Wheels take a beating: brake dust, road grime, tar, and water spots from every wash. Clean wheels make the whole car look better.
- Clean wheels only when they are cool.
- Use separate brushes and towels for wheels.
- Dissolve X2 works on painted, chrome and matte wheels.
- Clean wheels make the whole car look better.
What builds up on wheels
Wheels collect brake dust, road grime, tar and water spots from every wash and puddle. Brake dust is hot and gritty when it lands, and it bakes onto the wheel surface. Combined with mineral spots, it creates a dull, stained finish that soap alone won’t lift.
Before
AfterHow to clean them
What you’ll need
- Dissolve X2
- Soft wheel brush
- Separate wheel mitt or towels
- Car wash soap
- Nitrile gloves
- Eye protection
- Cool wheels only. Never clean hot wheels right after a drive.
- Rinse loose dirt and brake dust.
- Wash with soap and a dedicated wheel brush or mitt.
- Remove spots and stains with Dissolve X2 as below.
Dissolve X2 is a strong acid cleaner: its Safety Data Sheet lists it as causing severe skin burns and eye damage. Wear gloves and eye protection, keep it off your skin, and read the label before you start. Every sheet is on our SDS page.
- Wash and dry the area and work on a cool panel in the shade.
- Apply a small amount of Dissolve X2 to a microfiber applicator or towel.
- Work it over the stain. Older, heavier spots may need a second pass.
- Wipe clean with a clean, damp microfiber towel and check it in good light.
Dissolve X2 works on painted, chrome and matte wheels.
Use separate towels and brushes for wheels. Brake dust is gritty, and you don’t want it on your paint.
Order of operations
Clean wheels first or last, but never in the middle of washing paint, so you don’t splash brake dust onto clean panels. Many detailers do wheels first, then the paint from the top down. Rinse each wheel well and dry it so it doesn’t spot.
Common mistakes to avoid
Cleaning hot wheels. Products dry instantly and can stain.
Using paint towels on wheels. Brake dust is gritty.
Ignoring the inner barrel. It shows through the spokes.
Letting wheels air-dry. They spot like paint does.
A simple care schedule
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Every wash | Wash and dry wheels with separate tools. |
| Monthly | Treat spots and stains with Dissolve X2. |
| Every few months | SFX1 to help grime release. |
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean hot wheels?
No. Let the wheels cool first; products and water dry too fast on hot wheels.
Does Dissolve X2 work on matte or chrome wheels?
Yes. It works on painted, chrome and matte wheels.
Should wheels have their own towels?
Yes. Brake dust is gritty, so keep wheel towels and brushes away from your paint.
Can I use Dissolve X2 on matte black wheels?
Yes, it works on painted, chrome and matte wheels.
Should I clean wheels before or after paint?
Many detailers do wheels first to avoid splashing brake dust on clean paint.
Wheels worth looking at
Dissolve X2 takes water spots and stains off wheels and paint.
