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Will using brillo or SOS pads to clean chrome or alloy car wheels scratch them?

I am trying to clean a van for a friend of mine, and the brake dust and rust is very bad on the wheels. They are the stock wheels. It is a Chrysler minivan. I don't want to scratch the wheels- but simply using a handcloth and soap is not cleaning them that well. Some of the brake dust has come off, but a lot of it remains. These wheels are astonishingly filthy. They probably haven't been cleaned in two or three years. Anyways, I am considering using oven cleaner. I understand that this will work to remove the brake dust and grime. Is this so? Can I use Brillo or SOS pads to clean the wheels without causing scratches? Thanks!

Public Comments

  1. Buy a wheel cleaner. They're strong, so get gloves if your skin is sensitive. Oven cleaner might work just as well, but I've never tried it. Wheel cleaners are pretty inexpensive...and easy...spray on, let sit, spray off, wipe clean. ;)
  2. SOS WILL WORK GREAT AND AFTER THAT COULD PUT A COAT OF CHROME POLISH ON TO BRING OUT THE SHINE AND PROTECT WHEELS...
  3. no you will probably scratch the wheels. your best bet is de-greaser or something
  4. Yes they can scratch chrome. Try some Simple Green cleaner and a soft nylon bristle brush.
  5. http://www.eagleone.com/pages/products/product.asp?itemid=1006&cat=5006
  6. I think oven cleaner Might remove the brake dust, but it will stain them with white blothced. Get some good wheel cleaner and maybe some polishing compound.
  7. ok, do NOT use a brillo pad or any abrasive pad for that matter. scratches will occur and they look crappy. get a decent wheel cleaner, the spray on, wait, rinse type. they work very well. using a soapy hand towell helps as well. once thats removed, use chrome polish to make them sparkle. it they're rusty, use naval jelly (from auto parts store). and if they are heavily laden with rust, make a pad out of aluminum foil (shiny side out) and with water lightly rub the affected areas. any biker can tell ya that little trick.
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