What Cleaner Should I Use on My Wheels?

Choose your wheel cleaner based on the contamination present, starting with the least aggressive product capable of removing it.

MATCH CLEANER TO CONTAMINATION
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Quick Answer

Use the Least Aggressive Cleaner That Will Remove the Contamination.

Start with a maintenance product for light contamination, then step up to a dedicated wheel cleaner or brake dust remover only when conditions require it.

Never Use Acidic Cleaners

Acidic wheel cleaners can permanently stain and damage sensitive wheel finishes.

Cleaning and maintaining a matte wheel without changing its finish
Choose by Contamination Level

Match the Cleaner to What Is on the Wheel.

Use the mildest option that can remove the contamination effectively. Increase chemical strength only when the condition of the wheel calls for it.

Light Contamination

Use Wheel Detailer

For light brake dust, minor road film or fresh contamination, use Wheel Detailer for maintenance cleaning. Spray it onto the wheel, then wipe clean or rinse off.

Road Film and Grime

Use a Dedicated Wheel Cleaner

Use a dedicated wheel cleaner when bonded road film and grime require more cleaning power than a maintenance product can provide.

Heavy Brake Dust

Use a Brake Dust Remover

Use a brake dust remover when heavy deposits require a product formulated to break down embedded iron particles.

Preview of the three-page wheel cleaner guide with a black wheel and wheel cleaner bottle.

Free Printable Decision Tool

Choose the Right Wheel Cleaner Without Guessing.

Use the Wheel Cleaning Chemical Aggression Scale to match the cleaner to the contamination while avoiding unnecessary chemical strength. This decision tool will help you:

Compare maintenance products, wheel cleaners and brake dust removers

Match chemical strength to the contamination on the wheel

Avoid acidic cleaners that can damage sensitive finishes

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