Cleaning rims & alloy wheels made easy: shiny rims in no time at all
Cleaning rims, especially aluminum rims, is a challenge for many drivers. But with the right techniques and products, this task can be simplified considerably. This article explains why regular cleaning is important, how to clean dirty rims properly, how often this cleaning should take place, which home remedies are suitable and which cleaning products should be avoided. Finally, useful tips for shiny rims after cleaning are given.
Table of contents
Why is regular rim cleaning important?
Influence of cleaning on the service life of the rim
Regular cleaning of the rims is not only a question of appearance, but also has a significant impact on their service life. Brake dust, road dirt and road salt can attack the surfaces of aluminum rims and damage the material. By cleaning the rims thoroughly and regularly, you remove these aggressive substances and prevent the rim from ageing prematurely or even suffering irreparable damage.
Prevention of brake dust and dirt accumulation
The accumulation of brake dust and other dirt particles on the rims is another point that underlines the need for regular cleaning. These accumulations are not only unattractive to look at, but can also have a damaging effect on the surface of the rims. Regular cleaning prevents these particles from settling and damaging the rim in the long term. In addition, a clean rim improves the overall appearance of the vehicle and thus contributes to a positive perception, whether in everyday life or when selling.
Tips and tricks for gleaming rims after cleaning – With nano (sealant) and polish for optimum shine
Application of a rim sealant for a long-lasting shine
To ensure the best protection and shine, it is advisable to clean the rims properly and then seal them.
Our car paint & rim sealant is suitable for this. The nano sealing can help to reduce the adhesion of dirt and provides temporary protection, depending on the specific environmental conditions and usage.
Even better suited is our Permanent Protector. This is used in racing and 24-hour races, for example, as the ceramic sealant is significantly harder (9H) than the liquid glass sealant. In addition, sealing with the Permanent Protector is more durable (up to 6 years) and heat-resistant up to 750°C.
Rims should ideally be cleaned thoroughly twice a year, especially when changing from summer to winter tires. The maintenance of the rims through regular cleaning and sealing helps to maintain the value of the vehicle and guarantee its aesthetics in the long term. By sealing the rims, you extend the cleaning cycles and thus save time and money.
Car paint and wheel rim sealing
Highly effective professional protective sealant for car paint and aluminum rims
- Excellent easy-to-clean effect for dirt adherence
- Chemical-resistant to vehicle cleaning agents (up to pH 12)
- Hydrophobic and oleophobic effect (water and oil repellency)
- and much more.
How do you clean heavily soiled rims properly?
Step-by-step guide to removing stubborn dirt and choosing the right cleaner
Heavily soiled rims present a particular challenge, but with the right approach, stubborn dirt can be removed effectively. The first step is to thoroughly rinse the rims with clear water to remove loose dirt and deposits. You can then use a gentle but effective cleaning agent such as our Biosativa® cleaner. In the case of stubborn soiling, a special rim cleaner that is suitable for the condition of your rims. It is important to leave the cleaner to work for a few minutes so that it can soften deep-seated dirt. A soft rim brush can then be used to gently remove even hard-to-reach areas and stubborn dirt. Finally, the rims should be rinsed with clear water and dried carefully to avoid water stains.
The exposure time of a rim cleaner varies depending on the product and degree of soiling, but is usually as a rule between 5 and 10 minutes. Read the Product instructions carefully to achieve optimum results. Allowing the cleaner to act for a sufficiently long time enables the chemical components of the cleaning agent to soften and dissolve the dirt effectively. This is particularly important when removing stubborn dirt such as burnt-on brake dust or tar. An appropriate contact time varies depending on the product and the degree of soiling, but in general the cleaner should be given sufficient time to develop its full effect before mechanical cleaning begins.
Tips for gentle cleaning with wheel brushes and high-pressure cleaners
Choosing the right rim brush is crucial. It should have soft bristles to prevent scratches on the surface of the rims. When using a high-pressure cleaner, it is important to keep an appropriate distance and not aim directly at the rim to avoid damage caused by the high pressure. Instead, the jet should be used at an angle that effectively removes dirt and debris without damaging the rim.
How often should rims be cleaned?
The frequency of rim cleaning depends on various factors, including the intensity of use of the vehicle and the time of year. Vehicles that are regularly driven on dirty or salt-covered roads require more frequent cleaning to prevent the accumulation of dirt and road salt. It is generally recommended to clean the rims at least once a month to prevent a permanent accumulation of dirt particles. In the winter months or with intensive use, however, shorter intervals may be advisable in order to protect the rims optimally.
Car sealants at a glance
Which home remedies are suitable for cleaning rims?
Effectiveness of detergent and vinegar for dirty rims
Washing-up liquid diluted in warm water is one of the most popular household remedies for cleaning rims. It effectively removes most of the dirt and brake dust that has settled on the rims without attacking the surface of the rim. A highly diluted solution of water and vinegar can help to remove stubborn dirt.
However, use vinegar with caution and test the solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure that the rim surface is not damaged. Vinegar, when properly diluted, can be gentle on the rim. However, it is important that both detergent and vinegar are rinsed off thoroughly with clean water after cleaning to avoid residues that could damage the surface of the rims.
Using toothpaste as a polishing agent
Toothpaste is not only a miracle cure for white teeth, it can also work wonders when polishing rims. Thanks to their mild abrasive particles, toothpaste can be used to gently remove light soiling and superficial scratches on the rims. The application is very simple: a small amount of toothpaste is applied to a soft cloth and rubbed onto the affected area of the rim in a circular motion. After a short exposure time, the toothpaste can be rinsed off with clear water, giving the rims a clean and shiny appearance.
Which cleaning products and agents should be avoided?
Dangers of acidic cleaning agents for aluminum rims
Although acidic cleaning agents are effective in the fight against stubborn dirt and brake dust, they can seriously damage the surface of aluminum rims . These cleaners attack the paint and the material of the rims, which can lead to permanent damage such as corrosion and discoloration.
When choosing a rim cleaner, you should therefore make sure to select a product that is explicitly labeled as suitable for alloy rims and has a moderate or alkaline pH value.
Why aggressive chemicals and oven cleaners are harmful
The use of aggressive chemicals and oven cleaners for rim cleaning should be avoided at all costs.
These products often contain substances that are too aggressive for the sensitive surface of the rims and can permanently damage them.
Oven cleaners in particular , which are designed to remove baked-on dirt, can cause burns and color changes on aluminium rims. It is therefore advisable to use such products exclusively for their actual purpose and to use specially developed cleaners for rim cleaning that are gentle on the materials and do not damage the rims.