Professionals! Help me with my HF addiction!

statusdetailing

statusdetailing

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I'm trying to get away from Wheel brightener and HF in general. I feel like I'm "addicted" to the ease of use, but would like to use something a little safer. I'm very careful with HF but am more worried about long term effects. I'll probably always keep HF around for really bad wheels, but would like to know what other professionals are using on a day to day basis on daily drivers.

I'm not doing a ton of cars (around 5-10 per week) but still need something economical and safe. Perhaps something citrus based?

I was looking at chemical guys spray and rinse. Does anybody have any experience with that?

Help me with my HF addiction!
 
If you meant Poorboy's Spray and Rinse (not Chemical Guys), i think it is even stronger than WB...

Have you tried different dilution ratios with WB?
I have 1 bottle at 4:1 and a second bottle at 8:1, for medium duty cleaning.

Wolf's is excellent too, but it can't be diluted.
Sonax is another alternative, but expensive.
 
I like brown royal at 3:1. But its not nearly as strong as wheel brightener. a bit safer though
 
Oops I meant poor boys. I'm actually about to purchase sonax to use on higher end cars and aluminum wheels. I know guys are gonna come out of the wood work preaching about how I need to treat every customer the same, but there is a difference between a $5000-10,000 everyday driver and a $50,000 + car imo. I know some guys don't' respect that opinion but it's just what I think. I'm running a business and can't afford to spray sonax on every car.


I've used WB at different dilution ratios and love it. That's the problem.

I've heard from probably 10 people within AG and out that HF will cause long term health problems. I'm just not interested in having health problems when I'm 50 because I used harsh chemicals for 20 years.

I need an everyday wheel cleaner that is strong, safer than HF acid and most importantly, affordable.

Wheel brightener is extremely cheap. What wheel cleaner can rival it?
 
Considering you get 4 gallons of WB (after dilution) for only $20 + shipping, I don't think anything comes even close to it!

Get one of those murses mask to avoid breathing in the chemical.
 
I'm going to be sorry I stepped into this thread, but nothing else will be as effective as an HF/ABF wheel cleaner like Meg's Wheel Brightener or Poorboy's Spray n' Rinse. There are other acids available from ValuGard and probably Ardex, Auto Magic, etc. (the bulk providers).

As far as the long term hazards, as long as you have the proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) which should include a proper resipirator, you should be fine. Hose the area down well after use (where that rinse water goes after is between you and your sewer authority), and wash off your gloves and anything else that got spray mist on it.
 
statusdetailing said:
I'm trying to get away from Wheel brightener and HF in general. I feel like I'm "addicted" to the ease of use, but would like to use something a little safer.
Click to expand...
^^^
I feel that this statement sums it up.

WB and similar products have their place in detailing. The problem comes into play when one choses to use it on nearly every wheel. Not all 'nasty' wheels need a product like this.
If I do decide on WB, I will seek permission for its use. Whether at time of quote, or after APC and other methods. You'd be surprised at the number of clients opposed to its use and are satisfied with less invasive method; or, less than perfect wheels.
I was looking into Brown Royal, but haven't purchased since most customers decline after consideration of above.

I think that SA nailed the health aspect of this.

The main reason that I stick around here is to bring up my detailing a notch or two.
I have been told to communicate to the customer that if a less aggressive method is chosen, that I would do my best, and that on subsequent maintenance will do the same. Eventually, the years of neglect will diminish.
 
Last edited:
Vegas Transplant said:

^^^
I feel that this statement sums it up.

WB and similar products have their place in detailing. The problem comes into play when one choses to use it on nearly every wheel. Not all 'nasty' wheels need a product like this.
If I do decide on WB, I will seek permission for its use. Whether at time of quote, or after APC and other methods. You'd be surprised at the number of clients opposed to its use and are satisfied with less invasive method; or, less than perfect wheels.
I was looking into Brown Royal, but haven't purchased since most customers decline after consideration of above.

I think that SA nailed the health aspect of this.

The main reason that I stick around here is to bring up my detailing a notch or two.
I have been told to communicate to the customer that if a less aggressive method is chosen, that I would do my best, and that on subsequent maintenance will do the same. Eventually, the years of neglect will diminish.
Click to expand...

^^^^Excellent evaluation and posting VT^^^^

IMO...There are other "safer" acid wheel-cleaners that don't contain HF/ABF. Some acid-'blends/combination'-wheel-cleaners may contain:
oxalic, sulfuric, phosphuric, and citric...and may be considered "safer" for humans;
but, may have the ability to damage the varied "finishes" of wheels themselves.

Of course these "safer" wheel-cleaners will work---but, not as fast-working as the HF wheel-cleaners will.

Vegas Transplant said:
Eventually, the years of neglect will diminish.
Click to expand...

^^^^You hit the nail on the head!!!^^^^

With wheels that have been 'neglected'...like having a lot of build-up of contaminates/brake dust...
"Safer" acid (and, more than likely: alkyli) wheel-cleaners will have to be applied and let them dwell a little bit longer...

The contaminates/brake dust were deposited on the wheels: one layer at a time...
And will probably have to be removed: one layer at a time.

:)

Bob
 
thanks Bob, you truly are a Gem of AG! One of the reasons I love this forum ;) people like you, Mark, Alex, Corey, Flanny, Chris, Bobby, etc
 
Thanks for all the great advice. I think I'm definitely going to stop using Wheel brightener on a daily basis. I'll keep it around for severely bad wheels...too much controversy reguarding health issues and environmental issues.


What are you guys using on a daily basis for average wheels?
 
Wheel Brightener is an excellent and cost effective product. I use it on the tough stuff. It has it's place but just like paint correction I use the least aggressive method on just about everything when detailing including wheels. No need to use a hammer to put in a tack. I would be a little more concerned if I had to use it on a regular basis but with even semi regular maintenance rims should come clean with a much less aggressive product.
 
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