When it comes to wheels, the best cleaner can go a long way in saving you time and money, while simultaneously making your car or truck stand out from the crowd. Having the best aluminum wheel cleaner is essential for any self-respecting car detailer. Their powerful concentrated formulas should make light work of heavily caked brake dust and road grime. After which, you can clean the wheel off with a hose or brush, revealing a sparklingly clean wheel, good enough to eat off. But, with so many options available, choosing the right cleaner isn’t an easy task. So read on for our round-up of 2022’s best wheel-cleaning solutions.
Comparison Table for Best Aluminum Wheel Cleaners of 2022
Name | Aluminum Specific? | pH Balanced? | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Adam's Wheel Cleaner | No | Yes | 4.8 | |
Meguire's G14324 | Yes | Yes | 4.6 | |
Sonax (230200-755) | No | Yes | 4.7 | |
Carfidant Ultimate | No | Yes | 4.6 | |
Eagle One E301454900 | Yes | Yes | 4.7 | |
Lane's Car Products | Yes | No | 4.7 | |
TUGA Chemie 5712088 | No | Yes | 4.2 | |
Eco Touch (WHC1G) | No | Yes | 4.3 | |
Duragloss 853 | Yes | No | 4.5 |
1. Adam's Wheel Cleaner - Overall Best in 2022
Adam’s Polishes has quickly become a trusted name among the automotive detailing community. Their quality products have earned them a reputation for excellence, and their wheel cleaner is no different.
Features & Benefits of Adam's Wheel Cleaner
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
Adams Wheel Cleaner is a great product from a great brand. Their comparatively short time in the industry is no relation to the quality of their product, and with their color-changing formula, you're bound to be impressed with this wheel cleaner.
2. Meguiar's G14324 Hot Rims Aluminum Wheel Cleaner
Meguiar’s is one of the industry’s most trusted names, but when it comes to cleaning wheels, their Hot Rims Aluminum Wheel Cleaner is different from the norm. Instead of being formulated to tackle all types of wheels, this particular wheel cleaner is specially-formulated for custom and delicate wheel finishes.
Features & Benefits of Meguiar's G14324
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Meguiar’s Hot Wheels Cleaner is a great way to keep your mind at ease when washing your vehicle’s rims — especially if you have a customized or unique finish. Although not the strongest formulation when it comes to dirt busting, it’s a great solution to cleaning delicate and valuable rims without the risk of damage from strong detergents.
3. Sonax (230200-755) Wheel Cleaner Full Effect
The German-based brand of Sonax is known for their high-quality offerings in the detailing department. Their wheel cleaner is just another card in their automotive solutions deck, promising a sparkling finish to for all wheels, with minimal effort.
Features & Benefits of Sonax (230200-755) Wheel Cleaner
Pros
Cons
Verdict
As a brand that has been around for 70 years, Sonax is a trusted name in the detailing world. And, as you’d expect, their Full Effect Wheel Cleaner is more than up to the mark when it comes to providing a showroom shine, although some complain of the small quantity in comparison to the large amounts needed to work effectively.
4. Carfidant Ultimate Wheel Cleaner
Carfidant’s Ultimate Wheel Cleaner, as with all their products, is proudly made in the USA. Although a name that may not be as well-known, Carfidant is a great option on the more budget-friendly scale and does an adequate job while sharing many attributes of the premium alternatives.
Features & Benefits of Carfidant Ultimate Wheel Cleaner
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Carfidant has introduced a great, budget-friendly product in the form of their Ultimate Wheel Cleaner. Although there are many other more expensive offerings in the market, the Carfident Ultimate Wheel Cleaner wins on multiple fronts.
5. Eagle One E301454900 PVD and Aluminum Wheel Cleaner
Eagle One’s product line-up has always been diverse, with an option for seemingly every scenario. The Eagle One PVD and Aluminum Wheel Cleaner channels that vain, providing an alternative to their more aggressive wheel and tire cleaning formulas. Offered as a part of their extensive wheel care product line, the PVD and Aluminum cleaner is a great offering for those with unique rims.
Features & Benefits of Eagle One E301454900
Pros
Cons
Verdict
A slightly more niche offering from Eagle One, their PVD and Aluminum Wheel Cleaner is designed to be safe and gentle. As a result, the mild formula may not be enough for a simple spray and forget application, but for those with delicately-finished wheels, this could save you from the damage of harsher products.
6. Lane's Car Products New Aluminum Wheel Cleaner
Lane’s New Aluminum Wheel Cleaner may not be a name you’ve heard of before, but that’s because it’s marketed as a product strictly for professionals in the detailing industry. Designed especially for aluminum wheels, Lane's Aluminum Wheel Cleaner makes light work of caked-on grime and leaves a finish that mainstream options fail to achieve.
Features & Benefits of Lane's Car Products
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Lane’s Car Products Aluminum Wheel Cleaner is certainly one for those confident in their ability, as well as the finish of their wheels. Specifically designed for aluminum wheels it’s best to assume it should only be used for those, yet its acid-based formula promises to make quick and easy work of wheels within just seconds — without agitation too!
7. TUGA Chemie 5712088 Green (Grün) Wheel Cleaner
Tuga Chemie is another brand which may be new to most but has quickly developed a strong following owing to their quality products. A German brand with over four decades of producing high-quality cleaning products, Tuga Chemie’s wheel cleaner is worth a look.
Features & Benefits of TUGA Chemie 5712088 Green
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Tuga Chemie Is a great all-round solution for your average wheel-cleaning needs. Although it doesn't have any stand-out attributes that set it apart from the competition, it'll still do a great job at eating up brake dust and clearing your wheels of dirt and grime.
8. Eco Touch (WHC1G) Wheel Cleaner
The Eco Touch Wheel Cleaner is very much a bulk-purchase option, and ideal if you have multiple vehicles or perhaps are looking at moving into the detailing industry as professional. The Eco Touch wheel cleaner is not only effective at removing dirt from wheels but is also an easy-to-use product.
Features & Benefits of Eco Touch (WHC1G) Wheel Cleaner
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Eco Touch’s wheel cleaner is a very different proposition to the mainstream. Although it does what most other wheel cleaners do, the eco-friendly element of the product does enough to distinguish it from the crop of traditional wheel cleaners. If that appeals, then it may just be for you!
9. Duragloss 853 Aluminum Wheel Cleaner
Duragloss has been ever-expanding their range of automotive, marine and RV offerings for those looking at doing their detailing work. With a heavy emphasis on creating heavy-duty applications, Duragloss’ aluminum wheel-cleaning solution is one that has many uses.
Features & Benefits of Duragloss 853 Aluminum Wheel Cleaner
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Duragloss and their products will continue to have a loyal following. Their aluminum wheel cleaner has the distinction of being a cleaning agent for a variety of applications. Overall, it’s a great option for those looking for a quick solution, but bear in mind it may not be suitable for non-aluminum applications.
Things to Consider Before Buying Wheel Cleaners
Wheel cleaners have long been loved by detailing professionals and home-detailers alike. They’re able to remove brake dust and dissolve the unsightly soot-like dirt far more effectively than soap or shampoo. But there are several things worth considering before choosing which wheel cleaner is best for you.
Time Taken & Agitation level
Looking for something to get you on the move quickly? Most options require you to wait at least a few minutes before either agitating or skipping straight ahead to rinsing the wheel cleaner off. Wheel cleaners that don't require agitation may save you seconds but are typically acidic. Furthermore, some long-baked-on dirt may need some time for the wheel cleaning agents to work.
Type of Wheel
You're going to select a wheel cleaner that's proven to not damage the finish of the wheel you already have. As wheels can vary, from aluminum to chrome to even magnesium, the wheel cleaner must be effective enough to clean, yet gentle enough not to harm the finish.
Safe On Rubber?
Not all wheel cleaners claim to be safe for rubber. This can be especially problematic if you’re not careful when applying the wheel cleaner, as it can easily get on the tyres. Over time, wheel cleaner can build up and “attack” the tyres if you’re not careful which could result in premature cracking.
Is it pH balanced?
Not all aluminum wheel cleaners are pH balanced. This may be less of a concern if you're not planning on coming in to contact with the product directly or will be using gloves, but pH-balanced wheel cleaners eliminate the risk of irritation, plus are often kinder to the environment. They may not be as effective at removing the heaviest of grime though, with some extreme cases of caked-on brake dust requiring a degree of acidic remover to get the job done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a specialized wheel cleaner?
While you can theoretically clean your wheels with car wash or other detergents, some contaminants tend to be tough to remove. Therefore, you may require the specialized cleaning power of a wheel cleaner. Not only are wheel cleaners great at tackling this, but they also save you time and in many cases, reduces the effort you have to put in to get the same finish.
Can I use any wheel cleaner for aluminum wheels?
While many wheel cleaners claim to be safe for use on all wheels, aluminum wheels require a level of caution as their finish can be considered delicate. If unsure, it’s best to test on a small inconspicuous part of the wheel. But, to avoid all of that, you could just use a specialized aluminum wheel cleaner. These are traditionally gentler in their nature, to account for the finish of aluminum wheels.
Can I use my wheel cleaner to clean my tires as well?
Although most wheel cleaners do not specifically mention use on tires, it's important to bear in mind that some wheel cleaners can have adverse effects on rubber and rubber components. They can "eat away" at your rubber if left to sit, and can also contribute to cracking and discoloration. Therefore, unless it is specifically mentioned that they're safe for use on tires, we'd recommend steering clear, and rinsing the product off the rim thoroughly.
Do I need a wheel brush?
A wheel brush can be a great tool in your detailing arsenal. Its hairs can get into the intricate designs, cracks and crevices that exist in modern alloy wheels, and can help agitate and loosen dirt. But whether you need one may be down to the product you use, how often you wash the wheels, and whether you want the perfect finish. Many wheel cleaning products are advertised as not needing to agitate—simply spray on and rinse off. That said, a wheel brush to ensure wheel cleaner is effectively applied to the wheels rarely goes amiss, and will likely enhance the overall finish.
Can I use iron-remover instead of wheel cleaner?
Many iron-removers are indeed slightly tweaked formulations of wheel cleaners. They both use a chemical reaction to eat away at brake dust, while many wheels are often painted too, meaning that wheel cleaners have to be gentle enough not to harm these surfaces .The main differences boil down to two key factors: cost and consistency. A wheel cleaner is often the cheaper of the two products (although brands may vary). This is in some part down to the fact that a wheel cleaner is more likely to be used during every wash. An iron remover, on the other hand, may not be used for as long as six months at a stretch.Iron removers tend to be “runnier”, and foam less. Their application is on paintwork, so the need for it to sit on the surface is not as great.
Wrapping Up
There are quite literally hundreds of wheel cleaners on the market, but not all claim to be safe nor suitable for use on aluminum wheels. But if aluminum wheel cleaners are what you’re looking for, this list features some of the best out there. Whatever you chose, you’re sure to be pleased with the results, as wheel and aluminum wheel cleaners will save you a lot of time, effort and money in the long run.