

HOT water, dish soap and a toothbrush.

edit: forgot the "elbow grease"

 

Best advice is to remove the wheel and clean. Getting behind the wheel is where all the caked on dust is. In lieu of that, try using a green and yellow scotch pad sponge that is wore out with brake dust cleaner. It’s easy to get behind the wheel and the green side won’t scratch the wheel yet is strong enough to do the job.

 

Thanks for the suggestions I will be trying this weekend and will let you know how it goes.

 

Very true...
Few people know Scotch-Brite makes a variety of pads rated at different abrasion levels.
No shop or mechanic should be without a box of Scotch-Brite red, and for expensive painted rims I would recommend the S-B Aircraft cleaner. Far less abrasive than S-B green


Vince

 

Good tip, never knew about the Aircraft pads. Good score. As I posted earlier, I was just saving my old kitchen ones for they became soft enough for the light wheel work. The aircraft pads are cheap!

 

The dust is excessive but a wash mit with mild car shampoo cleaned it right up

 

Only one thing that would work great on this muriatic acid. They use it to clean the motor on brick. I would cut it with half water and spray it on. Wear gloves and this stuff works great. Has a bit of a smell though, try not to inhale too much if any at all.

 

IMHO you should not allow muriatic acid, in any concentration, anywhere near your wheels. Your wheels are powder coated with a protective clear coat. Muriatic acid is bad news stuff and high risk as a cleaner. Among other things, it's used to etch concrete prior to paint and it will attack alloy and most anything else it comes in contact with.

 

Maybe use a grinder on the stubborn bits?

 

A grinder, I don't know about that? Try a good detailer I'm sure they'd have a safer solution.

 

Well what about a chisel? I think you missed the intended humor as I poked fun at the idea of using muriatic acid to clean wheels

Bruce

 

Yea, maybe you could use some #8 birdshot in a 12 guage, that should get the grungy stuff off quickly. Wear eye protection and don't shoot the tires.

(Muriatic acid, really?????)

Vector