Cleaning Aluminium Wheels

[mph]

Has anyone found a good product that will clean untreated aluminium ?

I have Borrani spoked wheels on my car and most of the so-called alloy wheel cleaners aren't suitable for untreated alloy.

I've tried several detergent (non acid) type cleaners with limited success.

[GAjon]

Try a small area with some Jeyes fluid, the drain cleaning stuff.

[larrylamb11]

I have always used Autosol and a toothbrush on bare ali wheels - its a real pain, particularly on Boranis (I assume yours are wires). I have never come across a 'spray on' product that cleans the fur off the aluminium, but have never looked very hard! Try asking on one of the detailing forums, they may have a better idea.

[v8250]

larrylamb11 said:

I have always used Autosol and a toothbrush on bare ali wheels - its a real pain, particularly on Boranis (I assume yours are wires). I have never come across a 'spray on' product that cleans the fur off the aluminium, but have never looked very hard! Try asking on one of the detailing forums, they may have a better idea.

This +1,

OR, make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and natural/white vinegar. Liberally work in with a cloth and leave for 5-10mins. Rinse off with warm water, dry, then 'buff' with good sized buffing ball. Bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar as a paste is an excellent cleaner and cheap as chips. Purchase online in kilo+ bags. Use on nearly all metals + the family silver.

[100 IAN]

You could take them to your local metal polishing company. Once polished you'd need to get them protected to stop them tarnishing - sprayed with clear coat lacquer perhaps?

[Spudler]

Mothers or Meguires metal polish.

[roscobbc]

The real issue will getting off the tarnish and getting the wheels back to a condition suitable to use polish - Autosol is fine to a point but too coarse for high gloss alloy wheels - on my Boyd wheels I initially used American Racing wheel polish which is inpregated wadding (like the old Duraglit) and works really well - using 'Mothers' billet polish - its far more delicate than other polishes but very effective - think I paid £10 or so from Customville - goes a long way though.

[VetteG]

My billet aluminium wheels came with a clear lacquer on them, unfortunately I found out too late that some wheel cleaners affect the lacquer. I need to have the lacquer removed and the wheels re-polished, someone suggested I have them powder coated with a clear powder coat, but I'm not sure that this will work, I'm open to advice on this?

G

[LuS1fer]

You could try Iron-X which removes the brake deposits and is gently enough to even use on paint. I have some but haven't got round to using it yet.

[Motown Junk]

Auto Glym do a separate "Custom Wheel Cleaner" for bare alloy.

Acid free and not as aggresive as normal stuff and takes a bit more brushing.

[72twink]

Try Belgom-Alu - it's like a mild Autosol but also has a wax content.