Why am I so bad at cleaning wheels?

[custmsprty]

Wheel woolies are another one I need to add to cart next order. I mainly use a short handle boars hair brush for the faces of wheels (Confession - I usually don't fret much about the barrels as a non-pro). Picked up the speedmaster brush set a while back, and found them more efficient at spraying me with dirty soapy water than deep cleaning like the BH brush. Probably mainly user error.

No, you pretty much hit it on the head about speedmaster brushes. They fling stuff every where and don't do near the surface cleaning as a wheel woolie as the speedmaster brush fibers part when you press down to scrub. In the pictures I posted above you can see how easy it was for me to get deep in the barrels. If you go for the WW's get the three piece kit.

[Ernie Mccracken]

Alright screw it, bring on the wheel cleaner. Why choose a non-acid wheel cleaner vs. an acid one?

[briarpatch]

Once you get them clean.......apply McKees Wheel Coating to them. I did it to all three vehicles in my family.....clean up is soap and water now

[custmsprty]

Alright screw it, bring on the wheel cleaner. Why choose a non-acid wheel cleaner vs. an acid one?

You can't beat this for the money, it's what I used in the pictures above, on the tires too.

Mothers Mothers Foaming Wheel & Tire Cleaner

http://www.autogeek.net/mothers-wheel-mist-cleaner.html

[Eldorado2k]

Alright screw it, bring on the wheel cleaner. Why choose a non-acid wheel cleaner vs. an acid one?

Here's my take based on the ones I use:

Meguiars D143 Non Acid Wheel & Tire Cleaner.
Pros -
Cleans both wheels & tires
Good cleaning strength, adequate for maintenance cleanings.
Decent dilution ratio @2:1
Cons-
Sometimes not quite strong enough of a wheel cleaner to handle baked on brake dust

Meguiars D140 Wheel Brightener [acid based]
Pros- Strong enough for most jobs including most baked on wheels. Certainly stronger than D143.
Maintenance washes can be done simply spray on, hose off.
Great dilution ratio @4:1
Cons- Doesn't clean tires.

Note: Both those acid and non acid wheel cleaners shouldn't be used on bare aluminum wheels because they'll both etch them just the same.

[Eldorado2k]

Also keep in mind that: For all those people who are recommending "cleans up with car wash soap now"
You'll still have to bend down and agitate by going that route...

On the other hand: Choosing a spray on dedicated wheel cleaner for maintaining your wheels means simply spray on, hose off. No bending over, no bad knees, bad back, or bad anything. IMO it's the easiest way to do it.

[Mad Wax]

I'd just cut to the chase and hit em with the Megs wheel brightener.

[The Guz]

Also keep in mind that: For all those people who are recommending "cleans up with car wash soap now"
You'll still have to bend down and agitate by going that route...

On the other hand: Choosing a spray on dedicated wheel cleaner for maintaining your wheels means simply spray on, hose off. No bending over, no bad knees, bad back, or bad anything. IMO it's the easiest way to do it.

There are these things called rolling seats/stools to avoid all those issues you mentioned lol.

Similar to this one.

Store detailing supplies, car waxes, polishes, towels, and wash bucket on the Detailer’s Rolling Creeper.

[evo77]

Also keep in mind that: For all those people who are recommending "cleans up with car wash soap now"
You'll still have to bend down and agitate by going that route...

On the other hand: Choosing a spray on dedicated wheel cleaner for maintaining your wheels means simply spray on, hose off. No bending over, no bad knees, bad back, or bad anything. IMO it's the easiest way to do it.

Some agitation will always be needed for a completely clean surface. Are you saying that using the mentioned products as a spray on hose off method won't yield any left on dirt residue on your towel when you dry them after rinsing?

[Eldorado2k]

Some agitation will always be needed for a completely clean surface. Are you saying that using the mentioned products as a spray on hose off method won't yield any left on dirt residue on your towel when you dry them after rinsing?

I normally like to maintain the wheels on the vehicles at home by cleaning them about once a week.
Sometimes if I'm feeling lazy I'll just spray D143 and hose off. That will get the wheels & tires clean, but not necessarily pass the towel test.

Wheel Brightener can do a better job, and nearly almost pass that towel test, if you have a pressure washer it's more realistic. But either ways they're pretty clean.

Another wheel cleaner I use is Brown Royal. This stuff is definitely capable of it, even with a garden hose.

[this is not my vid]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=teZVrCL6Kv8