Looking for a safe but effective wheel cleaner

[Eldorado2k]

The best wheel and tire cleaner I have found. Dilute per instructions.

Flash Brown Royal Non-Acid Wheel & Tire Cleaner

That's what I used to clean the wheels in my pictures. Best stuff and I haven't met a wheel it wasn't safe on. [bare aluminum being the lone exception]

 

[Joe@NextLevelDetail]

The (very long) store blurb that you linked to doesn't say anywhere that this product is non-acid or pH balanced, and neither does the page at the McKee's site. Realizing that you work for the company, can we consider your statement above an official position? Or is this something that Nick needs to clarify? I'm simply asking because if that's the case it's usually mentioned on the product page. As a comparison, the Wolfgang Uber wheel cleaner states "Wolfgang Über Wheel Cleaner is non-acid and pH neutral"; since I presume Nick wrote the copy for both it would seem he would have included that statement for the M37 product as well.

View attachment 56973

Sent from my SM-N920V using Autogeekonline mobile app

 

[Route246]

The (very long) store blurb that you linked to doesn't say anywhere that this product is non-acid or pH balanced, and neither does the page at the McKee's site. Realizing that you work for the company, can we consider your statement above an official position? Or is this something that Nick needs to clarify? I'm simply asking because if that's the case it's usually mentioned on the product page. As a comparison, the Wolfgang Uber wheel cleaner states "Wolfgang Über Wheel Cleaner is non-acid and pH neutral"; since I presume Nick wrote the copy for both it would seem he would have included that statement for the M37 product as well.

From the pdf: "McKee’s 37 Foaming Wheel Cleaner Gel is a VOC compliant and safe on wheels. McKee’s 37 Foaming Wheel Cleaner Gel relies on environmentally friendly advanced surfactants to remove contaminants from the wheel without harming the coating. Overspray from this clearcoat safe product is harmless. In fact, McKee’s 37 Foaming Wheel Cleaner Gel can even be used to remove bugs, tar, and sap from your vehicle’s paint."

While it does not say 'pH neutral' it can be inferred that it may not be 7.0 on the pH scale it is going to be relatively close to make a claim that over-spray is not going to harm coating. There are plenty of pH neutral organic and inorganic solutions that can harm coating so being pH neutral does not mean distilled water in terms of safety.

 

[Crispy]

That's what I used to clean the wheels in my pictures. Best stuff and I haven't met a wheel it wasn't safe on. [bare aluminum being the lone exception]

I have the very same experience with "Flash".

Got a set of 2001 Grand Prix wheels which looked like they had not been cleaned on the inside since day 1.

They were dark brown (funny same colour as "Flash") and about 3 mm thick.

Did my usual clean method (followed Flash instructions) plus I used a Green Scotchbrite pad to really scrub off the heavy stuff.

When done I could have polished up the barrels to restore shine.

I was paint prepping them, so sandpaper replaced the buffing pad.

I was really surprised how effective the "Flash" removed 16 year old crud.

I've used it for 4-5 years, but mostly on my own car.

 

[FUNX650]

There are plenty of pH neutral organic
and inorganic solutions that can harm
coating so being pH neutral does not
mean distilled water in terms of safety.

•I somewhat disagree on the part of the
above statement regarding pH neutrality
of organic solutions.


TO WIT:

I.
Isn't the concept of pH, technically, based
on the logarithm of the auto-ionization of
water (i.e., of its equilibrium process)?

II.
Most pH measurement processes
are not extensible to organic solvents.

III.
Most organic solvents are not
conductive, to any appreciable extent
(having large resistivity).



Bob

 

[Setec Astronomy]

View attachment 56973

They should really put that info on the web pages.

Does this stuff smell bad like the other iron-eating wheel cleaners?

 

[vobro]

They should really put that info on the web pages.

Does this stuff smell bad like the other iron-eating wheel cleaners?

Smells like DUB

 

[Setec Astronomy]

Smells like DUB

That's weird that the bleeding color is red rather than purple like all the others.

 

[The Guz]

They should really put that info on the web pages.

Does this stuff smell bad like the other iron-eating wheel cleaners?

Smells like DUB

Doesn't have a strong scent compared to other iron wheel cleaners. I found it not only smells better than DUB but also performs better.

That's weird that the bleeding color is red rather than purple like all the others.

It's not that weird once you see it working lol. The nice thing about it is the gel gives it the ability to cling to the surface. It changes color pretty fast too. I like this one along with another that is not sold through here.

 

[willowcat11]

Effective in what sense? If you're looking to remove etched-in, baked-on brake dust, probably nothing short of an acid is going to work. If you have moderate "dirt", then one of the iron-eating or caustic cleaners should do the trick. And if the wheels are well maintained, then a detergent-type mild cleaner should be fine.

SOLID answer Setec! Thanks for posting!

 

[Crispy]

Yea, my trusty wheel brush that I get @the 99cent only store. [it looks like the Mothers Wheel Brush] but I bearly needed to do any scrubbing.

•I somewhat disagree on the part of the
above statement regarding pH neutrality
of organic solutions.


TO WIT:

I.
Isn't the concept of pH, technically, based
on the logarithm of the auto-ionization of
water (i.e., of its equilibrium process)?

II.
Most pH measurement processes
are not extensible to organic solvents.

III.
Most organic solvents are not
conductive, to any appreciable extent
(having large resistivity).



Bob

Bob are you serious?

 

[willowcat11]

Guys, with all these new products, where would you place Meguiars D143 or the Megs Wheel and Tire Cleaner in caparison with these other products cleaning abilities.

I ask it, because it's cheaper than most, but still seems to do a decent job. Just where does it fall on the cleaning ability chart?


Thanks all!


Ray

 

[Setec Astronomy]

Doesn't have a strong scent compared to other iron wheel cleaners. I found it not only smells better than DUB but also performs better. It's not that weird once you see it working lol. The nice thing about it is the gel gives it the ability to cling to the surface. It changes color pretty fast too.

Thanks for that info. Methinks this has a different active ingredient than the other color-change wheel cleaners, based on the smell and the runoff color. I might have to give this a shot since there is an hour left in the sale.

 

[vobro]

Thanks for that info. Methinks this has a different active ingredient than the other color-change wheel cleaners, based on the smell and the runoff color. I might have to give this a shot since there is an hour left in the sale.

Maybe so, it is a really good wheel cleaner. The low run off rate really works but I gotta disagree with Guz on the fast acting color change. I've used about 3/4 of a gallon of this and I find it changes color pretty slow but the good part is it doesn't dry up and leaves a long work time.(I've used it in temps from 40-70, maybe that has something to do with the slower to bleed time?) The smell isn't as strong and doesn't linger

 

[wantboost]

so flash royal brown will remove the brown and clean the rims . what others products do the similar thing?
(how come other flash products aren't really talkabout... )

 

[Route246]

•I somewhat disagree on the part of the
above statement regarding pH neutrality
of organic solutions.


TO WIT:

I.
Isn't the concept of pH, technically, based
on the logarithm of the auto-ionization of
water (i.e., of its equilibrium process)?

II.
Most pH measurement processes
are not extensible to organic solvents.

III.
Most organic solvents are not
conductive, to any appreciable extent
(having large resistivity).



Bob

You quoted my words. I did not say solvent and even if I did I mischaracterized it. I specifically said solution, as in aqueous solution. Organic base solution might include ammonia while an inorganic acidic solution might include acetic acid (vinegar). Water is a neutral inorganic solvent, BTW.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[FUNX650]

You quoted my words.

I did not say solvent and even
if I did I mischaracterized it.

Words have meanings.

Saying what you mean at the
onset should result in fewer
mischaracterizations on your part...
and fewer misunderstandings
on mine.


Bob

 

[SANTA3013]

so flash royal brown will remove the brown and clean the rims . what others products do the similar thing?
(how come other flash products aren't really talkabout... )

My guess would be because Flash products are not offered by Autogeek.

 

[Route246]

Words have meanings.

Saying what you mean at the
onset should result in fewer
mischaracterizations on your part...
and fewer misunderstandings
on mine.


Bob

I went back and read what I said. I was correct from the start and never mention solvent, that was your insertion of the term.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[idriveblackcars]

I went back and read what I said. I was correct from the start and never mention solvent, that was your insertion of the term.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Don't get sucked into the "Bob" Vortex. He spins it every time.