Cleaning Chrome Wheels: What to Use and How to Keep Them Shiny

Chrome wheels are sturdier and more resistant to corrosion and rusting than their metal and alloy counterparts. Plus, many argue that they look better than other wheels. Of course, it takes work to keep them looking their best. If you have chrome wheels, you must keep them clean to maintain their signature shine.

How to Clean Chrome Wheels

Poor maintenance can make chrome wheels susceptible to damage, discoloration, and rust, so you must use the right tools and cleaning solutions when cleaning yours.

Wheel Cleaner

Wheel cleaners dissolve dirt, brake dust, and grime off wheels. Simply spray them on your dry wheels, let the solution sit for a minute or two, then wipe the surface to loosen and remove the dirt.

Soap and Water

If you don’t want to buy wheel cleaners, you can clean chrome wheels with soap and warm water. Drench the wheels in water, soak a non-abrasive sponge in soap, then use it to wipe the wheels. Rinse and examine afterward.

If you spot dirt and grime, repeat these steps until your chrome wheels are clean. For tougher stains in hard-to-reach areas, you can use an old toothbrush to scrub them off.

Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most effective cleaning agents, as it can cut through stains and tough dirt.

Mix equal parts of vinegar and water, spray the solution on the wheel, then let it sit for a few minutes to break down the dirt and grime. Wipe and rinse the wheel afterward.

Cola

Wheel cleaners, soap solution, and vinegar may not work on rusty chrome wheels. Use cola first to remove the rust.

Because cola is carbonated, it dissolves with metal oxides to break up rust on metals and alloys. Pour it on the rusty part of the wheel, then scrub it with a sponge or an old toothbrush.

Aluminum Foil

If a sponge or an old toothbrush can’t scrub off tough stains, use aluminum foil instead. Dip it in the cleaning agent of your choice and start scrubbing. Don’t worry about scratching your wheels because foil is softer than metal.

How to Keep Chrome Wheels Shiny

Once you remove tough stains and dirt off your chrome wheels, the next thing you’ll want to do is to make sure it maintains its shine. Consider these tips:

Use a Wheel Cleaner

While vinegar, soap, and cola are great cleaning agents, they can’t make chrome wheels shiny. You’ll get better results with a wheel cleaner that’s specifically formulated for chrome wheels.

Use Soft-Bristled Brushes

If you need to scrub your chrome wheels, use cloth or soft-bristled brushes to avoid scratching their surface. Don’t use abrasive materials, such as steel wool, as they can damage the chrome and reduce its shine.

Rinse Thoroughly

Make sure you thoroughly rinse your chrome wheels to remove residual cleaning solutions. Even harmless ones, such as wheel cleaners, can cause damage and discoloration if left to dry on the wheel.

Dry the Wheels

Letting chrome wheels dry naturally after cleanups can leave water spots or mineral deposits that are tough to remove. They can also diminish their shine. To prevent that, use microfiber towels to pat the wheel dry.

Apply Protective Coating

Use wax or protective coating to make your wheels shiny and prevent dirt and grime buildup, increasing the interval between wheel cleanings. Apply the protective coating once every two months or every time you wash the wheels.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

If you don’t have any wheel cleaner on hand, don’t use bleach, ammonia, or oven cleaners as a substitute. These chemicals can be harsh on chrome, causing discoloration or damage. Use household alternatives like soap and vinegar instead.

What Causes Chrome Wheels to Lose Their Shine?

If your chrome wheels are losing their shine, it might be due to the following:

Exposure to Chemicals

Chrome corrodes when exposed to chemicals, such as road salt. Unfortunately, these are unavoidable if you drive often. One way to combat this issue is by cleaning your wheels regularly.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to the elements leads to a loss of shine, so make it a point to clean your chrome wheels after driving through rain or snow.

Improper Cleaning

Some cleaning tools and agents can discolor, damage, or diminish the shine of your chrome wheels. It’s why it’s best to stick to the cleaning methods in this guide.

Lack of Maintenance

If you don’t clean or maintain your chrome wheels, they’ll eventually lose their shine.

Wear and Tear

Chrome will naturally lose its shine over time due to natural wear and tear. If your wheels are old, consider replacing them or using a protective coating to extend their service life and make them shiny again.

Where to Get a Wheel Cleaner for Your Ride

Looking for an aftermarket wheel cleaner for your chrome wheels? Look no further than CarParts.com.

We have a wide selection of wheel cleaners sourced from top brands in the industry. They’re all handpicked by our team of industry experts, so you can be sure they’re safe to use.

What’s more, all cleaning products in our catalog come with a low-price guarantee. You don’t have to spend much just to make your wheels shiny again.

Our warehouses are strategically located across the country, so you can expect your orders to arrive in just a few days. We also have a 60-day return policy, so you can ask for a refund in case there’s an issue with your order.

If you have any concerns, you can contact us using our toll-free hotlines. A friendly customer service representative will be ready to help you out.

Shop now and enjoy the best deals on our wheel cleaners!