How to Remove Baked On Brake Dust From Alloy Wheels: The Easy Way To Save Your Wheels

Authored By Automobile Engineer

Brake dust is a hard-to-remove residue that forms after prolonged use of your car’s braking system.

It is essentially the result of combustion and can be seen on the wheels of virtually any car after it has been driven for some time.

These particles are made up of different elements, all of which combine to give your wheels an almost gritty texture.

This makes cleaning them a challenge, but not impossible.

There are several ways to remove brake dust from alloy wheels, and each one has its own benefits and drawbacks. I will take a look at some of these methods in depth.

How To Remove Baked On Brake Dust From Alloy Wheels

1

Distilled Water And Vinegar

Distilled Water And Vinegar

If you’re looking for an easy and non-toxic way to remove baked-on brake dust from your wheels, vinegar and water are good places to start.

Both of these are safe for alloy wheels and will not cause any damage.

You will need to mix these two cleaning agents, along with a little bit of dish soap, in order to create a powerful cleaning solution.

You can use a spray bottle to apply a single-part cleaning solution to the affected areas.

Let them sit for a few minutes and scrub off the built-on dirt and grime.

Vinegar and water are also good choices if you want to avoid using a harsh chemical cleaning agent.

However, it is important to note that these cleaning agents will only be effective on light dust and dirt. They will not work on baked-on brake dust.

2

Baking Soda And Dish Soap

Baking Soda And Dish Soap

Another way to remove baked-on brake dust from your wheels is by using baking soda and dish soap.

You can use a combination of these ingredients to create a cleaning solution that is gentle enough to not damage your wheels, but powerful enough to remove baked-on dirt.

You will need to mix them together in a spray bottle with some water.

It is important to note that this cleaning solution should not be used on any alloy wheels that have a clear coat finish. Dish soap can damage clear coat wheels.

After you have applied the cleaning solution, let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away the baked-on dirt.

Be careful not to scrub too hard, or you might damage the wheels.

3

Automotive Shampoo

Automotive Shampoo

One way to remove baked-on brake dust from your wheels is to use a heavy-duty automotive shampoo.

These shampoos are designed to clean almost any part of a car, including its wheels.

You will need to dilute the shampoo before using it as an all-purpose cleaning agent.

You can do this by mixing it with some water in a spray bottle.

Then, apply the diluted shampoo to the affected areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and scrub it off.

Shampoos are often better than detergents and soaps at removing baked-on dirt from wheels, but they have the added benefit of being able to clean and condition your wheels at the same time.

This will allow your wheels to look like new again. You can also use automotive shampoos for other parts of your car, such as the engine and tires.

4

Chemical Wheel Cleaners

Chemical Wheel Cleaners

If you don’t mind using a strong cleaning agent that might take some of the shine off your wheels, then you can use a chemical cleaning agent to remove baked-on brake dust from your wheels.

There are a variety of chemical cleaning agents available, with each one having its own set of instructions and recommendations for use.

Before purchasing a chemical cleaning agent, it is important to first check to see if it will damage your wheels.

It is also a good idea to test the cleaning agent on an inconspicuous part of the wheel to make sure it won’t cause any damage.

Chemical cleaning agents are often better than other non-toxic cleaning agents at removing built-on dirt from wheels.

However, they have the added drawback of potentially damaging your wheels.

Be careful when using chemical cleaning agents, and only use them when absolutely necessary.

The Easy Way To Remove Baked On Brake Dust From Alloy Wheels
Alloy wheels are an expensive part of your car’s aesthetic.
They might look nice while they’re clean, but baked-on brake dust can make them look like they’re a few years old.
Luckily, there are a few ways you can remove baked-on brake dust from alloy wheels.
Method #1
One way to remove baked-on brake dust is by using a soft-bristled wheel brush. You’ve to make sure that the bristles are soft enough to not damage your wheels but stiff enough to scrub off the baked-on dirt. After you’ve applied the brush to the wheels, let it sit for a few minutes. Then, you can use a sponge or towel to scrub off the baked-on dirt. You might need to scrub several times with a sponge or towel to fully remove the baked-on dirt. Be careful not to scrub too hard, or you might damage your wheels.
Method #2
Another way to remove baked-on brake dust from your wheels is to soak them in a cleaning solution. You can make your own cleaning solution by mixing water, dish soap, and baking soda together in a bucket. Stir the mixture until the baking soda has dissolved. Then, dunk your wheels in the cleaning solution, let them sit for a couple of hours, and scrub them off. You might need to scrub your wheels more than once to remove all of the baked-on dirt.
The Easy Way To Remove Baked On Brake Dust From Alloy Wheels

Conclusion

Brake dust is a common problem among car owners, especially those who drive often.

Fortunately, there are many different ways to remove baked-on brake dust from alloy wheels.

One way is to use a wheel brush with soft bristles to scrub away the baked-on dirt.

You can also soak your wheels in a cleaning solution made of water, dish soap, and baking soda.

No matter which method you use, it’s important to make sure that you’re cleaning your wheels regularly.

This will help prevent baked-on brake dust from building up in the first place and will keep your wheels looking like new.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you remove ingrained brake dust from alloy wheels?

To remove ingrained brake dust from alloy wheels, you should use a wheel cleaner that is specifically designed for the job. Start by rinsing off any loose dirt and debris with a hose. Spray the wheel cleaner onto the wheel and allow it to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it down with a soft brush. Afterward, rinse off the remaining residue with water and dry thoroughly. If you have extremely stubborn built-up grime on your wheels, you can apply an all-purpose degreaser or a more abrasive cleaning agent such as baking soda and vinegar to further break down dirt and grease. For best results, repeat this process every couple of weeks or after each car wash session. Additionally, applying protective wax or sealant regularly can help keep your wheels clean with minimal effort.

What is the best product to remove brake dust from aluminum wheels?

The best product for removing brake dust from aluminum wheels is a specialty wheel cleaner designed specifically for that purpose. These products typically contain powerful cleaning agents and degreasers that can cut through the toughest grime and break down built-up dirt, oils, and contaminants. Always be sure to read the directions on any cleaning product carefully before use. Additionally, it’s important to check with your wheel manufacturer before using a wheel cleaner to make sure it won’t damage your wheels in any way. For an extra thorough clean, you may want to consider investing in a wheel brush or power washer attachment; these tools are great for reaching tight spaces between spokes and other hard-to-reach areas. Finally, if you have chrome wheels, use only products designed for chrome to avoid damaging the finish. With a little bit of effort and the right cleaner, you’ll have clean aluminum wheels in no time!

Does WD 40 remove brake dust?

WD 40 is not recommended for use on brake dust. WD 40 can be a great cleaner, lubricant, and protector when used on the right surfaces and materials; however, it is not suitable for cleaning brake dust from wheels due to its solvent properties.

Don Sutton
Don Sutton has had a long and varied career in engineering, spanning four different countries. He began his apprenticeship in New Zealand at Paeroa Motors in 1965 before moving to the United States where he studied at Paeroa College before accepting a job as an engineer with Bendix/Kirby/TRW/Tristar. His work involved designing components for the automotive industry for over thirty years, including brake pads, power steering pumps, and fuel injectors. In 2005 Don left automotive design to pursue other interests but maintains an interest in all things related to automobiles. He is currently retired from engineering but continues to consult on issues relating to vehicle testing and manufacture when needed!