Big mistake! I used simple green on my rims!

rnsmelody · 04-12-09, 02:50

hey guys! I'm a newbie on this forum & I have tried the search function but I couldn't find what I was looking for.

I have been using simple green to clean the rims on my car for the past 5 years. I never had a problem at all until today! This is the 3rd time I have used this product on stock benz rims. for some reason it has damaged my clear coat (I believe) with white patches.

Is there any way to get rid of this w/ using any products? I know my last resort is to bring it to the wheel shop and have them refinish it. I guess... here are some pictures. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in Advance!

please click on images to enlarge the picture.

Durddy · 05-16-09, 10:18

Since posting, have you had any luck with this problem?
I have almost the exact same looking mess on my aluminum alloy Nissan wheels. I used some Meg's Ultimate Compound and it seemed like it worked...they looked great. Next day, it was as nothing had been done. They looked like crap again. Maybe there is some hope considering that Ultimate Compound actually seemed to work if even for a very very brief moment.

AeroCleanse · 05-16-09, 10:35

I would use P21s wheel gel after you get it taken care of.

Accumulator · 05-16-09, 02:03

We oughta keep track of this unfortunate post for when people start with the "Simple Green never hurt my wheels any..." talk.

rnsmelody- Welcome to Autopia. Sorry you're starting out here with such a problem. I wish I had something more positive to say, but I've never known of any fix for this other than a pro refinishing. AFAIK it's a matter of the clear being compromised and the Simple Green reacting with the underlying aluminum.

As noted, after you get them refinished I'd sure use a known-to-be-OK wheel cleaner like P21s or Griot's.

oski83 · 05-16-09, 03:15

Just wondering but could you feel where the clear came off and where its still on the rim as you suspect? Like with your finger nail?

For some reason, to me, it looks like the 'lighter' patches seem to be just VERY clean areas? Specially around valve...I might be wrong since I cant 'feel' it with my hand. Thanks for the heads up if it did remove the clear....good thing I picked up P21S Gel a while back

nosbusa1700 · 05-16-09, 04:02

Fwiw. They make Simple Green Pro HD that's safe for aluminum wheels.

According to Simple Green. Pro HD was initially developed for the aircraft industry, to clean aluminum surfaces, high tech alloys, plastic and rubber parts. It has been tested, thoroughly and has proven to be non-corrosive to aluminum. Pro HD conforms to both Boeing D6-17487P spec for general aircraft exterior cleaning and Pratt & Whitney PWA 36604revC spec for aircraft engine cleaning.

You can buy the Pro HD at Home Depot.

Blackthornone · 05-16-09, 04:32

Simple Green contains neurotoxins according to the book, The Safe Shopper's Bible, by David Steinman.

AeroCleanse · 05-16-09, 04:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackthornone

Simple Green contains neurotoxins according to the book, The Safe Shopper's Bible, by David Steinman.

Mr. Steinman is wrong

jfelbab · 05-16-09, 04:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by AeroCleanse

Mr. Steinman is wrong

Source:

I see lots of indications that SG may not be toxin free.

Simple Green…Simply Not Green | Q19 Greening

viva verde is Simple Green…green?

Greenwashed by Simple Green? Ask Annie | Healthy and Green Living

Eco-Products in Demand, but Labels Can be Murky

Simple Green Simply Greenwashing Consumers for Decades : Eco Child’s Play

Hazard warning on home cleaners / Study says many use chemicals linked to fertility problems

Think Simple Green Is A Good Eco-Friendly Cleaner? Think Again… | The Good Human

OCKlasse · 05-17-09, 10:09

Maybe I'm ignorant, but did Simple Green ever try to market itself as "green?"

They have been around since much before this green movement started.

dmatre · 05-18-09, 09:35

I had similar issues on the wife's '99 Passat (painted) aluminum wheels, AND I never used Simple Green on them. The only thing that ever touched those wheels was normal car wash soap (Meg's, Griot's, etc) and Griot's wheel cleaner (safe for all wheel finishes according to BBS). The problems looked identical to your second photo.

SO - it's probably something having to do with the soap drying on the wheels, or something in the nature of the paint.

I admit that I cleaned the wheels a few times while they were still warm (hot brakes), and this is probably what caused the issue for me. Were your wheels cool or warm when cleaned?

I never did try an abrasive polish, as we traded the car before it ever annoyed me to that degree - but I would think that you should be able to mechanically remove the spots with a normal polish. Good Luck!

Danase · 05-18-09, 09:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

We oughta keep track of this unfortunate post for when people start with the "Simple Green never hurt my wheels any..." talk.

rnsmelody- Welcome to Autopia. Sorry you're starting out here with such a problem. I wish I had something more positive to say, but I've never known of any fix for this other than a pro refinishing. AFAIK it's a matter of the clear being compromised and the Simple Green reacting with the underlying aluminum.

As noted, after you get them refinished I'd sure use a known-to-be-OK wheel cleaner like P21s or Griot's.

Amen to that! I've been against using Simple Green for years! It oxidizes aluminum on contact and damages clear from my experiences.