Wheel cleaning method?

[dolebludger]

Toniight I saw one o those "as seen on TV" ads for a small portable power steam cleaner, and an example use thy gave was cleaning automotive wheels. Then, I realized I already had one of these, and gave it a try on my C 320 and S 2000 wheels. Actually, it worked great --- especially on the textured parts of the S 2000 wheels. Of course, if the wheels are really dirty with dirt clods and the like, you'll want to first wash them off. But the cleanliness and shine this method gave was first class.

Unless somebody knows of a danger in this, by George, I think I've found something.

Thanks,
Richard :) :) :)

[tiggerfink]

I just use Meguaris Gold Class shampoo and a micro fiber towel. I got me a sponge on a stick, and it really works where your hand cannot fit.

Personally, the wheels on my SLK320 and SL500 are very easy to clean

[dolebludger]

I do know that the wheels on the SLK are easier to clean than on the C 320, due to the absense of angles where the spokes meet the rims. What really gets my wheels the cleanest and shiniest is a mixture of Dawn. But everyone says "Oh, no, don't use that!" I've got to say that the steam cleaner is #2. It removed some things I thought were scratches, but were really imbedded streaks of road tar.

Thanks,
Richard :) :) :)

[tiggerfink]

Where do you get this steam cleaner? I wonder how will it do in the wheel wells?

[marlinspike]

Some how extremely hot water and paint just doesn't sound like a good combo to me. I like P21S stuff, and even that is only if your car shampoo mix won't get it off.
Richard

[dolebludger]

Steam cleaner is called a "Steam Buggy" and I think I ordered it from AOL shopping online. I principally use it for floor mats and the like. I doubt the nozzle is very well adapted for cleaning wheel wells.

Thanks,
Richard :) :) :)

[Grey Ghost]

a Saturday bath for the Ghost has become my ritual as brake dust accumulates at a rapid rate and the car look so much nicer with clean wheels. First I mix car wash detergent in a five-gallon bucket and use my power washer (lowest setting) to siphon a soapy mix through the machine which I spray on the exterior, the wheel wells, and the wheels. After I've cleaned the windows and the body, I blast the soap off under high pressure and then direct the pressure washer at the wheels. While it's very effective at dislodging brake dust, I also use a small soapy bristle brush to get in the wheel openings (I have 14" bundt-cake style wheels). After that, I use a large nylon-bristle brush on the sidewalls and run it over the wheels as well. Follow that with another high-pressure spraying and the wheels look great (for about two days...)

I've tried the solutions that you spray out of a bottle, they work pretty well also (and you don't have to drag out the pressure washer)

[Allen]

Well, since this is always such a hot topic, I've got an idea.....
For all of you that are driving to Startech maybe we should add a wheel cleaning party in the parking lot! I'll see if the hotel will furnish a hose and we can all show off our wheel cleaning tricks. ha ha! just pranking around.
Look forward to meeting all our Benz friends at Star Tech! It's going to be really nice! If you have not done so, register ASAP.
Regards,
SLA :D :D :D

[dolebludger]

Allen:

A wheel cleaning party -- Great! Will you bring the beer?

Thanks,
Richard :D

[Allen]

Yes, If you come to StarTech all the way from OK, yes a brew's on me. You bring up a good point, cleaning wheels will drive you to drink!