In the interests of being able to find info easily via the search facility, I thought I'd generate a thread specifically for this topic. I've posted this info before, but it's been buried in other threads under different topic headings:
I use non-acidic wheel cleaner while they're dry & that seems to penetrate better. I'll scrub them with a stiff bristled brush (like a dish washing brush) straight after applying the cleaner. Leave it for about 5 minutes then lightly spray with water to wet down the wheel. I then use the brush & soapy water (car wash) to scrub once again. Then rinse off (carefully if you're using a high pressure washer). Do not leave even non-acidic wheel cleaner on to dry, as it may ruin the finish. If you've tried this process a couple of times with no success, I'd try eucalyptus oil to remove any spots; it usually works best on bitumen based road grime. WD40 works well as a degreaser & is non-corrosive. A soft toothbrush works best for tight areas. If the finish still fails to impress, I'd strip them with bi-carb soda or bead blasting & repaint.
I use non-acidic wheel cleaner while they're dry & that seems to penetrate better. I'll scrub them with a stiff bristled brush (like a dish washing brush) straight after applying the cleaner. Leave it for about 5 minutes then lightly spray with water to wet down the wheel. I then use the brush & soapy water (car wash) to scrub once again. Then rinse off (carefully if you're using a high pressure washer). Do not leave even non-acidic wheel cleaner on to dry, as it may ruin the finish. If you've tried this process a couple of times with no success, I'd try eucalyptus oil to remove any spots; it usually works best on bitumen based road grime. WD40 works well as a degreaser & is non-corrosive. A soft toothbrush works best for tight areas. If the finish still fails to impress, I'd strip them with bi-carb soda or bead blasting & repaint.
