Can't decide on wheel cleaner

crash93ssei

crash93ssei

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I recently made a big purchase here and I am VERY happy with what I received. I ordered the Four Star Ultimate Gel Wheel Cleaner and I was quite impressed with it, but I don't know how it compares to other brands other then OTC as I am still somewhat new to all of this.

Well, the Four Star is a bit expensive, and I am looking at checking out some cheaper alternatives that work just as good.

Here are some of the ones I am considering:
DP Gel Wheel Cleaner
Megs Wheel Brightener
Poor Boys Spray & Rinse

I might try P21s in the future, but for now, it is a bit expensive for me.

I am also not to sure about the wheel brightener because of the acid.
I do have a question on the PB S&R though, I have read that it is citric acid based, does that make it safer, health wise and rim finish wise then the Megs wheel brightener?


I am doing this as a hobby for now, mostly weekends and such... just having fun with it and learning more with every car I do.


Any help would surely be appreciated.
 
save yourself some grief and get the P21S. The Poorboys and Megs offerings are far to powerful for normal use IMO. DP aint bad however ...
 
Another thing is that probably all of the cars that I will be doing have likely NEVER had the wheels properly cleaned, and will have alot of miles on them. That is why I was liking the stronger cleaner.

What if I used the PB S&R the first time to restore, then something like DP for upkeep? As I said above, I am not really interested in the P21s right now because of the price.
 
surfcity beyond steel wheel cleaner is nothing short of amazing

i have tried all of the above mentioned cleaners

if you really need heavy duty, use poorboys
but surfcity might just surprise you.
 
If you haven't seen it yet, check out Optimum's new Power Clean. It's an APC. I've been using a lot of it over the last couple weeks. It's by far the best tire cleaner I've ever used. I've not had any bad wheels to test it on, but it's safe for all wheels. You can also use it on bugs, bird droppings, tar, etc. Dilute it 3:1 and it's a great interior APC. I'd suggest buying by the gallon b/c it has so many uses.
 
Try Eagle 1 A to Z wheel cleaner..non acid and really cleans brake dust good...right now I think some auto parts have buy 1 get 1 ...

be surprised how good it works...

AL
 
Tried Eagle 1 stuff..... not impressed even a little bit. It won't touch a rim that hasn't been properly cleaned in over 80,000 miles in Michigan.

Anyone have any thoughts on my question about safety with PB vs. Megs?
 
crash93ssei said:
Tried Eagle 1 stuff..... not impressed even a little bit. It won't touch a rim that hasn't been properly cleaned in over 80,000 miles in Michigan.

Anyone have any thoughts on my question about safety with PB vs. Megs?
Click to expand...

yes ..I agree..80,000 miles of non cleaning is a bit to clean...I think the Megs Wheel Brightner may be your friend if they are black and crusted...a one time shot will not hurt them...it does clean....

the Eagle one works for me on maintained cars..not neglected ones..lol...

Al
 
I use Meg's Wheel Brightener for heavily soiled wheels, and DP gel for lighter duty cleaning. I have not found anything that works better on wheels than Meg's Wheel Brightener, especially at that price-point.
 
killrwheels@autogeek said:
save yourself some grief and get the P21S. The Poorboys and Megs offerings are far to powerful for normal use IMO. DP aint bad however ...
Click to expand...
I have to agree about the P21S, but I admit trying to clean wheels that where left uncleaned for 80K miles is something I have never been faced with.
 
Wheel surface Cleaning -:
It is important to keep wheel surfaces clean, as well as improving the overall look of the vehicle leaving them dirty can have many adverse effects; the black powder coating on the surface of your wheel has four components; a static friction charge (caused by the pads contact with the rotors) that attracts dirt, road tar and other contaminants kicked up by both your vehicle and others. Friction heats the pads and callipers to extremely high temperatures, and causes tiny particles of hot metal to wear off and sent flying in different directions - Wheel Cleaners: - Detailing Bliss Forum
 
Still wondering if the citric acid base of the PB S&W is safer for health and rim finish then the Megs WB.......

Does anyone have any idea here?

I am leaning for one of these two for the heavy soiled never taken care of rims, but I need an answer to that question before I order.
 
crash93ssei said:
Still wondering if the citric acid base of the PB S&W is safer for health and rim finish then the Megs WB.......

Does anyone have any idea here?

I am leaning for one of these two for the heavy soiled never taken care of rims, but I need an answer to that question before I order.
Click to expand...


Ok, please, I am not interested in P21s, or eagle one, or anything else.... I just want that question answered.
 
I don't know the specifics about Meg's Wheel Brightener but IIRC it's pretty powerful stuff. The PB S&R is also a professional product but if you use some common sense you will be fine with either one. But I think as someone stated, you shouldn't be needing to use a harsh wheel cleaner on a regular basis, after you get them clean initially, seal them with a wheel sealant and then keep them clean by washing with soap and water. If you are working on neglected wheels a lot then either the Meg's or PB cleaner will be necessary.

I've used the PB S&R many times and no problems. Just keep the wheels wet- don't let it dry with the cleaner on it. That being said it is pivotal to rinse the wheels completely as well. I do not know anything about the different types of acids so I can't help you there...
 
Last edited:
Thanks budman, I think I may end up contacting Poor Boys about the acid base for the S&W.

I do plan on sealing the wheels also, I don't really want to use harsh cleaners like this all the time for sure.

Really appreciate the help.
 
Organic acids
Citric acid, has a pH of 2.0 - 4.0

What is pH and what does it mean?
Simply put the pH scale is a set of numbers between 0 and 14 where 0 is the most acidic and 14 is the most alkaline (caustic) with 7 in the middle, being neutral. Conceptually, since most people in our industry are interested in the acid side of the system, the smaller the number, and the more acidic the system.

Unfortunately the scale is logarithmic, for every integer that the scale decreases the material is 10 times more acidic. Those of us in earthquake country know all too well the consequences of a change of from 6 to 7 on the logarithmic, Richter scale. The difference in the pH scale is just as dramatic and therefore just as misleading -http://www.detailuniversity.com/forums/school-wheel-tire-detailing/1402-acids-ph.html
 
Well, I sent an email to Poorboys World inquiring about the acid base and its safety. Here is what I got from Steve --

Steve @ Poorboys World said:
Hi Ryan,

Spray & Rinse uses ABF and is generally safe for the user if precautions and care are taken during use.
It will not harm clearcoats, plastics, or chrome platings. It will dull an uncoated polished rim while cleaning it.
Most people only use it full strength if their wheels are in poor condition. People with hard to clean wheels will usually use Wheel Sealant after cleaning and polishing and not need the S&R after the initial cleaning.
Some with just hard to clean wheels, will use it diluted as their maintenance without any harm to the wheels.

--
Steve
Poorboy's World Products
poorboysworld.com = site
poorboysworld.net :: Index = forum
Click to expand...


So then, just to clarify.... PB S&R is NOT citric acid based, but ABF.

Thanks for the help guys
 
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