A lot wheels today have clearcoat or some other types of wax, and detergents will likely remove whatever coating might be left. I use Blackfire Wheel & Tire Gel, but there are a hundred good cleaners on the markey. If the wheels were well maintained and just a little dirty, I'd recommend just using car wash soap and a wheel brush, but sounds like you may need a little more power. Just use water-based products in any event. Good luck.