So, I did a search, and it seems that there is no consensus on any chemical wheel cleaner. Does anyone have something that has done wonders on their stock wheels? I don't mind getting in there and cleaning them with soap, but something that you could spray in and rinse off sure would make things easier. Thanks.

 

Can't go wrong with the Meguiar's Hot Rims Wheel Cleaner

 

ya , thats good stuff

 

I prefer to wash them with soap and an old sponge... 18" 5 spoke wheel !!!!!! Please don't be lazy DD:D

 

Actually, your way would be lazy.

I still use a sponge and clean them by hand, but the wheel cleaner loosens the brake dust and acts as a surfactant - which is very important because brake dust is highly abrasive.
If you just wipe or sponge it off, you will grind the gloss out of your clear coat in short order.

 

Don't flame me for my non-pedigreed solution. I just bought a bottle of Turtle wax wheel cleaner the last run over to Walmart. It's cheap and it is not acidic. My old car had aluminum wheels that were so dirty they barely looked like aluminum any more. They look good as new. Just follow the directions. Wet the wheels thoroughy, spray with cleaner, let soak for a minute then soft brush or rag and rinse thoroughly. Been using the same on the 8. Just remember to clean the wheels first so you don't get the car dirty from the crud spraying off the wheels.

 

I just tried Black Magic Wheel Cleaner, and was very impressed. This was the dirtiest I have let my car and wheels get, since it has rained every few days. You just spray it on, wait 30 seconds, and spray off with water. NO SCRUBBING NEEDED. Here is the before pic:

 

And a close up (sorry, I don't know how to post multiple pics in one reply):

 

This is after the application, no wiping or scrubbing at all:

 

And finally, a close up. I hate scrubbing those rims.

 

I have been using Fast Orange wheel cleaner from WalMart. It works great and uses natural orange for the cleaning agent. I normally spray it on, let it sit for an couple of minutes, mist the wheel with water and then use a wheel brush. Quick and easy with great results. Works good on the wheel wells also (don't use the same brush though.)

 

Meguiar's Hot Rims Wheel Cleaner is what I use as well. Wet the rims, spray on, rinse off, and then follow up with a wash mit and soap to get the nooks and corners and also to clean the inside of the rim around the rotor.