HOW TO CLEAN YOUR WHEELS LIKE A PROFESSIONAL DETAILER
Wheels are one of the parts of your car that suffer the most from the accumulation of dirt: brake dust, mud, grease and road debris. Keeping them clean not only improves the aesthetics of your vehicle, but also prevents corrosion and premature wear. In this article, we'll show you how to clean your wheels and tires like professional detailers do, ensuring a flawless finish and long-lasting protection.
Necessary materials and products
For best results, you will need specific detailing products and appropriate tools:
Recommended products:
- Ferric Cleaner : Removes metal particles from brake dust.
- Tire Cleaner : Dissolves embedded dirt and residue from old conditioners.
- Ceramic rim sealant : protects and facilitates future cleaning (example: WetCoat).
- Tire Conditioner : Restores deep black appearance and protects against aging (example: Gyeon Tire).
Tools needed:
- High pressure washer or hose .
- Detail Brush – Ideal for tight areas and nuts.
- Rim face brush .
- Rim barrel brush (inside of spokes).
- Stiff bristle tire brush .
- Drying towel to prevent water marks.
Step by step: the best rim cleaning technique
1. Initial clarification
Before applying any product, rinse the rims with pressurized water. This removes loose dust, mud residue and helps cool the surface. If the rim is hot, the products will dry too quickly and will not work properly.
2. Application of cleaning products
- Spray the ferrous cleaner on the rim (face and barrel). This product reacts with the metal particles and turns red or purple.
- Apply the tire cleaner to the rubber. This will remove old conditioner residue and embedded dirt.
- Let both products act for 1-2 minutes , allowing them to dissolve the dirt.
3. Stir up the dirt with suitable tools
- Use a detailing brush to clean the nooks and crannies.
- Use one brush for the face of the tire and another for the barrel of the tire .
- For tires, use a stiff bristle brush to remove debris and prepare the surface for the conditioner.
4. Final clarification
Rinse off all dirt with pressurized water. If the rims are very dirty, repeat the process for a perfect result.
5. Protection and final finish
- Apply a ceramic sealant such as WetCoat to create a hydrophobic layer. This will help dirt not stick easily and make cleaning easier in the future.
- Condition your tires with a product like Gyeon Tire to restore their color and protect them from premature aging.
6. Drying for a professional finish
For a flawless finish, dry the rims with a drying towel . This will prevent water marks, especially on rims painted gloss black or other dark colors.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Not cleaning the rim barrel : The inner part accumulates more dirt and if left uncleaned, it affects the overall appearance.
- Using aggressive or incorrect products : Avoid strong degreasers that can damage the rim finish.
- Do not seal the rim : Without protection, dirt will adhere easily and cleaning will be more difficult.
- Over-applying tire conditioner : Too much product can attract dirt and leave a greasy finish.
Conclusion
By following these steps and using the right products, you will be able to keep your wheels looking like new and making them much easier to clean in the future. Cleaning your wheels not only improves the aesthetics of your car, but also prolongs its lifespan and protects the materials.
Put these tips into practice and give your car the care it deserves!
Do you want the best products for cleaning rims?
At Tienda Detailing we have a selection of premium products tested by professionals. Discover our range of ferrous cleaners, tyre conditioners and ceramic sealants to achieve spectacular results.