How to Clean Aluminum Spoke Wheels

Aluminum spoke wheels are available on automobiles, motorcycles and bicycles. Spoke wheels have been around since the early days of the horse and carriage. A bent or broken spoke can be fixed. The closer together the spokes are, the more difficult the cleaning can be. Washing the wheel once a week allows the wheel to shine as well as remove any debris that can cause a road hazard.

Things You'll Need

• Hose
• Aluminum wheel cleaner
• Wheel brush
• Rag
• Towel

Instructions

1. Park the vehicle on clean concrete to avoid splashing up dirt and mud when using the hose. Clean one wheel at a time.

2. Use a gentle spray of the hose. Wash any debris or dust from the aluminum wheel.

3. Saturate the aluminum wheel with the cleaner. Spray around the outside as well as between each spoke. Let the cleaner work on the dirt for approximately two or three minutes.

4. Scrub the aluminum wheel with the brush. Rub the outside, then remove dirt from the other side of the spokes. Scour the outside and the other side of each spoke.

5. Spray the wheel with one or two squirts of the cleaner. Remove any remaining stuck-on dirt and grime with a rag in case the wheel brush missed some places.

6. Rinse the wheel. Point the nozzle outside and on the other side of each spoke as well.

7. Air dry. You can also use a towel to avoid water spots.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use a wheel brush instead of a tire brush. A wheel brush is a softer material and won't scratch the aluminum finish.