Cleaning wheels with a steamer

MNDSMtuner96

MNDSMtuner96

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So I've been trying to research cleaning wheels with a steamer. I will soon be purchasing the vx5000 and was wondering how it will work on dirty wheels and tires and more importantly is it safe to use on wheels? I know it can degrease the dirtiest of engine bays, but wondering how it is on wheels and tires and should I pretreat with and apc probably? Any advice/experience with this or other steamers would be greatly appreciated!

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I tried this this weekend, and it took FOREVER, I have a HF Steam gun, so maybe that had to do with it, but I would think some wheel cleaner and a brush would be just as effective in much less time.
 
tersplat said:
I tried this this weekend, and it took FOREVER, I have a HF Steam gun, so maybe that had to do with it, but I would think some wheel cleaner and a brush would be just as effective in much less time.
Click to expand...

What psi does your steamer get up to? By HF do you mean Harbor Freight?

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I've used my vapamore mr-100 to clean wheels. I only use it when its too cold for rinsing with water. Ive only had good luck using it with cleaners. The steam alone would take forever.

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Spray cleaner, put a microfiber towel on top of the steam head and then steam it. Works like a charm
 
If you got the McCulloch 1275, it is only rated at 37psi and a little over 200 degrees. My job doesn't want me to spend the time needed to get the vehicles as thoroughly as I would like, inside or outside. Not do they care if there are stains, scratches, etc... But I told them for the work that they want me to do, this steamer should be enough. And I honestly have to say, I am impressed and have underestimated it. But, when I get my own business in operation, I will be buying a better steamer. Cannot afford a $1000 steamer right now. I have found one for $400 that is 68 psi (adjustable) and 298 degrees.
 
Us a steamer for the lug nut areas and tar. For serious work you'll need a big industrial unit.
 
Meh...not the best tool for wheel cleaning. . .and in my opinion not the best tool for engine cleaning either. I feel like steamers have always been over hyped for these purposes.

That said, a steamer does have a place in engine and wheel cleaning for isolated issues like heavy grease or gunk and wheel weight adhesive removal.

Also, imo, steam is not any safer for engine cleaning than a low output pressure washer. Steam can easily creep into sensors, distributers, fuse boxes etc and condense. The trick to engines is wrapping and taping sensitive parts wether you are using a pressure washer or steam.

Like I said, steam absolutely has it's place for wheels and engines, it's just not the magic wand that a lot of people claim.
 
MNDSMtuner96 said:
So I've been trying to research cleaning wheels with a steamer. I will soon be purchasing the vx5000 and was wondering how it will work on dirty wheels and tires and more importantly is it safe to use on wheels? I know it can degrease the dirtiest of engine bays, but wondering how it is on wheels and tires and should I pretreat with and apc probably? Any advice/experience with this or other steamers would be greatly appreciated!

Sent from my SPH-L710 using AG Online
Click to expand...

Its very safe on wheels. You might want to try using a wheel cleaner then use the steamer to rinse off.
 
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