Deep Wheel Cleaning, embedded dirt

[stealthjetta]

So I have some alloy wheels that need some more extreme measures to remove some of the embedded dirt on them. There are black specs of embedded dirt or brake dust that I'm trying to remove. My normal wheel cleaning methods is.

1. Spray On EagleOne All Wheel Cleaner
2. Hose Off After a minute
3. Use a wheel brush with soapy water on wheels.

This gets them nice and clean but the hard to remove dirt specs are still there. I've tried using clay but that didn't help at all. What else can I try.

[DaveT435]

Have you tried Sonax or Rupes wheel cleaners...or iron X?

[stealthjetta]

I haven't tried Sonax or Rupes yet, but I will give one of those a try if you think they will work. Are these designed to be part of a regular wheel wash, or only when you need a deep clean? Thanks.

[OCD Detailing]

I bought Mark V I think it is. Straight up acid. It works great but I think you aren't suppose to use it on uncoated wheels. Not sure about aluminum. Doesn't smell so good though. Beyond going to an acid like that, I like Sonax and Adams. As far as a more cost effective "stronger" cleaner, Meguiars wheel bright is good.

[Wills65]

Are you sure that the spots you see are dirt spots? Could they be tar or maybe large embedded brake dust spots? If you can source Tarminator locally, you might give that a shot. Or you could pick up a little bottle of IronX and a little bottle of TarX.

If those cant get the wheels deep cleaned then Im not sure what will. Best of luck to you. You might consider coating the wheels with something like DP Wheel Coating so that those spots you clean off dont reappear later on. The coating will make a huge difference in way you clean your wheels. Ive coated the wheels on my brothers Mustang and all I need to get the wheels looking like new is a little wash soap and my brushes.

Almost forgot, if your wheels arent clear coated or powdercoated...meaning if they are uncoated bare metal, then you will want to avoid the IronX and TarX. Once you get them clean you can still coat them but the IronX will damage uncoated bare metal.

[EVOlved]

I bought Mark V I think it is. Straight up acid. It works great but I think you aren't suppose to use it on uncoated wheels. Not sure about aluminum. Doesn't smell so good though. Beyond going to an acid like that, I like Sonax and Adams. As far as a more cost effective "stronger" cleaner, Meguiars wheel bright is good.

Most of these would be an absolute last resort for me on my own personal car. I would rather hand polish the wheels than use something crazy acidic like the ones you mentioned.

That said I would try Sonax Plus, Iron-X, or any of the iron removing cleaners first.

[Audios S6]

You can also trying claying the wheels after trying ironx or similar product.

Unless you have experience with acid wheel cleaners, I would shy away and only use them as a last resort. They can do serious damage to wheels and I only use them with the owner's consent and understanding that damage at occur. In most cases this is on wheels that would otherwise need to be refinished anyway if the acid did not work.

[DaveT435]

We are talking about factory alloy wheels? Can you post a picture?

[Ebg18t]

I have had great luck with Sonax wheel cleaner. Let it sit, agitate then power wash it.

[rbss]

Sonax works well for me. Also I have used Meguiars Hot Rims all wheel cleaner it can be picked up locally.