To Clean Aluminum Rims

Aftermarket or even stock aluminum rims are not immune to dirt and grime build-up from regular daily driving. If you are a frequent long distance driver you will especially need to take care of your aluminum rims. To properly clean aluminum rims you will need to use the proper cleaning techniques and chemicals to avoid scratching the surface of the aluminum and damage the finish. 

1)   Since you will need to work with chemicals, make sure to put on some rubber cleaning gloves before you start. You can use regular kitchen gloves for this job. If you are one of those people with sensitive skin it is important to take this precaution as the chemicals that will be used can irritate your skin not to mention cause unnecessary dryness.

2)  Take a bottle of specialized aluminum cleaning solution, which can be easily purchased from your local automotive store, and start by spraying a thin layer across the entire aluminum rim. Make sure that the cleaning solution you purchased is safe to use on rims that have been factory painted, anodized or have a clear coat finish. If you use the incorrect type of cleaning solution on your rims it will strip the aluminum finish right off.

3)  After spraying on the layer of cleaning solution, allow it soak for approximately fifteen to twenty minutes. Make sure you do this in the shade so as not to cause uneven drying if you were to do it under the heat of the sun. By soaking you will cause dirt and debris to gently lift and slide off the rim before you manually clean the rim.


4)  Grab a soft towel and gently wipe the entire rim’s surface to remove all the excess dirt and debris. Do not apply too much pressure, since scratches may result from small rock or dirt particles that are stuck underneath the towel as you are wiping.

5)  Take your garden hose and rinse your aluminum rims from side to side and top to bottom. This motion which starts from the top of the rim will cause all the dirt and debris to rinse downwards off the rims and onto the ground.