I just picked up a new set of wheels wiht brushed aluminum centers. The previous owner didn't keep them very clean so there is brake dust that's way bkaed into the finish, what's the best way to clean these? regular wheel cleaner doesn't seem to be doing a very good job.

 

You will need to clay the wheels, fine grade, to get most of the embedded dust off. You will then need to use a wheel polish, or a mild polish, to bring the lustre back and remove the oxidated layer. You can then polish with a good cleaner, I like the new Zymol Mettal. Then just make sure you clean it with a good quality wheel cleaner like P21S or Zymol Wheel Cleaner

 

Moe pretty much nailed it. It may take you 20 min, or an hour or two per wheel.

 

It will take a while but I think it's the SAFEST way to do it. Any other way using a chemical or acid-based cleaner will run the risk of damaging the aluminum.