Thursday, May 8, 2025

How to Clean Car Wheels for Beginners

When you think of cleaning your car or car detailing in general, you need to know how to clean car wheels. This overlooked portion of your ride is not only satisfying but also important! At Toyota of Orlando, we’re “ Making it Simple™” and breaking down how to do it right, products you’ll need and more!


Why Clean Your Wheels?

These are the shoes of your Orlando Toyota; they take on the dirt, grime, and even brake dust. Every time you hit those brakes, there are tiny particles that come off your brake pad,s and the dust sticks to your wheels. Over time, the brake dust can corrode the finish and damage your wheels. In addition, you want to consider safety! If there’s excessive dirt, it can cover up any damage or cracks on your wheels. Car detailing comes in handy when you’re thinking of resale value, especially with an Orlando Toyota! If you regularly clean your ride, this prevents any permanent stains or corrosion. 

Car Detailing Supplies You Need

Before we get into how to clean car wheels, you’ll need a few car detailing supplies. First, you’ll need wheel cleaner specifically for your type of wheels, such as alloy, chrome, painted, and more. If you’re unsure what kind of wheels you have, check the owner’s manual in your Orlando ride. Now, you’ll need a wheel brush with soft bristles to avoid scratching and a microfiber towel for drying and buffing. In addition, don’t forget a bucket of water for rinsing and a hose or pressure washer for tougher grime and dirt. You can even add tire cleaner and tire shine for a shiny touch. 

Car Detailing Tips

The Process

Now that you have all the supplies, you’re ready to get into how to clean car wheels and car wash basics! Pro tip from our Toyota of Orlando parts specialists: make sure you always start with your wheels first. You don’t want any dirt and grime splashing on your paint. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  1. Rinse: Using a hose or pressure washer, rinse away any dirt and brake dust. This will help avoid any scratches. 

  2. Spray Cleaner: You need to get cleaner all over the wheel; let it sit for one to two minutes, or be sure to follow the instructions on the product! Don’t let the product dry! Something important to note on how to clean car wheels: don’t use harsh home cleaners or degreasers. 

  3. Scrub: Grab your brush and dip it into your bucket with clean water, and then you can start scrubbing. Now, an important how to clean car wheels tip: be sure to get the face, between the spokes and around the lug nuts. 

  4. Rinse Again: Be sure to rinse off all the product and make sure there is no dirt left behind. 

  5. Dry: Using your microfiber towel, dry your wheels. Be sure to keep this microfiber towel specifically for your tires to avoid cross-contamination of chemicals on your Orlando Toyota.

We talked about the optional tire spray for a shine once you’ve cleaned everything. Go ahead and spray your tires. This can really make your Orlando Toyota sparkle! 

Tips and Tricks on How to Clean Car Wheels

When wondering how to clean car wheels, you might want to know what the experts think. Our Toyota of Orlando team recommends the following:

  • Clean your wheels regularly.

  • Never clean your wheels immediately after driving; this can damage the finish, and the cleaner can dry fast!

  • Be sure to use separate tools. A key on how to clean car wheels is using different tools. This will help you avoid scratching your ride or chemically damaging your paint. 

  • Protect your wheels. After learning how to clean car wheels, you’ve put in the work! You can use wheel wax or a seal to make cleaning easier and even help repel brake dust. 

These tips and tricks are just a few things that can help you answer how to clean car wheels.

Clean car wheels

Wheel Cleaning Products

Now, what products should you be using? Whether you’re shopping in person at Toyota of Orlando or online, there are a few beginner-friendly products that have some great reviews.

  • Meguiar’s Hot Rims Wheel Cleaner

  • Chemical Guys Diablo Gel

  • Sonax Wheel Cleaner Plus

  • Mother's Wheel Brush

  • Chemical Guys Tire and Rubber Cleaner

These products are typically great for regular maintenance, changing colors, and being tough on grime and they can get your tires looking like new. You’ll want to go through the reviews and see which works best for your ride. If you aren’t sure, you can always contact our Toyota of Orlando parts specialists for more information and help. 

Get Your Detailing Products at Toyota of Orlando

Now you know how to answer how to clean car wheels and what you need. If you’re looking for guidance or products, you can come on down to Toyota of Orlando. We’re just off the I-4 across from the Mall at Millenia or you can give us a call at (407) 298-4500 today.


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