Wheels Off Road

How to clean the crud on alloy wheels?

OK, I neglected my wheels and now they look like crap. They have this cruddy looking milky-white deposits all over (usually near the edges). I've used some bogus alloy-wheel cleaners, but with no success. FYI, they're the stock alloy wheels on a Camry XLE. I need a solution that will not involve scraping, rubbing and buffing for hours!!! Thanks!!!!

Public Comments

1. Very fine steel wool and yes it going to get a few hours.
2. Get the rim cleaner made by Turtle Wax..it comes in a green bottle..it works great on my chrome rims.. when my rims get really dirty from the driving in the rain..i spray it on ..let it sit for 1\2 hour rinse and repeat..dry and they are gleaming clean!!
3. The answer by big d is a good one, but just make sure that it is actually deposits because if you have not cleaned them fro a while you may find that milky-white specs are there for good as the brake dust has permanently damaged the alloy. If the turtle wax doesn't work I use a low cut metal polish and this usually gets the specks out, but don't rub to hard.
4. The questions is"Is this crud or delamination?". Most wheels used on the Camry sold in the USA were "clear coated" to give them the shiny appearance. This coating tends to loose its bond with the wheel (delaminate) over time , mainly from the heat of the brakes. If this is your case, you can strip the clear coat and paint from the rim with a paint remover safe for alloy wheels and reapply the clear coat (availble at most parts stores. Not a quick fix but the car sure will look good.
5. Nothing beats a soft steel wool and a can of coke. That's no joke, try it by swirling the steel wool in small circles and rinsing with water...good luck..