Wheel Cleaning

[Oka]

I got this wheel as a set, when I got one of the XCs.
The dirt is kinda 'caked' on the wheel and just brush can't clean it out,
even with abrasive agent like Comet or Ajax. The dirt is almost
like its part of the wheel surface. What would be best formula
to do this myself (if I can)?

Thanks.

[Astro14]

I'm not certain that it can be cleaned. It appears to be damaged finish, not just dirt on the surface. Brake dust will damage a finish if left on long enough...and that has the appearance of iron oxide that has damaged the finish. If I were going to try anything, it would be one of those products that dissolves iron chemically.

[Pennhaven]

You might try CLR. I just had good success with it removing a multi-year buildup of oxidized minerals, though non-automotive, that nothing else would touch. But as the label says, test in an inconspicuous area first. I've also seen oven cleaner suggested on YouTube for cleaning major wheel grime build-up, but again you might want to proceed cautiously.

[Oka]

You might try CLR. I just had good success with it removing a multi-year buildup of oxidized minerals, though non-automotive, that nothing else would touch. But as the label says, test in an inconspicuous area first. I've also seen oven cleaner suggested on YouTube for cleaning major wheel grime build-up, but again you might want to proceed cautiously.

I got a buddy's CLR. With about teaspoon, undiluted, I tested one area. Let it sit for two minutes as directed (though with hot water). With wire brush, it looked promising after hosing with water. I poured on another CLR and let it sit for five minutes, then brushed it. That's the result in the attached pic. Manually using hand wire brush was better until I used my powered wire brush. If you look closely, you'll see the wire marks. Well, this was a test. I will report back after I get the wheel project done.

[Pennhaven]

I got a buddy's CLR. With about teaspoon, undiluted, I tested one area. Let it sit for two minutes as directed (though with hot water). With wire brush, it looked promising after hosing with water. I poured on another CLR and let it sit for five minutes, then brushed it. That's the result in the attached pic. Manually using hand wire brush was better until I used my powered wire brush. If you look closely, you'll see the wire marks. Well, this was a test. I will report back after I get the wheel project done.

You might try a Scotch Brite pad instead of the wire brush. It may be abrasive enough to break the CLR treated buildup loose with much less damage to the finish.

[Oka]

You might try a Scotch Brite pad instead of the wire brush. It may be abrasive enough to break the CLR treated buildup loose with much less damage to the finish.

Yep, that's what I plan on using next when I start the project. I have enough at home.
Thanks.

[Brett San Diego]

I cleaned up a set of wheels from the salvage yard recently. Gunk engine degreaser, an abrasive pad (similar to ScotchBrite), lots of elbow grease, and a power washer. Worked well. I didn't care about the finish. I was already planning on painting with Plasti-Dip.

Brett