How on Earth do you clean the grime off wheels?

[river251]

My wheels and lower parts of the bike have this kind of black grime. I clean my bike with McGuire's to preserve the wax. It doesn't phase that black stuff. I think brake cleaner would but I do not want to damage the coating on the wheels. Anybody have recommendations for something that will cut all of that blackish grime from the wheels and other parts of the bike? Thank you very much

 

[acedantinne]

The cheapest alum. wheel cleaner U can buy. 1 that say safest for all wheels.

 

[red one]

My wheels look new on my 23 year old bike. My secret is using o.e.m brake pads and cleaning and waxing the wheels whenever the bike gets clean. Btw I also use McGuire's products

 

[Kevcules]

WD40 is a good safe degreaser. I also use kerosene which is not too harsh on surfaces.

 

[motornut]

WD40 is a good safe degreaser. I also use kerosene which is not too harsh on surfaces.

I have used both, be sure to polish afterwards as the tractor- trucks I did lost their shine. WD is my favorite go to for adhesive remover too

 

[larryg]

S100

 

[ReSTored]

S100

Above + WD40 has worked well to clean off gunk.

I also use Honda spray cleaner and polish & have used Nu Finish wax as well.

When you have the wheels off the bike great time to clean them thoroughly.

 

[Esti1300]

A trick I learned from a member (@RaYzerman) is to use Naphta and a fine scouring pad. WD-40 also works well.

 

[ToddC]

Simple Green. All natural and biodegradable, cuts grease well.
T

 

[2WheeledPrivilege]

+1 for Simple Green, I just re wax the wheels when im done. Usually the dirt/grime just wipes off after rinsing down, if theres already a good coat of wax.

 

[scootac]

Simple Green. All natural and biodegradable, cuts grease well.
T

I was thinking of that also, thought it was natural and safe for wheels.
Do you use it full strength or diluted?

 

[DavidR8]

I would not use Simple Green unless it is well diluted. I used it 50% strength to remove boot scuffs from the frame and it marked the aluminum.

 

[Bmacleod]

Another vote for simple Green. I find that stuff works really well

 

[ToddC]

I was thinking of that also, thought it was natural and safe for wheels.
Do you use it full strength or diluted?

Full strength, rinse well and it does take wax off.
Works good on greasy engines too. I use an old toothbrush to scrub the really stuck stuff.
Been using it for 40 years.
T

 

[core-aggie]

I start with a simple solution. Very hot water in a bucket (couple gallons?), add 1/2 cup Arm-Hammer Washing Soda, and sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend on rim as you wash.

For really tough stuff, Simple Green about 50%, and use a 3M Drywall Screen (fine grade) cut in 1 inch square.

 

[ST Pili]

I use a Kent Industries solvent called Acrysol. It’s made for painted surfaces and works like a charm. Stuff just wipes off. Not cheap, about $30 a quart but it doesn’t take much and it’s amazing.

 

[SMSW]

If you use petroleum based solvents (kerosene) don't soak the tires. I'm not sure what effect Simple Green has on tires - you might call them and ask. Probably best to soak a rag (wearing gloves) and use that to clean the wheel.

 

[Boston Badger]

S100 - best motorcycle cleaner I’ve found. Not cheap, but does the job with minimal scrubbing.

 

[ST Gui]

S100 works very well for me maybe better than Simple Green. It's truly been wash n rinse where Simple Green requires some light scrubbing and more thorough rinsing. But SG is cheaper.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

Simple Green also sells a purpose specific cleaner for wheels that they state will clean the grime and brake dust off without damaging the aluminum alloy or the protective coating on it.
I have never used it- just passing it on.

Simple Green All Wheel & Tire Cleaner