Wheel cleaning - tough...

[Rsurfer]

I sure would not use HF-acid just to have, by chance, a "benefit" of: purdy-lookin'-inner-wheel-barrels.

The chances of a person receiving unhealthy-benefits...are just not worth it...IMHO.

Bob

I would agree Bob, if he was doing this everyday, but cutting it at 1:4 and wearing protective clothing imo is safe to use.

 

[swanicyouth]

I sure would not use HF-acid just to have, by chance, a "benefit" of: purdy-lookin'-inner-wheel-barrels.

The chances of a person receiving unhealthy-benefits...are just not worth it...IMHO.

Bob

I've used different wheel acid products about 6 or 7 times. I just wear gloves / safety glasses and use common sense. Of course you don't want to breath it in or get it in your eyes or on you it skin.

Other than that, the product is pretty safe. And, works better than any other spray products.

 

[TimmyG]

I've used different wheel acid products about 6 or 7 times. I just wear gloves / safety glasses and use common sense. Of course you don't want to breath it in or get it in your eyes or on you it skin.

Other than that, the product is pretty safe. And, works better than any other spray products.

+1

Absolutely nothing wrong with using acidic wheel cleaners.

 

[drvnbysound]

Good deal. Thanks for the PPE tips for sure.

 

[statusdetailing]

A foaming sprayer, like the ones sold on AG, prevent mist into the air.

As a one time application, you'll be fine. I stopped using it in my shop because I don't want to be around it all the time.

I just can't see how using this product every now and then will have any negative affect. There are WAY stronger acidic cleaners out there, that people use daily and when used correctly and with the proper care they are fine.

I have a friend that used to have a huge detail shop in my city. He had a kid working for him that would constantly get caught not using gloves when using acid wheel cleaner. . .daily for a couple years. Needless to say, it ended in the hospital. He ended up with some weird chronic condition. I can't remember exactly what.

 

[FUNX650]

I would agree Bob, if he was doing this everyday, but cutting it at 1:4 and wearing protective clothing imo is safe to use.

I've used different wheel acid products about 6 or 7 times. I just wear gloves / safety glasses and use common sense. Of course you don't want to breath it in or get it in your eyes or on you it skin.

Other than that, the product is pretty safe. And, works better than any other spray products.

+1

Absolutely nothing wrong with using acidic wheel cleaners.

A foaming sprayer, like the ones sold on AG, prevent mist into the air.

As a one time application, you'll be fine.<<<You don't really know that will be true!

I stopped using it in my shop because I don't want to be around it all the time.
I just can't see how using this product every now and then will have any negative affect.

There are WAY stronger acidic cleaners out there,...But are they as deadly as HF-acid?

that people use daily and when used correctly and with the proper care they are fine.

Please keep in mind I'm not talking about any ol' type of acid wheel cleaner...of which I've used plenty of in my lifetime.
(Conversely...Many highly alkaline wheel cleaners carry a high risk value.)


It's the wheel cleaners containing HF-acid that I was, and always will be, cautioning folks about.

I sure would not use HF-acid...
The chances of a person receiving unhealthy-benefits...are just not worth it...IMHO.

-Proper PPE whenever using HF-acid is a must. Absolutely.

However most detailers in non-professional settings do not own such expensive life-saving equipment.
Let alone not knowing the proper HF-acid antidote medicines to have on-site, to boot.

-All it takes is one little mistake to forever alter someone's Life, as well as those loved ones around them.

TO WIT (one of the "luckier ones"):

I have a friend that used to have a huge detail shop in my city. He had a kid working for him that would constantly get caught not using gloves when using acid wheel cleaner. . .daily for a couple years. Needless to say, it ended in the hospital. He ended up with some weird chronic condition. I can't remember exactly what.

BTW:
It usually takes more than a pair of gloves (even if they're "acid-resistant")...to be deemed as
having donned the proper PPE for using acids, especially HF-acid..

Please be safe out there.

Bob

 

[geekdout]

I tried doing a search but didn't find quite what I was looking for. I was wondering if you guys could let me know what products or ingredients in detailing supplies could be extremely hazardous to your health or to the environment. I know the list could be endless but I am sure their are those that stand out from the pack.

 

[custmsprty]

I tried doing a search but didn't find quite what I was looking for. I was wondering if you guys could let me know what products or ingredients in detailing supplies could be extremely hazardous to your health or to the environment. I know the list could be endless but I am sure their are those that stand out from the pack.

Read the msds sheet for each individual product you are interested in, it will tell you what you want to know. Google is your path to what you seek grasshopper :xyxthumbs:

 

[geekdout]

Thanks for the tip, I know there are plenty of resources available on this matter. But I was wondering if there are some products that detailers avoid due to health risks, just like how some detailers will not use or keep Megs Wheel Brightener around their shop.

 

[Harry Da Hamster]

Any updates? Did the OP purchase Wheel Brightener?

 

[charlietuna]

I would try clay before any grade of steel wool. Use APC as a clay lube, it will be the least aggressive method to try first.

 

[drvnbysound]

Any updates? Did the OP purchase Wheel Brightener?

I did purchase the Wheel Brightener. I used it shortly after receiving it. I mixed a 4:1 ratio, applied the wheel brightener to about 1/2 of the barrel, agitated it for 30-45 seconds, then rinsed.

It did improve the barrels, but they are still not as clean as I'd like them to be... Not sure what else to try. I wasn't sure about how comfortable I should be with using it at a lower dilution or for a longer period of time to try and get additional results. I certainly don't want to compromise the finish on the face of the wheels.

I would try clay before any grade of steel wool. Use APC as a clay lube, it will be the least aggressive method to try first.

I did try to clay them... there was no improvement.

 

[1855Cru]

I just went through this same issue with my car when doing my first ever full detail. Like the OP, the front of the wheels were in good shape and easy but when I took the wheels off I was faced with 19 years worth of tar, brake dust, grime etc that was literally baked on the finish.

All told I spent 6 hours trying to get them clean. I used two bottles of Scholl Rim 7, which did a pretty good job, some Megs All wheel cleaner, Iron-X, APC+ and lots of elbow grease. Finally got them looking decent. Here are some pics.

The task at hand
View attachment 20947

applying lots of Rim 7
View attachment 20948

Much cleaner!
View attachment 20949

Front's were in good shape.
View attachment 20950

Cheers,

Allan

 

[Rsurfer]

I did purchase the Wheel Brightener. I used it shortly after receiving it. I mixed a 4:1 ratio, applied the wheel brightener to about 1/2 of the barrel, agitated it for 30-45 seconds, then rinsed.

It did improve the barrels, but they are still not as clean as I'd like them to be... Not sure what else to try. I wasn't sure about how comfortable I should be with using it at a lower dilution or for a longer period of time to try and get additional results. I certainly don't want to compromise the finish on the face of the wheels.



I did try to clay them... there was no improvement.

For tough cleaning, I use it neat.

 

[drvnbysound]

For tough cleaning, I use it neat.

I assume you are referring to using the Wheel Brightener, undiluted.

My concern is damage to the face finish...

Once I get my car back from the body shop, I may give it a shot on my existing wheels which are in similar condition. I'd much rather test on them first, before doing anything to damage these wheels.

 

[drvnbysound]

I just went through this same issue with my car when doing my first ever full detail. Like the OP, the front of the wheels were in good shape and easy but when I took the wheels off I was faced with 19 years worth of tar, brake dust, grime etc that was literally baked on the finish.

All told I spent 6 hours trying to get them clean. I used two bottles of Scholl Rim 7, which did a pretty good job, some Megs All wheel cleaner, Iron-X, APC+ and lots of elbow grease. Finally got them looking decent. Here are some pics.

Cheers,

Allan

Allan,

Thanks for sharing. That's quite an impressive job!

I may try ordering some Scholl Rim 7 and some Iron-X to try out as well. I had seen recommendations for Iron-X prior to this post, but figured I would try the Wheel Brightener first. Based on your experience, these other products definitely appear to be worth testing out.

 

[parttimer]

How about a buffing wheel and buffing compound?

 

[1855Cru]

I may try ordering some Scholl Rim 7 and some Iron-X to try out as well. I had seen recommendations for Iron-X prior to this post, but figured I would try the Wheel Brightener first.

The Rim 7 is excellent stuff. It is acid free which I like. Make sure your wheels are dry before spraying it on. The instructions say leave on for 5 mins before rinsing, I'd give it a few more minutes. Two or three applications may well sort your issue.

Oh and BTW I tried claying on mine and it had negligible effect. YMMV

Cheers,

Allan

 

[primo spaghetti]

i previously gave my polishing reccommendation, but if youre looking for a chemical option, the 1z colourtec is also an amazing product...im going to say it works better than sonax for me...