Top 10 Best Wheel Cleaners For 2021
If you’ve landed on this page, then you are probably looking for the best wheel cleaner to pamper your car with. After all, clean looking wheels leave a good impression on the overall look of the car. Even though a sponge and water hose can do the job for some people, it surely does require a lot of hard work for average results.
Wheels cleaners are not only used to wipe off dirt and grime from your car tires, but also help to maintain them and prolong their lifespan. It is an essential product that keeps your wheels safe from any corrosion and long-term damage.
Though everyone likes clean looking wheels, not everyone puts in the effort to head out and purchase the best quality product for your car wheels. Since every product comes with its own pros, cons and features, making the best purchase does require a little bit of research.
However, we understand how confusing it can be to pick out one product from the dozens of options available in the market. But, there’s no need to worry. This is exactly what we are here for. We have reviewed the 10 best wheel cleaners of 2021 that can be used to make your car wheels appear like new.
Read down below to find out more.
Table of Contents
Our Top 10 Picks For The Best Wheel Cleaners 2021
1. TriNova Wheel Cleaner Rim Cleaning Spray
The TriNova wheel cleaner is very effective in cleaning both new and old wheels. Customers particularly love to use this product for rough wheels that have not received any care and cleaning since years.
This product can be used to clear dirt, grime, stains and oil residue in just one go. It has been designed specifically to help restore luster and shine to dirty and dull wheels. One of the best things about this spray is that it can be used for all wheel types. Also, the trigger spray nozzle makes it very easy to use.
The acid-free formula ensures that your wheels don’t suffer any long-term damage. This premium spray contains a concentrated formula that penetrates deep to wipe clean any stubborn stains that have been left behind due to road salt deposits and snow.
Overall, this product is very easy to use and cleans your car wheels quickly.
Features
- Cleans salt and snow stains
- Made from an acid free-formulae
- Suitable for all wheel types
Pros
- TriNova offers excellent customer service
- It comes at an affordable price
- It is very efficient in removing unwanted dirt and grime
Cons
- It does not come with a towel/applicator
2. 3M Wheel and Tire Cleaner
Next up on the list Is the 3M wheel and tire cleaner, a powerful cleaning agent that has been made to target grime, grease, dirt and brake dust that have accumulated on the outside of your wheels. It offers quick results and can make your wheels shine in two simple steps; spraying and light scrubbing.
Other than this, the product has been made from a mild, Ph formulae that is not only non-toxic, but also safe to use on all types of wheels. It is an environment friendly product; hence, you don’t need to worry about where the run-off is going.
The 16-ounce spray bottle comes with plenty of product that is bound to last you for long. It comes in an easy to use packaging. Thanks to the contoured finger grip, users can hold the bottle comfortably while spraying.
Overall, this product is one of the best wheel cleaners for heavy brake dust and grime.
Features
- One-step, spray-on solution
- Safe to use on all surfaces
- Leaves wheels with a brilliant shine
- Comes in a convenient spray-trigger bottle
Pros
- It is very efficient in removing road tar, brake dust, grime and grease
- It is very easy to use
- It helps tires maintain their black color and shine
- It comes with a contoured finger grip for comfortable handling
Cons
- It is expensive
- You might need to scrub the tires
3. Sonax (230200-755) Wheel Cleaner
Sonax is a popular company name, and most of the Sonax wheel cleaner reviews you would find online always have something good to say about the brand. This product is another Ph balanced, acid-free formulae that can be safely used on alloy, aluminum, clear coated, anodized and painted wheel surfaces. Also, the acid-free formulae makes it environment friendly.
This product is loved by customers as it very quickly and easily removes stubborn baked on brake dust. Moreover, the color change makes it very convenient and easy to use. All you need to do is apply the product on the surface and wait for the color change. It can be quickly rinsed off with water, leaving behind smooth, shining tires.
It is recommended that the product is left on for 10 minutes before rinsing. Moreover, the product can also be used on motorcycle wheels, as well as custom wheels. The formulae of the liquid turns pink as soon as the product starts working on breaking down the dirt and grime on wheels. Other than this, it comes ready to use, which means you won’t need to dilute it with water.
Features
- Comes ready to use
- Changes color as the dirt starts to break down
- PH balanced, acid free formulae that doesn’t harm the wheels
- Environment friendly product
Pros
- It is easy to use
- It can also be used on custom wheels
- The color changes from fluorescent green to red as it works
- It is VOC compliant
Cons
- It can irritate the eyes and skin
- Does not come with a towel
4. CarGuys Super Cleaner
If you are looking for a cleaner that is versatile, then the Carguys super cleaner kit is the best option for you. This is because it can be used on all surfaces except glass and instrumental panel screen. So, get ready to replace all your individual cleaning products with this all-in-one cleaner.
The product has been designed using advanced nano technology, making it possible to clear off dirt and grime off the surface at the molecular level. It is a multi-purpose and hence it can be used on lather, fabric, rubber, vinyl, plastic, canvas metal, grease and more.
Most of the average cleaners leave the surface with a thin, tacky and cloudy film. However, that is not the case with this cleaner. It offers a clean and clear finish with no gloss or streaks on the surface it is used on.
If all of this is still not enough, then you would love to know that the company offers a full refund upon purchase if you are not satisfied with the product.
Features
- Offers a clear finish with no gloss
- Nontoxic (No ammonia)
- Comes with a free towel
- Multi surface product
Pros
- It is very versatile
- It does not leave any streaks or gloss on the surface
- It is environment friendly
- It features advanced nano technology
- It is highly concentrated
Cons
- It is expensive
5. Meguiar’s G-9524 Wheel Cleaner
Meguiar is a well-known brand when it comes to car cleaning supplies. They are known to produce top-notch quality products and the Meguiar’s G-9524 wheel cleaner is no exception. This cleaner has been designed to cling on to both horizontal and vertical surfaces to ensure that no sign of dust or grime is left behind after use. It has been made to be used on clear coated and factory painted rims and tires
The trigger spray bottle come with a contoured grip area which make it easy to be used and held. Once applied to the surface, you can visually see the grime and dirt getting cleared from the surface.
This product is a great choice if you are looking for a car cleaner that comes at a good price yet does not compromise on the results. Overall, it offers effective cleaning and leaves the tires fresh and clean looking.
Features
- Easy to use
- Cling vigorously to vertical and horizontal surfaces
- Foam based and safe on multiple surfaces
- Mild formulae
Pros
- It comes at a cheap price
- It is easy to apply and rinse off
- Can be used on both on clear coated and factory painted rims
- Offers effective and over all cleaning
Cons
- It is not safe for painted and aftermarket brake components
6. Mothers 05924 Foaming Wheel & Tire Cleaner
If you are looking for the best wheel cleaner on a budget then the Mothers 05924 is the right choice for you. This is because other than being dirt cheap, it is also super effective in cleaning dirty tires without much effort.
The non-acidic formula makes it safe for use on multiple surfaces including steel, chrome, painted, clear coated and hubcaps as well. Though it has a mild formula, it is still safe to use on paint. It has been designed to penetrated grime and caked on dirt, leaving behind fresh and clean surface.
It does not require scrubbing, which makes the whole cleaning process very quick. The product works great even when diluted. For 100% results, it is better if you rinse it off with a strong stream of water. Overall, it is a cheap yet effective choice.
Features
- Non-acidic formulae
- Spray, rinse, and let dry for a spot free finish
- For use on factory/OEM coated wheels and hubcaps only
- Spray on and hose off
Pros
- It comes at a cheap price
- It leaves a spot-free and streak-free finish
- It is very effective in cleaning dirt and grime
- It doesn’t require hand drying after use
Cons
- It’s not for use on aluminum, motorcycle and anodized and billet wheels
7. Aero Cosmetics Wash All Multi-Surface Cleaner
Aero Cosmetic cleaner is a great choice for you if you want a cleaner that can replace all the other degreasers in your garage. Other than being multi-purpose, this product is also very easy to use and works great on all surfaces.
It can be used as both, a waterless and wet cleaner, and is a lot safer as compared to many other industrial-strength cleaners. It does not require diluting; all you are required to do is to spray it on and wipe dry. The formula helps dissolve tough soot and grease within minutes.
It is a mild cleaner that works great for normal cleaning jobs. Other than car cleaning, it can also be used for bath, kitchen, aircraft, boat, RV, and motorcycle cleaning purposes. Overall, this product is well-worth the price.
Features
- Water based formulae, easy to apply and rinse off
- Wipe off without water
- No diluting required
Pros
- It is versatile
- It is easy to use
- It can be used as both wet and waterless cleaner
Cons
- It is not suitable for heavy, set-in grease
8. Adam’s Wheel Cleaner
The Adam’s wheel cleaner is another Ph neutral, acid-free, easy to use wheel cleaner that can be used to clean alloy, factory powder coated, chrome and factory painted wheels. The formulae of this product has been designed specifically to target & eliminate heavy brake dust.
Other than wiping off the water grime and salt, it also works wonders on stubborn metallic contamination. The 16-ounce bottle comes with a long straw that is helpful in reaching the corners of the bottle, so no product is wasted.
It features a thick formula that sticks to the surface, removing every sign of dirt and dust from the surface. The easy to use spray allows you to quickly apply and wash off the product from the surface. Moreover, the color changing formulae makes it easier for you to know when the product is active and working.
Overall, it is said to be one of the best gel wheel cleaner formulas in the market.
Features
- Color changing formulae
- Advanced chemical technology
- Brake dust specialist
- Ph neutral, acid free
Pros
- It offers quick cleaning
- The thick gel clings onto vertical surfaces
- It is easy to use and clean
- It is safe to use on all wheel types
Cons
- It is expensive
- It may cause skin irritation
9. Griot’s Garage 11107 Wheel Cleaner Gallon
The Griot’s garage wheel cleaner is undoubtedly the gentlest wheel cleaner formulas available in the market. This environment friendly, non-toxic product can be used on multiple surfaces. It is non-corrosive, which makes it perfectly safe for you, your car wheels and the environment. It offers the best balance between safety and effectiveness.
Though it is a little on the pricey side, it is still worth what you pay for it. Also, it offers more quantity than what the competitors are offering at the same price. It works great for light-duty use and is powerful enough to wipe clean any build up brakes dust, dirt or mud on your wheels.
It comes in a transparent gallon, and offers plenty of product that would last you for a long time. It is suitable for all wheel types such as polished, powder coated, matte wheel surfaces, chromed steel, carbon ceramic brakes, anodized, and painted wheels. Furthermore, unlike many other wheel cleaners; this one has a pleasant smell to it.
Features
- Very gentle formulae
- Non acidic, Ph balanced
- Effective and non-toxic
Pros
- It is very safe and environment friendly
- It has a pleasant smell
- It is great for regular use
- It leaves the wheels squeaky clean
Cons
- It comes in a heavy gallon
- It is expensive
10. Armor All Car Tire & Wheel Spray Bottle
Last but not the least, the Armor all car tire and wheel cleaner is a triple action product that has been designed specifically to target road grime, brake dust and grease. The thick formulae that this cleaner features is powerful enough to penetrate dirt and grime to the core, leaving the surface clean and shiny.
Other than this, it also includes a blanketing agent which helps the product to reach corners and nooks. This helps wipe off any dirt or spots that are usually left behind by other cleaners.
It has an acidic formula, which makes it a great match for factory and aftermarket coated wheels. Moreover, you get this impressive cleaner at a very affordable price. Overall, a lot of people have reviewed this product as the best wheel cleaner for black wheels.
Features
- Triple-Action formula
- Thick and sticky consistency
- Leaves a brilliant shine
- Intense foaming action
Pros
- It is affordable
- It can reach nooks and crannies to remove dirt and grime
- It penetrates deeply into stains and mud
Cons
- It can cause skin and eye irritation
- The formulae is acidic and corrosive
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
What is the best wheel and tire cleaner?
The best wheel and tire cleaner is the one that effectively wipes off any sort of unwanted substance on the wheels of your vehicle. This may include grease, dirt grime, brake dust, spots, stains and more. The best formula for you depends on your wheel and vehicle type.
What should I clean my rims with?
Car rims can be cleaned with a good quality wheel cleaner. You should look for a wheel cleaner that is effective in cleaning off brake dust, which can be quite harmful for rims.
Are wheel cleaners safe?
Though most of the wheel cleaners are safe to be used on wheels, it is not necessary they are safe for you as well. Hence, it is important that use all wheel cleaners with proper protective clothing. They can cause skin and eye irritation, and can be very dangerous if misused.
Does WD 40 clean alloy wheels?
Though WD 40 can work well when it comes to cleaning hard tar deposits, it Is still recommended that you use dedicated wheel cleaners if you want clean wheels.
What is the best chrome rim cleaner?
Though there are many good wheel cleaning products available in the market, the SONAX wheel cleaner is undoubtedly the best wheel cleaner for chrome wheels.
Will vinegar damage chrome fixtures?
Yes, due to its acidic nature, prolonged exposure to the substance can damage chrome fixtures. Hence, it is better that you don’t leave it on for long.
