Simple green for cleaning wheels and tires

M

mrtonyn

New member
Does this work well enough for you professionals? It would be more cost effective to clean those nasty brake dust off if Simple green can do the job and not harm anything.
 
I'm not a pro, but I've used Simple Green on my wheels and other car parts for 20 years. Some guys say that you have to be careful using it on aluminum and other types of metal, but I've never had a problem with SG damaging anything.
 
SuperBee364 said:
I'm not a pro, but I've used Simple Green on my wheels and other car parts for 20 years. Some guys say that you have to be careful using it on aluminum and other types of metal, but I've never had a problem with SG damaging anything.
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I agree with you 100% Sup, I was using Simple Green before all these fancy wheel cleaners hit the market without any problems. It is just like any other cleaner, you just have to make sure you rinse the area thoroughly like any other cleaner.
 
simple green works fairly well for me, but i generally only use it on the barrel of the rim, not the face.... i also like to use it on engine parts.
 
Asphalt Rocket said:
I agree with you 100% Sup, I was using Simple Green before all these fancy wheel cleaners hit the market without any problems. It is just like any other cleaner, you just have to make sure you rinse the area thoroughly like any other cleaner.
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Same here, But I have been staying away for a while. Still have a bottle left of it (Got a deal on a case) One has to rinse out the wheels and wells thoroughly. The problem is some folks don't and have problems later on and don't understand why their having some issues with it......
 
So it is Ok to spray Simple Green on the clear coat

of my OEM wheels then. From what you guys are saying.. the key is rinsing them off real good afterwards...Cool... I just hope it is strong enough to remove the brake dust of the calibers as well.
Very good to know that you guys have had good luck using SG for cleaning wheels and tires and wheel well...it is much cheaper than buying these dedicated wheel cleaners. I saw Home Depot has a 1 gallon concentrate for around $8 versus your typical bottle of wheel cleaners (much smaller) costing just as much. I would save big $$$ in the long run using SG.
 
I used to use SG all the time. But it is SO STRONG! I would have to dilute it so much, there was barely any cleaning power left!

I started using Purple Power (Advance Auto Parts)... 5 bucks a gallon, dilute 50/50 with water and it won't hurt aluminum.

It is also excellent for cleaning pads, microfibers, etc. I keep a gallon right next to the washing machine also.:D
 
Thanks Bill...

Luster said:
I used to use SG all the time. But it is SO STRONG! I would have to dilute it so much, there was barely any cleaning power left!

I started using Purple Power (Advance Auto Parts)... 5 bucks a gallon, dilute 50/50 with water and it won't hurt aluminum.

It is also excellent for cleaning pads, microfibers, etc. I keep a gallon right next to the washing machine also.:D
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So it works for the brake dust and good for cleaning microfiber towels and pads...that is great info.
I wonder if they carry that at Kragen's or Autozone??
 
The older version of SG can harm aluminium and brake parts

As a safe alternative- Simple Green? Aircraft & Precision Cleaner: -

 
Here is my next project.

EPSN0015.jpg

Can't see swirls from here...but there are plenty there...which I will be taking care of soon.
 
Hey Tony... Nice Car!!!

I believe those wheels are clear coated (but check for sure)...

If they are cleared, you can just wash them with car-wash soap and water. If they have tar or brake dust (embedded) you should be able to use any "All Wheel Cleaner" on them...

Again, MAKE SURE they are clear coated before using anything on them.

(To know if they are clearcoated, take some metal polish, rub vigorously on the wheel with a white cloth. If the cloth turns black, they are NOT clearcoated.)
 
Thanks Bill..

I am pretty certain they are cleared...I can almost see the coating on it..and they are Mercedes OEM modern wheels ...so I would imagine they would apply a clear coat on them. I will continue to wash them with soap and water only. The Mother's wheel cleaner spray that i bought already will be use strictly on the brake caliber area only. Going forward I will try the Purple stuff you recommended if I can find it or with the Simple Green which is sold everywhere.

I suppose I can also polish the rims with the Menzerna 106ff as well huh?


BTW, I have ordered the PC kit from PAC and an extra bottle of 106ff (on sale right now)...should get it in a week or so:)
 
mrtonyn said:
I am pretty certain they are cleared...I can almost see the coating on it..and they are Mercedes OEM modern wheels ...so I would imagine they would apply a clear coat on them. I will continue to wash them with soap and water only. The Mother's wheel cleaner spray that i bought already will be use strictly on the brake caliber area only. Going forward I will try the Purple stuff you recommended if I can find it or with the Simple Green which is sold everywhere.

I suppose I can also polish the rims with the Menzerna 106ff as well huh?


BTW, I have ordered the PC kit from PAC and an extra bottle of 106ff (on sale right now)...should get it in a week or so:)
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Yup, you can use 106ff on the rims.

On sale?? Great... I've got that empty wallet feeling again.
 
I was using megs wheel brite - diluted 1:1 and one time I didn't rinse the wheels first, the WB etched them in a few places requiring polishing to restore the looks. Trying to save time cost me more time. I only use Majestic Solutions Super Green 1:1 now, but I heard a good tip from another detailer - add about 4-6 oz of CG CW&G to the Super Green spray bottle, makes the solution stick to the wheels and work better, I'm going to try that ASAP.
 
Junebug said:
I was using megs wheel brite - diluted 1:1 and one time I didn't rinse the wheels first, the WB etched them in a few places requiring polishing to restore the looks. Trying to save time cost me more time. I only use Majestic Solutions Super Green 1:1 now, but I heard a good tip from another detailer - add about 4-6 oz of CG CW&G to the Super Green spray bottle, makes the solution stick to the wheels and work better, I'm going to try that ASAP.
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Would that be JL and the foaming sprayer? Man, another thumbs up I'm reading about MS SGS...
 
I use Purple Power also, it seems to get all the crap off just as much as the more expensive stuff. U can get it at any Wal-Mart also...:thumbup:
 
Purple Power did a great job removing the brake dust

from the barrel of the wheels....but I had a hard time removing the brake dust from the brake caliber itself....so I was not able to clean it off completely...don't know why..any ideas??
 
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