use plain soap and water or dish detergent there are many wheel cleaner out there make sure it is clearcoat safe.

 

Using plain water will not fully clean the wheels. You will also scratch the finish of the wheels since there's no lubricity between the brake dust and your brush or towel.

Using dish soap is like washing your car with dish soap. Dish soap has ingredients in it to break up grease or fatty acids and oils. Most of today's wheels are clear coated much like your paint. Using dish soap will remove the inherent oils in the finish of the wheels. This will dry out the finish of the wheels and over time will oxidize them.

Best thing is to use a safe, pH balanced wheel cleaner made specifically for wheels. There should not be any harmful petrochemicals or acids in the cleaner as it will hurt the wheel and the environment. P21S wheel cleaner, zymol wheel cleaner, and swissvax wheel cleaner are a few safe and effective options.

 

Who is this detailer?? I know who it wasn't but instead of leaving everyone thinking it was one in particular why don't you clear up our curiousity.

To the OP, if the break dust build up has etched into the finish then it will not simply clean off no matter what you use. You will have to either refinish the surface or find a way to remove the damage by hand or possibly with the power ball or something.

Josh

 

Reasonable point; I got his card and will find and post.

 

got to get those wheels clean !

 

P21S products are some of the best. Best to do one wheel at a time. If you don't want to buy a jack, use the one that came with the car. Definately use a jack stand while the wheel is off the car. Depending on the car you may want to use a flat top jack stand to keep from damaging the underneath of the car. I have a 911 and like the flat top jack stands from Northern Tool.