Cleaning Wheel Wells

I

imported_seres

New member
Hopefully this hasn't been discussed before!



Can y'all tell me the best method for cleaning the wheel wells without removing the wheels? I know the best method would be wheel removal, then do the work. But sometimes there's not time for it.



I sprayed wheel cleaner (just the TW 2001 brand) on my dad's wheel wells, and scrubbed with dawn & a stiff brush, but they still look dirty when through. I've ordered EF HI cleaner and wonder if this would do a better job?



After cleaning, should I spray vinylex in the wells, or try to wipe it in there? I just hate to have beautifully clean wheels & tires and these yucky wheel wells - even if it isn't on my car!!



Thanx! :)
 
I use Eimann Fabrik Power Wash+ and a brush simmilar to this
classic-motoring_1688_1620869




The brush & soap loosen up the dirt quite enough were a powerwasher rinse removes most of it. On average it takes me two-three passes per wheel well.
 
I Clean like you stated but using the old wash soap with some dawn added in.



When done I spray in the cheapo protectants like STP or Armour All and let it sit while I do other things....then I come back and wipe it down with an old towel....be careful not to get any on the tires though
 
StyleTEG said:
I use Eimann Fabrik Power Wash+ and a brush simmilar to this
classic-motoring_1688_1620869




The brush & soap loosen up the dirt quite enough were a powerwasher rinse removes most of it. On average it takes me two-three passes per wheel well.
Click to expand...



I use this exact brush (the small one) and EFHI to clean them. On my car the clearance between the tires and wheelwells is very narrow. I can only clean 1/4 to 1/3 of the wheel well with the brush.



Only solution for me is to remove the wheel and do a complete job. I follow up with a tire dressing (Eagle One Concours) - any one will do.



Keep applying cleaner and brush what you can until you have the time to remove the wheels.



Cleaning wheel wells is a thankless job - I hate doing it. I'd much rather clean windows.:D
 
bretfraz said:






Cleaning wheel wells is a thankless job - I hate doing it. I'd much rather clean windows.:D
Click to expand...



I totally agree! But it's amazing how dirty wheel wells spoil the overall look!!



My clearance is pretty slim, too, so I have a skinny brush that I got from target -- looks like an oversized bottle-brush with an oxo type handle -- and it can reach in pretty far.



Guess I just need to work harder and longer in order to get them clean!



~V4M~
 
A friend of mine used a product called "No Touch Tire Cleaner" on the wheel wells of a Jeep that he used off-road a lot. He washed everything and when it dried, just sprayed the No Touch on the wheel wells and that was it. Never tried it myself, but his Jeep looked awfully good when he was done.



Charles
 
After you've cleaned them as much as possible( I mean really clean!!!) use semi-black( or flat -black ) spray paint to finish off the look of clean and new wells.Make sure they are very dry before painting!!!

This was an old detailer trick from working at the dealer days.

I stress please be careful...no overspray or you'll hate me for suggesting this.This really makes your detail job look complete. take your time... light coats are always better than heavy. Of course it is still better to do it with the wheel down.... don't you guys clean the back side of your wheels & tires too?

OK OK I'm a little anal about it, but you do see the back side of the fronts when you turn and I can't show more attention to the fronts without the backs getting their feelings hurt....(too many car show days). So drop them off & do it right. You will love the results.

Sorry for the loooong 1st post/reply

Mike

mikebmab:wavey
 
StyleTEG said:
Sounds like a blend of tire foam, never thought of using one on wheel wells. I will have to try that durring my next wash.
Click to expand...
I'd given up on aerosol tire protectants a long time ago, but this seems like a good use for them. Another thought: since the button sprayer on those "no-touch" products is much like a WD-40 button sprayer, I wonder if you could attach a thin straw (ala WD-40) to the canister to allow better access around the tires for those of us with a narrow fender gap . . .



I guess this will go on my list of things to try when I'm really bored. :D



Tort
 
I would have to say, take off the wheels and do it, you can do a much better job and it is much better, once it is REALLY clean after doing it that way, it will be much easier to keep them looking nice................:wavey
 
RedCar Guy....



Love the Garage pics!!!!

Saw a friend who got commercial/Industrial mats cut to 18" squares from a rag rep for next to nothing....these were ribbed sorta like a front door mat only hvy duty thick etc. Laid the pattern in a crossing pattern( 1 north-south...next east-west)

Liked it sooo much He had his airplane hanger done the same way....( After he spent Mega-Bucks for epoxy floor paint/sealing job...)

You might give it a look into.... They've stood up Very well (1+yr)

Mike
 
To do a decent job WITH the wheels on, try your favorite tire preference material in a small inexpensive garden pump sprayer.

Set it to spray at the setting needed to do the job & presto... dressing back in the cracks & not on your tire/wheels. This will allow you to have less than optimum clearance tire to well & Still make it clean.



Mike
 
mikebmab,



I like the garden sprayer idea!



And redcarguy,



I know, I know! I'm just going to have to grin and bear it and do the job right!! What's that saying, if something's worth doing.....



Maybe I'll get this done in the next few days and have some pics to post! :xyxthumbs



~V4M~
 
Cleaning the wheelwells are one of the easiest things to do with the Passat. There is plenty of space between the wheel and well, allowing my whole hand to fit through. I can grab a kitchen-sponge (without the scrubbing pad) and easily start washing its easy-to-clean plastic material. Then I rinse it with lots of water and dry with a microfiber towel. So far, the wheelwells are just as clean as the paint. I love it!



My best advice would be to clean it as often as possible. Then it could be included as a part of your weekly-wash... not something you dread doing once a year.
 
Every time I see that infomercal about the hand held steam cleaner I think that would be great on the wheels and wheelwells, anyone ever try one on the wheelwells???
 
Same here... my wheel wells are grey and faded even after 15 mins of washing and scrubbing per wheel well... Even after AA treatment on the wells, they still look faded... paint is the only way to go for me.
 
Clean it up as best you can and then hit it with Stoners Trim Shine. This stuff is excellent and is a spray and walk away product. Try it - I highly recommend it.
 
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