Strength of wheel cleaners

Jenn1270

Jenn1270

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Are their any charts of the strength (safe vs agressiveness) the wheel cleaners available? This information may be somewhere but I can't find it.
 
I tried to find a chart for you, not having much luck.
 
Never seen a chart on wheel cleaners specifically ... most are rated based upon a neutral PH balance. In general some are quite safe (P21S, Griots) , some use citric based cleaners (Poorboys Spray/Rinse) and some use acid bases (Megs Wheel Brightner).

While some of the safer wheel cleaners do require a bit of agitation, they can be used on more of a frequent basis as desired. Often times adding a coat of a wheel sealant allows you to use soap/water for several weeks to reduce amount of wheel cleaner needed too.
 
Anything for Chrome will be the lightest - Followed by anything that states its for all wheels. There are a few acidic products out there that work well on painted cast wheels but be careful because of the other components present such as rotors and brake covers that might just be unfinished cast produst or lug nuts that differ from the wheel finish. I prefer less agressive with a high use of various brushes. Almost all my details invole allowing an hour plus just for wheels.
 
^Chrome wheel cleaners are actually some of the strongest. You want to stay away from them for regular wheels. You must be confused with Aluminum wheel cleaners as they are some of the lightest.

Been here for a while and have never seen a chart comparing wheel cleaner strength. Maybe its time someone makes one.
 
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Thanks for the info.

Are all purpose cleaners or dedicated tire cleaners really differ or are they the same with different names?

So from what you are saying Poor Boys and anything that is for chrome is the strongest and most of the others are much safer for regular use.

Jenn

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http://www.autogeek.net/griots-chrome-wheel-cleaner.html
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Jenn1270 said:
Are all purpose cleaners or dedicated tire cleaners really differ or are they the same with different names?

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I believe that they are different. That being said, I actually use an APC (Megs D103) for 99% of my wheel/tire cleaning. 4:1, let it dwell a minute, hit it with your favorite brushes and rinse clean. For the really stubborn gunk I switch to full strength ARO.
 
Like Killr said Griots or P21S are safe and effective.
 
DP wheel cleaner is my favorite. Not only for the wheels but for tires as well.
 
07 z-oh-6 said:
DP wheel cleaner is my favorite. Not only for the wheels but for tires as well.
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:iagree:

I like the DP as well. It's a fairly effective wheel cleaner and an excellent tire cleaner. P21S is even more effective as a wheel cleaner but I wouldn't use it on tires. Then there are REALLY strong acid cleaners like Megs Wheel Brightener. I definitely wouldn't use it on tires and it's not safe to use on unfinished wheels like polished aluminum. It gets even the toughest brake dust off of painted and chrome wheels though.
 
MikeyC said:
:iagree:

I like the DP as well. It's a fairly effective wheel cleaner and an excellent tire cleaner. P21S is even more effective as a wheel cleaner but I wouldn't use it on tires. Then there are REALLY strong acid cleaners like Megs Wheel Brightener. I definitely wouldn't use it on tires and it's not safe to use on unfinished wheels like polished aluminum. It gets even the toughest brake dust off of painted and chrome wheels though.
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:iagree:
A safe wheel cleaner needs to be with in a pH of 6-9 range.....
 
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