What Are Wheel Cleaners? Are They Safe?
If you’ve looked into wheel cleaners, you might have heard some conflicting reports. Some people say they’re safe, while others say they’re dangerous. Which is it?
In most respects, it depends on what type of cleaner you use.
Acidic Wheel Cleaners
We’re all familiar with what acid does. It eats away at a surface and “burns” through it, right? To some extent, that’s correct, but that’s not the whole story.
Acids are extremely effective at dissolving ferrous metals. However, they’re not as effective at dissolving most plastics. This is why you see powerful acid cleaners sold in simple plastic jugs. Hydrofluoric acid can burn through a cast iron plate if given enough time, but it won’t burn through a proper plastic storage jug.
This is the cause of some confusion regarding acid wheel cleaner safely. Old-school rims were made of steel, which could easily get damaged by an acid cleaner. Most modern rims, on the other hand, are made of a coated aluminum alloy. Between the coating and the non-ferrous metal, the rims are relatively safe. Meanwhile, iron dust is quickly dissolved.
That’s not to say that acidic wheel cleaners are totally safe, though. For one thing, they can eventually damage your wheels if they’re left on for extended periods.
It’s essential to follow all the manufacturer’s instructions. It might be tempting to leave your acid cleaner on the surface for a few extra minutes for extra effectiveness, but don’t. If the bottle says to let stand for five minutes, start rinsing after five minutes.
Similarly, you need to be very careful with your skin. Always use heavy-duty nitrile gloves when working with acid, and wear a pair of safety goggles to protect yourself from splashing.
Just as you’d follow the instructions in every other regard, stick with the manufacturer’s mixing instructions. Most acid cleaners are sold as concentrates, and should never be used without first being diluted. Undiluted concentrate can cause serious damage to your wheels, and can also cause severe chemical burns.
Non-Acidic Wheel Cleaners
There are plenty of non-acidic wheel cleaners available on the market. However, you need to know what you’re looking at. The main reason people buy a non-acidic wheel cleaner is because they’re looking for something non-corrosive.
However, most non-acidic wheel cleaners are instead highly alkaline. They’re still corrosive, just on the other end of the pH spectrum. These chemicals can be useful for some specialized applications, but they’re just as hazardous to bare skin.
If you want a non-corrosive (or minimally corrosive) cleaner, look for one that’s pH-balanced. However, keep in mind that pH-balanced cleaners can vary in quality. An ordinary soap isn’t going to remove brake dust. You need one with special catalysts for ferrous metal particles.
