Yes, Simple Green is an effective and popular choice for cleaning various types of wheels. Its powerful yet often biodegradable formula makes it suitable for tackling common wheel contaminants like brake dust, road grime, and light oil.
How to Effectively Clean Wheels with Simple Green
Using Simple Green to clean your wheels is a straightforward process that can yield excellent results, provided you follow the correct steps to protect your wheel's finish. Always refer to the specific Simple Green product's instructions for dilution ratios, as these can vary.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Preparation: Begin by rinsing your wheels thoroughly with water to remove loose dirt and debris. This helps prevent scratching during the cleaning process.
- Application: Depending on the product and the level of dirt, you might use Simple Green undiluted or diluted with water (e.g., 1:10 ratio for general cleaning). Spray the solution evenly over the entire wheel surface.
- Scrubbing: To dislodge stubborn dirt and access intricate areas, use a soft-bristle brush, sponge, or wheel brush to scrub the corners and crevices of your wheels. This ensures a comprehensive clean, reaching all the intricate designs of your wheel.
- Preventing Damage: While scrubbing and letting the cleaner work, it's crucial to take precautions:
- Keep the whole area coated with water so the wheel doesn't get scratched. Continuous moisture lubrication is key.
- Make sure your Simple Green doesn't dry on the surface. If the cleaner dries, it can leave streaks, residue, or even etch the finish, especially on polished or uncoated aluminum. Work on one wheel at a time, or in smaller sections, to prevent the solution from drying.
- Rinsing: After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the wheels with a strong stream of water to remove all traces of the Simple Green and lifted contaminants. Ensure no cleaner residue is left behind.
- Drying: For a spot-free finish, dry the wheels immediately with a clean microfiber towel or use a leaf blower.
Why Simple Green Stands Out for Wheel Cleaning
Simple Green is a preferred choice for many due to its unique properties and versatility:
- Effective Cleaning: It is highly effective at breaking down grease, oil, and the carbon deposits found in brake dust, making it a powerful cleaner for automotive applications.
- Versatility: Simple Green can be used on various wheel materials, including clear-coated, painted, chrome, and most alloy wheels. However, it's always recommended to perform a spot test on an inconspicuous area first, especially on uncoated aluminum or anodized finishes, as some formulations might cause discoloration.
- Safety Profile: Many Simple Green formulations are non-toxic, biodegradable, and non-abrasive, which makes them generally safer for both the user and the environment compared to harsher, acid-based wheel cleaners.
- Economical: As a concentrated cleaner, Simple Green can be diluted for different cleaning tasks, providing a cost-effective solution for regular maintenance.
Key Considerations for Simple Green Wheel Cleaning
To ensure the best results and protect your wheels, keep these essential points in mind:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dilution Ratios | Always check the product label for recommended dilution ratios; often, a 1:10 or 1:30 (Simple Green to water) ratio is sufficient for general wheel cleaning. |
| Surface Safety | While generally safe for most wheel types, always perform a small spot test on an inconspicuous area, especially on sensitive or custom finishes. |
| Drying Prevention | Crucial tip: Never let Simple Green dry on the wheel surface. This is vital to prevent streaks, spots, or potential damage to the finish. Work quickly or in sections. |
| Scrubbing Tools | Use a soft-bristle brush, sponge, or wheel brush to reach all crevices and effectively agitate the cleaner without scratching the wheel. |
| Water Coating | To prevent scratches during scrubbing and cleaning, keep the entire wheel area coated with water during the process. |
By following these guidelines, Simple Green can be an excellent and safe option for keeping your wheels clean and looking their best.
