Simple Green on 2011 WRX wheels

[GSeightWRX]

Do you guys think it's alright to use Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner on the 2011 WRX wheels? I used it today and they came out fine. Just want to make sure there will be no long term effects. And also is it safe to put a paint sealant on the wheels?

[Stu_Gotti]

I doubt it'd cause any issues..

[Sasquatch]

I'd suggest cool / cold wheels, never hot or warm.

Paint sealant (wax)? Sure, on cold / cool wheels.

... and while you are at it ...

How to safely clean an engine bay

[GSeightWRX]

Thanks!

[mangostick]

simple green is paint safe. You should be fine. I usually just use carwash soap (leftovers in bucket after car is washed) on mine (2010) and it works fine as well.

[GSeightWRX]

simple green is paint safe. You should be fine. I usually just use carwash soap (leftovers in bucket after car is washed) on mine (2010) and it works fine as well.

Thats what I used to do, but I used Simple Green today and it made the job much easier. All you have to do is wipe off instead of scrubbing.

[mangostick]

Thats what I used to do, but I used Simple Green today and it made the job much easier. All you have to do is wipe off instead of scrubbing.

Mine gets a wash once every week, I dont really have to work hard at it since I dont really get much road crap buildup. That and I'm still on factory type pads so the brake dust isn't terrible either.

[J_Maher_WRX]

simple green is pretty good, though I generally only use that for engine bay, as Sasquatch mentioned above, I detail my engine bay in the same manner thanks to his thread

I use Sonax wheel cleaner for mine, got it off of DetailersDomain. It's fairly expensive, but there is a lot of road dirt here and salt from the ocean so its worth it for me. Spray it on, leave it for 3-5 mins on cool/cold wheels and wash it off and the wheels are great!

[teflon_jones]

I just use a custom concoction I came up with that takes anything off super easy:
1 part paint thinner
1 part laundry detergent
1 part rubbing alcohol
1 part all-purpose cleaner

I put it in my pressure washer and it cleans things right up. Simple green is for wusses.....

[SamXp]

Do you guys think it's alright to use Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner on the 2011 WRX wheels? I used it today and they came out fine. Just want to make sure there will be no long term effects. And also is it safe to put a paint sealant on the wheels?

Undilted Simple Green is pretty strong stuff. I use it to clean wheels diluted 1:4 with water. And only clean one wheel at a time. Particularly in the summer, where it will dry quickly. You just don't want it to sit on the wheel for too long.

And a sealant is a very good idea on wheels. The high temps will obliterate even a good Carnauba wax but a sealant should last a few months.

[RaskyR1]

Personally I would avoid using Simple Green on wheels. Diluted properly it will probably be fine but I've seen people have staining issues before. Obviously only apply it to cool wheels and never let it dry on the surface. Also be sure that the wheels are rinsed really well and make sure that there is no cleaner left pooled behind the center caps or in the recessed area of the lugs.

IMO, if you are cleaning often (weekly), you really shouldn't need anything more than soap and water to clean the wheels. If it's been a while then I suggest going with a cleaner designed for safe and effective removal of brake dust, dirt, and grime on all wheel types, like Sonax Full Effect and P21S Gel. Combine either of those cleaners with some good bushes like the EZ brush or Wheel Whoolies and you're good to go.


Rasky

[Methodical4u]

Buy sonox or sonax not sure how it's spelled wheel cleaner... spray it and it changes color from green to a dark purple as it works. Not harsh on wheels either.

[Doobis]

Sonax FE is nice and I have a few bottles but for $16 a bottle it is good for really dirty wheels. i have stopped using it in place I use mother Wheel and tire foam cleaner. its 4.99 a bottle and it does a great job..it also does a really good job on cleaning your tires. I save my Sonax now for someone who has some really funky wheels. just not worth spending the money for it if you maintain your wheels and they are relatively clean.

i personally will never use simple green..if you dont dilute it right it can and will etch aluminum

[Methodical4u]

Yes it can... but these wheels are clearcoated aluminum. I have the brush which I don't recall the name of now that you put on your cordless drill and it works pretty well for me.

[Donkey]

I would read the label carefully. There are several "flavors" of Simple Green. The original was caustic to aluminum. They actually have an automotive specific application.
Extreme Simple Green Motorsports Cleaner & Degreaser