What's the best non acid alloy wheel cleaner

[slopes]

jagnet said:

Bilberry should still be used with caution. It might be acid-free, but it's far from ph neutral. Unless they've changed it recently it has a ph value of 13+ undiluted and strong alkalines are just as capable of damaging certain finishes as strong acids.

Rinse the wheels thoroughly afterwards.

Agreed, i dilute mine down quite a bit to prevent any damage, does smell nice though.

[HustleRussell]

Pardon my ignorance but what exactly is the problem with an acidic cleaner provided it is applied briefly and rinsed thoroughly?

[Kidders]

Autosmart Smart Wheels is brilliant for the money and very effective.

[Kidders]

HustleRussell said:

Pardon my ignorance but what exactly is the problem with an acidic cleaner provided it is applied briefly and rinsed thoroughly?

Strong acid is likely to tarnish exposed or plated metal components like brake calipers, drums, hubs etc and make them more likely to corrode. We only use acid on wheels removed from the car to prevent this damage and usually only when they are refurbished. 9/10 SmartWheels removed all the grime off the wheels without damage. The quick hand car wash jobbies use patio/concrete cleaner, its cheaper than wheel cleaner with a stronger hydrochloric acid content and its bloody lethal.

[Ari]

jimbop1 said:

randlemarcus said:

Elbow grease, surely?

What a useless reply to a good question.

I started using Bilberry earlier this year and found it worked very well.

No it isnt. I had a set of BBS alloys ruined by alloy wheel cleaner years ago. Now I wont use anything but Autoglym bodywork shampoo. Harder work, but better than knackered lacquer.

I also wax the wheels twice a year when I do the car with two coats of Ultra Deep Shine and a coat of Extra Gloss Protection. Again, bit of a faff but it means the dirt wipes off easily.

[gutu12]

jaf01uk said:

Funnily I tried Bilberry after seeing the good write ups but I wasn't that impressed with it, I used Wolfs de ironiser and it is fantastic and you can leave it on there until it dries and it still washes off, but this week I got a new bottle of Q2M from Polished Bliss and tried it yesterday, it is even better, no agitation and it came up spotless, well impressed is an understatement,
Gary

+1

[jaf01uk]

Further to the Q2M, I have since tried a product produced by a local guy who operates a detailing business here and produces his own products, he does a wheel cleaner which is fantastic, not a fallout remover like some of the above so no going purple and rinse, just great cleaning ability, being used by a few of the established big name detailers now also...
Gary

AMDetails wheels

[Chris_VRS]

Krystal Kleen Detailing's 'Brake Away' is a great acid free wheel cleaner, I will be replacing Bilberry with it in the coming weeks.

[belleair302]

Autosmart Dragons Breath is amazing, not only does it clean beautifully but also removes iron deposits and can be used all over the car not just on wheels. Goes on like a gel too.

[ETay87]

ian_touring said:

The kids.

Dad? Is that you?

I'm partial to a bit of Hot Wheels. Stinks but does the job, no elbow grease needed

[Squishey]

belleair302 said:

Autosmart Dragons Breath is amazing, not only does it clean beautifully but also removes iron deposits and can be used all over the car not just on wheels. Goes on like a gel too.

It's Valet Pro Dragons Breath and I agree its excellent. Spray on and leave for 2-3 minutes, agitate with a wheel brush/soft paint brush and leave for another few minutes, then blast with your pressure washer and you're left with very shiny alloys.