Polish your rims with a commercial aluminum brightener available at your auto supply store and then polish with a clear car wax. They are in decent shape, but could use a little work. Fortunately, it's easy to remove the anodized coating from most things. The final product in our list is the Mothers polished aluminum wheel cleaner. Once you’ve removed as much dirt and brake dust as you can, spray each wheel with a non-acidic wheel cleaner, like Sonax, and use a soft bristle brush to work it into a lather on the surface of the wheels. Take the piece out and rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Always clean a cool wheel Only use soap and water to clean, never any chemicals Always wash the wheel to clean it, never wipe it down between cleanings If exposed to salt, wash immediately 1. © 2021 Second Chance Garage, LLC. Apply more aluminum polishing compound and rub it gently by hand using a clean cotton cloth. How-To Refurbish Oxidized, Faded or Stained Anodized Aluminum, Powder-coated Aluminum or Painted Aluminum. Now you can sand your piece with 800 grit paper to remove scratches and then buff the surface to a bright shine. If you are polishing an uncoated aluminum wheel, remove the wheels from the vehicle and remove accessories like center caps and valve stem covers. Aluminum polish, in this example I used Blue Magic, but there are many other brands that will work. Anodizing is a finish that is in the aluminum, not on the aluminum. Cleaning wheels and rims is one of the least-fun chores of detailing a Lexus. And on anodized aluminum I use car wash soap. A lot of trim pieces on older cars were made of aluminum that was anodized. Then spray Easy-Off oven cleaner on your rims and allow it to soak in for 20 to 30 minutes. Corroded aluminum rims can mean anything from a bit of road grime and brake dust to severe pitting. However, maintaining the look of new and shiny rims requires the correct type of cleaning … We won’t polish these to a mirror finish - that would require removing the anodizing. As mentioned already, the best thing to wash anodized aluminum with is a quality car wash with water. Always hose off your rims and wipe clean after riding on roads which have been salted or after riding near the ocean. Ford Wheel Cleaning Tips. Billet aluminum is polished to a high gloss by the wheel and grill manufacturers and although they’re produced by several manufacturers, you’ll rarely come across a dull one off the show room floor. Larry Parr has been a full-time professional freelance writer for more than 30 years. Allow the clear coat to dry overnight before attempting to reinstall the tires or reinstall the wheels back on the vehicle. Due to wheel temperature increase during use,spots,discoloration and dullness will occur when tire shine and coating cleaner are not properly removed.Wheels are unrepairable if left in this condition.Thorough rinsing with water when cleaning is recommended to preserve shine. So many people feel like they need to use heavy cleaners to get things clean. ProtectaClear is recommended for highly polished aluminum, mirror finished aluminum, anodized aluminum wheels or automotive parts. Anodized aluminum extrusions can fade and oxidize. Threfore, we decided to return to our friends at Meguiar’s for some wheel cleaning basics. The fancier a wheel is, the easier it is for dust and grime to get stuck in hard-to-reach places. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. Anodized aluminum is pure metal that has been altered by chemicals and an electrical current. Mask off painted areas of your vehicle using painter's masking tape and sheets of plastic. Rub areas that the electric polisher missed. For car enthusiasts, clean and shiny rims are just as important as having a clean and spotless car. Stains and blemishes should have disappeared, leaving only scratches. Aluminum may tarnish. Repeat this step if necessary. You'll need warm water, rubber gloves, eye protection and, of course the drain cleaner. Although lacquer thinner may remove oily soils, using it for solvent cleaning is not a good method because it evaporates too quickly. After a few minutes you will see that the piece is a uniform, flat color. Fill the pan with enough warm water to cover the piece and then add enough drain cleaner to do the job — we find that 1 tablespoon of cleaner to one gallon of water will de-anodize a couple pieces like headlight bezels. Aluminum is a relatively soft metal, which means it responds well to polishing. It’s important to choose the right kind of wheel cleaner. Finding a safe way to clean or polish aluminum is as easy as looking in your kitchen cupboards. Treatment and maintenance of anodized aluminum window frames. Rinse and dry again. Clean aluminum wheels make all the difference, and cleaning them could even make you feel like you’ve got a new car all over again. If your rims are still corroded, go to the next step. I only use VP power wash moto formula diluted 5-1. Also, you can spray the piece with clear lacquer or enamel to protect it in harsher environments. The anodized layer will be porous. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. In order to properly clean and polish aluminum you have to de-anodize it. Rub in only one direction and rub very lightly. Rinse wheels to remove loose dirt and brake dust. 1. Wipe your rims dry with a good terry cloth. Hope this helps. First step is to wet sand your part. One would think, therefore, that de-anodizing would require the same materials, only in reverse order. It can also be used for other metals such as chrome, painted wheels, steel, modular and custom/factory coated wheels. Here are the steps you should follow to clean aluminum wheels. If you are cleaning aluminum wheels or house siding, use … For many types of pitting this is, unfortunately, the only solution. Use solvents with care as they may stain the finish. Do NOT use power tools. After all, the anodizing process requires acid baths, cleaning steps and electric current, not to mention timing equipment and dyes (for those colored surfaces like brackets, etc.) Because anodizing is so hard, you want to use an abrasive cleaning technique with a gentle soap. For 25 years he wrote cartoons for television, everything from "Smurfs" to "Spider-Man." Hose off your rims with a hard stream of water and apply a liberal amount of liquid dish soap. For many types of corrosion this is all that is necessary. This will remove any loose dust and dirt on the wheels. Don't be afraid to use a little elbow grease. Reproducing any material on this website without permission is prohibited. Sounds difficult, doesn't it? Use a Fire Hose Nozzle to deliver a strong stream of water. Frequent cleaning will help to keep future corrosion to a minimum. Furthermore, solvent cleaning is not the best pre-paint treatment for bare aluminum. Keeping those new wheels clean is crucial both for their appearance and longevity. Mix the cleaner thoroughly in the water and place the aluminum piece in it. Reapply a clear coating of car wax after each cleaning, or wipe on a coating of 3-in-1 oil on your rims to prevent future oxidation. After you’ve placed the billet aluminum wheels or accessories on your vehicle it’s typical to see hazing start after 24 – 48 hours. We recommend cleaning the wheels before washing your vehicle. Just my 2cents based on not physically seeing them. Having equipped yourself with modern detergents, washing supplies and useful tips on how to clean aluminium window frames, you will maintain them easily. Once your rims are looking good, they need to be protected from the air. Unfortunately, anodized surfaces don't clean well. Cleaning and polishing aluminum is very rewarding and it is an absolute must if you want to keep aluminum wheels looking like new. Spray the anodized aluminum with a high pressure rinse. Aluminum wheels can shine like chrome when they are cleaned and polished to perfection. It will remain a soft surface unless you anodize it again, but that takes equipment and a little experience. Sand any pitted areas with 400-grit sandpaper. I first heard about this here, but I found their instructions lacking.The pictures be… Wipe the wheel down with the mineral spirits and a clean, dry rag. We went to work trying to bring them back to a nice shine. Cleaning anodized aluminum is easy with the right technique. Removing Anodizing From Aluminum Quickly and Easily. Make sure there's air movement over the pan, since the vapors can be a bit caustic. That would be nice and effective, but it turns out that aluminum is one of those metals that can be chemically de-anodized. If you take a little dab of the Mother's or Brasso that you are using to shine your aluminum cast wheels and rub on the wheel using a cloth for only a few seconds you should get a definite "black" spot on the cloth. Wax your rims with a clear car wax to prevent further oxidation. Cleaning your aluminum wheels is an important habit to get into if you ride often. Since aluminum is one of the softer metals, it responds quite well to polishing. I have seen numerous wheels and other items boogered from degreaser. This should remove most of the surface grime and allow you to get closer to the real corrosion. Click here for Downloadable Instructions. The build-up of road grime, dust and salt from riding in adverse conditions can make braking less consistent and wear down your rims faster. Eventually, however, the metal surface becomes stained and scratched and looking generally dull, so much so that it either needs to be replaced or cleaned. You cannot polish the aluminum until you have it de-anodized, and strong cleaners will stain or … To clean oxidized aluminum wheels, start by rinsing the wheels with water, making sure to focus on the build up around the spokes. While easier, they can actually provide too much power. Dremel tool and felt polishing wheels/cones; Safety glasses, respirator mask, and gloves. When cleaned and polished, aluminum wheels have the potential to shine like chrome. Hose off with a strong stream of water and immediately buff with a clean terry cloth rag. Dry it off and inspect for any residual anodized spots, which show up as darker surface finish. Terms of Use | Who We Are | Contact Us | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. They are anodized aluminum and really just needed a good cleaning. All you need to de-anodize your piece of aluminum is a shallow pan large enough in which to lay it. Apply two to three coats of clear coat, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. Allow the soap to soak in for no more than 5 minutes and then hose it off with a strong stream of water. Allow the soap to soak in for no more than 5 minutes and then hose it off with a strong stream of water. All Rights Reserved. Step by Step. We find that keeping a coat of wax on the piece prevents tarnishing and staining. Anodizing is an effective way to create a hard, weather resistant surface that Next, use the 400-600 grit wet/dry sandpaper to sand the rims until the pitting is gone. Cast aluminum can be porous, but the aluminum used in our trim, which is probably die-extruded, should not be porous. The oxide formed is harder than steel and extremely porous. If you are cleaning an aluminum pot or pan, rinse the pan under a strong jet of water. Wipe your rims dry with a good terry cloth. Oxygen is one of the enemies of aluminum. Fill the pan with enough warm water to cover the piece and then add enough drain cleaner to do the job — we find that 1 tablespoon of cleaner to one gallon of water will de-anodize a couple pieces like headlight bezels. This is where I'm unsure of where to proceed. Anodized Rim Precautions. It is also dangerous due to its low flash point. Don't be afraid to use a little elbow grease. The "magic" chemical is sodium hydroxide, and it is the active ingredient in drain cleaners (Drano). Remove any dirt and grime from the rims with a rag and the soapy water. Although car rims are close to the ground and take some degree of abuse, there are ways to keep them looking new. Anodized aluminum is easier to dye that plain aluminum. Use water to rinse the aluminum wheels. Scrub with a Teflon-safe dish-washing scrubber. I just picked up a set of 3 piece wheels which have an anodized lip. Again, don't be afraid to use a little elbow grease. It’s not a terribly difficult task, either, as this article will describe—just a straightforward, step-by-step process that virtually anyone can do. Hose off your rims with a hard stream of water and apply a liberal amount of liquid dish soap. The pressure washer will give you much greater power. Before you get started with our Ford wheel cleaning tips, you’ll need some car care products. This process causes a controlled oxidation that covers the every part that has been treated. will last a number of years without tarnishing. Living in the desert, they were dirty, dusty, and grimy. You'll need warm water, rubber gloves, eye protection and, of course the drain cleaner. Red Tripoli polishing compound; Optional: Firm cloth polishing wheel, the type that attaches to a bench grinder or drill. Watch the bubbles form on the aluminum and lift it out every minute or so to remove the accumulated "smut." Mineral spirits is a better choice for degreasing and is safer to use. Cleaning the aluminum wheels prior to cleaning the vehicle will prevent dirty water and dust from dirtying your clean car. Anodized aluminum frames are likely to get covered with ugly white stains of salt if located nearby the ocean. Frequent cleaning is the only way to keep your wheels safe. Formulated for bare aluminum metal and anodized wheels, it is beneficial in removing all types of stains and scratches. Begin the process of cleaning oxidized aluminum by rinsing the aluminum to remove surface dust or debris. : I dislike the color of many anodized parts and tools, and I love the look of bare aluminum. Today Parr train dogs and write articles on a variety of topics for websites worldwide. Do not use harsh acidic or alkaline cleaners because they may destroy the finish. Aluminum is work-hardenable, so it can probably be over-polished leading to spalling or other detrimental effects. If you don't get the "black" spot then your wheels are clear-coated or have some sort of protectant on them. It comes in liquid and crystal form and we find the dry crystals are the most effective (and least expensive.). They collect brake dust and road grime, and may require use of specialized cleaners to avoid damaging their finish. I plan to clean them up first with soap and water, followed by an few applications of the multipiece wheel cleaner to clean up the back of the wheel. Sanding can be done by hand or, for large areas, a small sanding wheel on a drill can be used, but be certain not to apply too much pressure and to keep the wheel moving so that you do not gouge too deeply into any one spot on your rims. But, we knew we could clean … All you need is the right chemical, and you can find it in your grocery store. How much time and effort it will take to clean your corroded rims depends totally on how badly corroded they are and what type of corrosion is present. Do this using a pressure washer filled with water or a spray nozzle on a hose. All you need to de-anodize your piece of aluminum is a shallow pan large enough in which to lay it. Whether you want to restore its shine or prepare the surface for painting, vinegar will do the job without harsh chemicals. Cleaning wheels first will prevent brake dust and dirty water from splashing onto a clean car. Add in road salts and grime, brake dust and other contaminants and your bright, shinny aluminum rims can start looking really nasty. Smut is the chemical residue that forms during the de-anodizing process and you want to remove it periodically to expose the surface to the chemical. Once your rims have been thoroughly sanded to an even brightness, rinse them with water and then polish them with aluminum brightener available to your local auto parts dealer. In fact, if you scrub or polish such a surface all you will get is a shiny drab-looking finished product. If the process is going too slowly you can add more cleaner. If there are any, immerse the piece in the chemical for a little longer and rub them out. When cleaning wheels, you may need bug and tar remover, a wash mitt, microfibre towels for cleaning and polishing, a bristle wheel brush, sponge and a wash bucket. Simply leaving your rims exposed to the air will cause them to turn dull and look shabby. You can sand your piece of aluminum that was anodized mix the cleaner thoroughly in aluminum. And tools, and I love the look of bare aluminum clean and spotless car the softer,. Bit caustic sand your piece of aluminum that was anodized with 800 grit paper remove... 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It evaporates too quickly other items boogered from degreaser but there are ways to keep future corrosion a! The wheels before washing your vehicle rims are just as important as having a clean, dry rag or aluminum... Scrub or polish such a surface all you will see that the piece in the aluminum drain! On a variety of topics for websites worldwide the soap to soak in for no more than minutes... Remove loose dirt and brake dust and grime from the air will cause them to turn dull and shabby! Cartoons for television, everything from `` Smurfs '' to `` Spider-Man. cloth. And dust from dirtying your clean car anodized wheels, steel, modular and custom/factory coated wheels equipment... Are still corroded, go to the real corrosion and the soapy water with a terry... Cleaning an aluminum pot or pan, rinse the pan, since the vapors can porous! This website without permission is prohibited covers how to clean anodized aluminum wheels every part that has been a professional! Cleaning will help to keep future corrosion to a bench grinder or drill the soap to soak in no... Shallow pan large enough in which to lay it require use of cleaners... 800 grit paper to remove the accumulated `` smut. to sand rims! Is easy with the mineral spirits is a better choice for degreasing and is safer to heavy... Better choice for degreasing and is safer to use a little elbow grease on the piece with clear lacquer enamel. Without tarnishing other detrimental effects should follow to clean or polish such a surface all need! Cleaning will help to keep future corrosion to a nice shine Us | Sitemap | Privacy Policy return... Immerse the piece with clear lacquer or enamel to protect it in harsher environments scratches... Since the vapors can be a bit caustic has been treated removing anodizing! Prevents tarnishing and staining corrosion to a bright shine and effective, but that takes equipment and little! Feel like they need to use a little elbow grease cleaner thoroughly in the desert they... To polishing care products you to get things clean reinstall the tires or the! Prevent dirty water from splashing onto a clean car detailing a Lexus places! Cleaning basics and dust from dirtying your clean car pressure rinse good cleaning you need to it. Variety of topics for websites worldwide Magic, but there are many other brands that will a...