Knowing how to clean dirty wheels in less than 15 minutes is a life skill every car owner should have. All you really need is a bucket of water, soap solution, microfiber towels, and a pressure washer. You just rinse the rims, apply the wheel cleaner, scrub the rims, clean the wheel, and rinse.
A set of clean and gleaming wheels can enhance the entire look of your vehicle. It’s important that you know how to clean it efficiently in the shortest time while still upholding the highest quality.
With the right process and tools, it should only take you under 7 to 10 minutes to clean all four wheels, tires, and fenders.
When cleaning car wheels, you’ll be dealing with dirt and brake dust, which if left untreated for a long time can cause permanent damage on your metal rims.
That’s why it’s important to wash the rims and tires first before the rest of the car. This can keep the first on the wheels from splashing onto your car’s painted surface.
Although calling an expert mobile detailer with a premium car wash wax service is your best option when dealing with a dirty car, trying to clean it on your own is also great for saving money.
As mentioned earlier, you just need to have the right tools and know the proper way to do it and we’re telling you how to do it like a pro.
What Do You Need to Clean Dirty Tires, Rims, and Fenders?
When washing your car, always start with the tires. As previously mentioned, this keeps the dirt from the wheels from splattering on your car’s paint. A clean set of tires not only makes your car look brand-new but it keeps it from cracking and fading over time.
Cleaning your own car tires is easy because you can find all the tools you need at home. If you have a bucket, water, pressure washer or garden hose, clean microfiber towels, and dish soap, you can do it.
What brush to use for these types of wheel finish:
- Powder coated – Use a durable, medium bristle brush
- Painted – This type of finish must be hand washed only. Use a microfiber wheel brush and towels
- Chrome – Use durable, medium bristle brush
- Polished aluminum – Like cars with a painted finish, this must be hand washed only using microfiber towels and brushes
Brush for wheels
- Wheel brush
- lug nut brush
- tire sidewall brush
- microfiber wheel brush
- microfiber towels for spokes and behind the spokes
Chemicals for wheel cleaning
- Non-acidic wheel cleaner
- ph neutral car soap
Use diluted acid (1:10) to remove water spots on most wheel finishes. Always do a test spot on an inconspicuous area before spraying the entire wheel, to see if there’s discoloration.
Other things you’re going to need:
- A bucket
- Water
- Pressure Washer / Garden Hose with sprayer
- Microfiber Towel
- Dishwashing Soap
Using a pressure washer works really great in removing dried mud, dirt, and grime on your wheels. If you don’t have one, a garden hose with a sprayer will do.
However, if you usually drive in muddy places where a huge amount of dirt can get stuck, you need a pressure washer to remove them efficiently.
Having the right tools to clean your tires can help you save time and water.
9 Steps to Clean Your Wheels Properly
Now that you know what you need, it’s time to teach you how to do it right. It’s a really simple process but it’s the most efficient and effective way to clean your tires.
Just follow these simple steps and you can clean your car wheels like a pro in less than 15 minutes in no time.
Step 1 - Dilute 1:4 or 1:2 of your chosen non acidic wheel cleaner (dilution instructions will be different for each wheel cleaner) into a pump foam sprayer.
Step 2 - Rinse with water first
Use a pressure washer to hose down the dirt, grime, and brake dust from each rim. If your tires aren’t that dirty, a garden hose with a natural stream will do.
This will save you time from scrubbing excess and stubborn dirt that are stuck on the wheels.
Step 3 - See if the wheel is okay to be hand washed or brushed
You can tell if your wheels can be hand washed if it only has minimal dirt and dust. If your wheels have a considerable amount of dirt on them, you’re gonna have to brush them clean.
Step 4 - Spray soap or non-acidic wheel cleaner of your choice
Clean the outside edge of the rim and scrub the metal surface until all the hard water spots have been removed. Make sure you get the interior of the rim and use a small soft-bristle brush to clean tough-to-reach spots.
Step 5 - Scrub with a brush or using your hand
Start scrubbing each wheel with a brush or using your hands. Start in between spokes, lug nuts, and then the sidewall. Scrub the spokes and behind the spokes to remove further brake dust.
Step 6 - Spray diluted acid on a microfiber towel and scrub the area with hard water spots if necessary
Step 7 - Wash the entire wheel with a garden hose or pressure washer
Give your wheels a nice rinse. Make sure there isn’t any residue or cleaning solution left to dry on them.
Step 8 - Dry the wheels using a leaf blower and a bunch of clean microfiber towels
Start with a leaf blower if you have one and use a bunch of soft, micro-fiber towels to dry the wheels and prevent water spots.
Step 9 - Apply tire dressing using a tire applicator
Coating your wheels with tire dressing help give them a nice luster and a fine layer of protection against brake dust and natural elements.
If you’re dealing with rust and deeply embedded substances, it’s best to consult a professional mobile car detailing service since it can’t be easily removed with just soap and warm water.
But for dirt and mud in general, these steps will work like magic. Just follow these and you’ll be able to clean your wheels in less than 15 minutes.
Tips for Cleaning Your Wheels
Other than these steps, here are some other tips to remember for cleaning your wheels.
Tip #1 – Do not sun dry your wheels. This calls for watermarks that will ruin the car’s entire look. There’s no replacing the efficiency of using a microfiber towel or wash mitt for scrubbing and drying your wheels without scratching them.
Tip #2 – Read labels for car wheel cleaning products. If you trust commercial products more than home-made cleaning solutions, it’s best to check if they’re right for your car tires. It’s best to do some research as well to avoid damaging your wheels.
Tip #3 – A soap solution doesn’t work for brake dust and rust-infested wheels. That’s a job for expert mobile car detailers like River Islands Car Salon with car exterior detailing services. Slightly dirty cars and wheels are doable and can be DIYed.
Tip #4 – Hose down the tires one at a time, not all at once. This can help you save water and time cleaning your wheels. Plus, it will prevent the water and cleaning solution from drying before you get to the other wheels.
Tip #5 – Don’t use a toothbrush for hard-to-reach areas. It’s usually what other sites recommend but in reality, it can end up scratching your rims. Invest in a soft-bristled brush or a wheel brush with a long stem to get into the spokes, lug nuts, and wheel well without damaging your tires.
Cleaning your dirty wheels in less than 15 minutes is possible. All you need to do is follow the steps and tips we’ve given and you’ll have sparkly clean tires in no time.
You just need to create a cleaning solution of warm water and dishwashing soap to remove the dirt and grime on the wheels. A pressure washer or garden hose is also useful to get rid of them before scrubbing them up with the microfiber towel and cleaning solution.
If you’re dealing with a lot more dirt, rust, brake dust, and such, it’s best to call the best mobile car detailer near you. They have the right tools, methods, and experience to wash and clean your tires.
There’s no need to look, just call and set an appointment with River Islands Car Island and you’ll be driving with clean and sparkly wheels in no time.
