[Jnat]

Simple Green, spray it on, let it sit 20 seconds, clean with a brush, rinse and wipe down. done.

[ping65810]

Purple Power- spray on full strength, let it sit for about 30 secs, then use a toilet brush to clean. Works great and takes all the grime off quickly. Then wash off thoroughly with a hose, and you are done.

[H.alv375]

Some good info here, Might be giving a couple of these ideas a try!

[Casca]

Best thing I did to clean my wheels was using Akebono brake pads.

I also got http://www.amazon.com/Griots-Garage-...+wheel+cleaner and http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-...=pd_sbs_auto_1 and they work very well, but I really don't need to clean my wheels all that much anymore. Really, all I do now is spray with the wheel cleaner, let it work a bit (not much to clean) and spray off. I actually don't even have to do that.

[Former USMC]

Originally Posted by x5to330i

What methods do you guys use to clean your wheels of break dust?

I have heard that Mean Green works...I have never used it. Scared to spray chemicals around my brakes....

I have always just used water and a rag, sometimes soap.. but my wheels look cloudy afterwards..

Can anyone suggest a good cleaning solution?

Yes, I can recommend a good wheel cleaner. DAWN dishwashing soap. Been using it for years with great results.

I live in a neighborhood where every house has a lightly colored driveway, i.e., pink, gray, red, brown, etc. My neighbor used a commercial brand wheel cleaner on his wheels and it stained the gray driveway...completely ruined the concrete...four large white splotches. He was horrified.

This is my first BMW (335is with optional 19" wheels) and I am greatly impressed with the lack of brake dust on the inside of the wheel (however, I'm not impressed with the looks of the calipers and rotors).

I typically wash my car every week and this helps to cut down on brake dust build up.

Second, i have developed two homemade brushes to help clean AND polish the wheels. It's nothing more than a ripped up microwave towel wrapped around a wooden dowel inserted in my cordless drill. I used a little spray wax on the wheel to polish and shine up the inside of the wheel. The other brush is dipped in Dawn soapy solution to clean the wheels.

[Detailers Domain]

Originally Posted by jnat

Simple Green, spray it on, let it sit 20 seconds, clean with a brush, rinse and wipe down. done.

just wanted to chime in simple green can damage the clear coat on your wheels

[Detailers Domain]

Originally Posted by ping65810

Purple Power- spray on full strength, let it sit for about 30 secs, then use a toilet brush to clean. Works great and takes all the grime off quickly. Then wash off thoroughly with a hose, and you are done.

purple power as well as simple green can damage and fade the clear coat on your rims. becareful

[Detailers Domain]

try a good wheel cleaner and wax, seal, or coat your wheels.

you can also change out your brake pads, I believe Hawk or Centrics make ceramic brake pads that have lower dust content.

take a look at this elapsed time video on wheel and tire cleaning, hope this is helpful.