Must Have Tools for Wheel Cleaning

[DFB5.0]

Thanks, D. Yeah, the woolies get stiff but soften up as soon as they're wet but I'm gonna try some of the MF versions, thanks.

But I still have to sleep on the MTM hangar purchase. My brain says "yes" but my logic tells me, "you don't need it." :-)

Just know the TRC microfiber wheel mitts are noticeably bigger at 6" x 7".

In reality, humans don't need a lot of things............Mustang's included.

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[WD Pro]

Some great info in this thread

It might be an unpopular choice, but I have to mention the green glove in this photo :

These gloves are about £5 in the UK and in my opinion, they are a lifesaver for the PP1 wheels.

Whilst I do a lot of things with my hands, I typically despise wearing gloves unless absolutely necessary due to the loss of feel and dexterity, but when it comes to PP1 wheels, the extra individual finger dexterity and hand control you have with a glove compared to even a thin mitt is enormous.

The glove allows you to clean around the back, both sides and both corners of where a spoke meets the rim (or hub) at the same time, with one motion.

It's also proving to be quite longlasting - my first glove (even though I bought a spare) is getting on for three years old now, with no obvious degradation other than a bit of light staining on the fingertips

Between the glove and that wheel brush, it makes the task of cleaning PP1 wheels 'somewhat bearable' rather than 'total pain in the arse'

WD

 

[DFB5.0]

Some great info in this thread

It might be an unpopular choice, but I have to mention the green glove in this photo :

These gloves are about £5 in the UK and in my opinion, they are a lifesaver for the PP1 wheels.

Whilst I do a lot of things with my hands, I typically despise wearing gloves unless absolutely necessary due to the loss of feel and dexterity, but when it comes to PP1 wheels, the extra individual finger dexterity and hand control you have with a glove compared to even a thin mitt is enormous.

The glove allows you to clean around the back, both sides and both corners of where a spoke meets the rim (or hub) at the same time, with one motion.

It's also proving to be quite longlasting - my first glove (even though I bought a spare) is getting on for three years old now, with no obvious degradation other than a bit of light staining on the fingertips

Between the glove and that wheel brush, it makes the task of cleaning PP1 wheels 'somewhat bearable' rather than 'total pain in the arse'

WD

I did the green glove for a while too, works very well and also allows you to easily clean the back of the spokes. All of $7.50 in Australia!

Sabco Green Microfingers Dusting Glove - Bunnings Australia

 

[kilobravo]

Damn...I like that, WD! Figures, I can't find it here. Lots of look a likes but none are the same.

Those would be perfect for my wheels and I could leave them on instead of having to find the pocket on the woolies each time. No doubt you got yours locally or from a UK vendor.

 

[DFB5.0]

Damn...I like that, WD! Figures, I can't find it here. Lots of look a likes but none are the same.

Those would be perfect for my wheels and I could leave them on instead of having to find the pocket on the woolies each time. No doubt you got yours locally or from a UK vendor.

Try these KB -

CARPRO Plush Microfiber Gloves (Pair) (carpro-us.com)

These are for ceramic coating, but I see no reason why they wouldn't work for wheel cleaning too.

 

[WD Pro]

I did the green glove for a while too, works very well and also allows you to easily clean the back of the spokes. All of $7.50 in Australia!

Sabco Green Microfingers Dusting Glove - Bunnings Australia

Damn...I like that, WD! Figures, I can't find it here. Lots of look a likes but none are the same.

Those would be perfect for my wheels and I could leave them on instead of having to find the pocket on the woolies each time. No doubt you got yours locally or from a UK vendor.

Yeah they come from a local high street store (our local equivalent of Autozone etc).

Hard to tell, but it looks like DFB's version has got noodles everywhere, but the version I use has a mesh back which probably takes about 40% of the bulk away - adding dexterity without really compromising cleaning.

For a glove its bulky, but not massively so, I've just gone and snapped a few pics

Here it is compared to a standard woolen glove :

You can see the mesh back here :

Here's a single finger getting around the back of the valve (which on the PP1 fronts, is in the smallest cut-out of the wheel design )

My favorite part of using the glove - both sides, behind, and the base of the spokes :

Good reach around the back :

WD

 

[kilobravo]

It would appear that I need to work on my G filters when searching. Hell, I thought I was pretty good at it but you guys pointed me in the right direction.

Couldn't decide so decided to try 'em both. <grin>

 

[kilobravo]

I received one of the two items I ordered following your discussion, D, still waiting on the MF gloves.

​

I can't wait to try it! Unfortunately, chores other than bathing Sarah have higher priority so I probably won't get tuit for at least a couple days. Still tweaking the look of the new deck and pool area. Took a break the other day after chores were complete.

 

[Lorne34]

My quest to find the best wheel cleaning brushes and tools really took off when I had to contend with the nightmare-to-clean Mustang Performance Pack wheels. As such, I have a large drawer full of different brushes and wheel cleaning specific tools, allowing me to tailor my approach to a variety of different wheel designs.

Some wheels have plenty of space to gain access to the inner barrel, others offer limited clearance due to the spoke design and/or brake system. Gloss black wheels show wash-induced swirls more than silver, meaning a softer brush is desirable. Some wheels have specific shapes that need special treatment to get or keep clean. For example, these Volvo wheels look seemingly easy to deal with, however, they have a rather strange secondary ledge that runs behind the back of the wheel face, making it very hard to clean around.

The following are the tools I think you need in your arsenal, no matter what wheel you are attempting to clean.

EZ-Detail GO –

I term this item the “Toilet Brush”, probably not what EZ-Detail had in mind. Truth be told, I don’t really use this to clean wheels, although you can on open spoke designs. However, I have found this to be the best brush for cleaning wheel arches. Having tried various other options, I find the GO to be the most ergonomic and effective at cleaning plastic, and even fabric, wheel arch liners.

EZ Detail Go EZ Speed Master Wheel Brush (autobuff.com.au)
EZ Brushes | Car Supplies Warehouse – Car Supplies Warehouse

EZ-Detail Brush –

Available in small and large, I think you want both, even if not used on wheels. These brushes are ideal for wheels with limited access to the inner barrel, be that from narrow openings or large brake rotors and calipers. Having tried a couple of different brushes like this, paying extra for the EZ-Detail versions is the way to go, offering superior quality and a softer feel.

These brushes have nylon bristle, meaning they are not the softest option. This may or may not bother you, from my perspective I see these brushes as a necessary evil. I would rather have some minor marring on the barrels rather than allowing brake dust and road grime to accumulate. I also find these brushes excellent for cleaning exhaust tips and getting access to tight spots in an engine bay.

EZ Detail little EZ Speed Master Wheel Brush (autobuff.com.au)
EZ Detail BIG EZ Speed Master Wheel Brush (autobuff.com.au)
EZ Brushes | Car Supplies Warehouse – Car Supplies Warehouse

Microfiber Wheel Brush -

This style of brush replaced traditional Wheel Woolies in my routine. Over time, I noticed that the wool/synthetic wool wheel brushes become quite “crunchy” and lacking in softness. A microfiber version remains soft while offering superior longevity and the ability to release contamination easier.

My choices here would be the Microfiber Madness IncrediBrush Flat and the Detail Factory Wheel Brush. Both are a flat brush, meaning they will fit most wheel designs and brake systems. In both cases, the microfiber sock can be replaced or removed for cleaning. Yes, both are expensive, but that is balanced by the superb quality and excellent longevity. My IncrediBrush is over 2 years old now and still as soft as when I took it out of the box.

Microfiber Madness Incredibrush FLAT – Prime Finish Car Care
Detail Factory Wheel Brush Kit with Scrubbing Microfibre Cover (detailingshed.com.au)

Microfiber Madness Incredibrush Flat - Skys The Limit Car Care (carpro-us.com)
Detail Factory - Wheel Brush Kit | The Rag Company

Microfiber Wash Mitt –

I hate wash mitts, be that for wheels or paint. However, a smaller finger mitt is ideal for cleaning the wheel face and behind the spokes. I find these offer superior ergonomics compared to a larger wash pad or mitt.

Maxshine and The Rag Company offer suitable options here, at the moment I’m favoring the TRC version.

Maxshine Microfiber Finger Wheel and Rims Wash Mitt (2x Pack) (detailingshed.com.au)
The Rag Company Cyclone Ultra Wheel Mitt 15 x 18cm (2pck) (detailingshed.com.au)

Cyclone Ultra Wheel Mitt | The Rag Company

Synthetic or Boar’s Hair Brush –

These brushes are typically used to clean around the lug nuts, calipers and wheel face. For well-maintained or black wheels, the softer synthetic brush is what you need. For neglected wheels, you will need the extra “bite” offered by the boar's hair bristle.

Again, there are countless options here. Personally, I can’t go past the Detail Factory versions in long handle spec. Carpro’s brush pack is worth looking at too.

Detail Factory Ultra-Soft Detailing Brush Long Handle 24cm (detailingshed.com.au)
DETAIL FACTORY PREMIUM BOAR'S HAIR DETAILING BRUSHES Long Handle (Grey (detailingshed.com.au)
CarPro Detailing Brush Set | Waxit – Waxit Car Care

Detail Factory - Ultra-Soft Detailing Brushes | The Rag Company
Detail Factory - Boar Hair Detailing Brushes | The Rag Company
CARPRO Detailing Brush Set (carpro-us.com)

Tire Cleaning Brush –

These brushes typically feature a stiff bristle, allowing for a deeper and more thorough cleaning. However, Detail Factory went in the opposite direction by offering a slightly softer bristle, allowing the brush to better conform to the tire without compromising its ability. The DF Tire Brush is arguably one of my favorite detailing tools!

Detail Factory Tyre Cleaning Brush (detailingshed.com.au)

Detail Factory - Tire Scrub Brush | The Rag Company

Dedicated Wheel Bucket –

Seemingly overkill, however having a separate bucket for wheels will eliminate possible contamination with the tools used on the rest of the car. I typically use this bucket filled with water and soap, but in some cases I simply use the bucket to carry my tools around the car, using the pressure washer to rinse the tools as I go.

Dedicated Wheel Towel –

In this case, I love the TRC Gauntlet 30x30, ideally sized for the task. The TRC Spectrum is also worth looking at.

The Rag Company - The Gauntlet Microfiber Drying Towel (detailingshed.com.au)

The Gauntlet Microfiber Drying Towel | The Rag Company

Luxury Items –

Bucket Dolly and Detailing Seat –

A luxury I think you need. In both cases, this allows you to move from wheel to wheel with ease, meaning you don’t need to crouch (I have bad knees) or cart the bucket around. I used to hate cleaning wheels, however, doing so while seated is one of the pure joys of detailing. In my case.

Shop PROFESSIONAL BUCKET DOLLY Online - CarCareCo
Economax Detailing Creeper Seat Online | Waxit – Waxit Car Care

Search Results (autogeek.net)
Compact Sit-On Creeper II - Griot's Garage (griotsgarage.com)

Foam Cannon or Foam Sprayer –

Either helps deliver soap or wheel cleaner in a format that allows for a longer dwell/working period. I’m doing this with either P&S Brake Buster or car soap.

MTM Foam Cannon Kit with NV Snow 1L – Waxit Car Care
IK Foam Pro 2+ Spray with Air Valve (detailingshed.com.au)

MTM Hydro - PF22.2 Foam Cannon Kit | The Rag Company
iK Foam Pro 2+ Sprayer | The Rag Company

Foam Cannon Bucket Bracket –

A simple extravagance, this item allows you to bring your foam cannon along for the ride.

Maxshine Foam Cannon Bucket Holder Mount (detailingshed.com.au)
MTM Veloci Ventuno Bracket - Spray Foam Gun Holder (detailingshed.com.au)

Veloci Ventuno Bracket - MTM Hydro (mtmhydroparts.com)

Hose Guides -

A simple solution to a frustrating problem, these things prevent your hose from snagging under/around the tyres.

DETAIL GUARDZ HOSE GUIDE (2PK) Made in Canada (detailingshed.com.au)

Detail Guardz - Car Wash Insert (4 pack) - The Detail Guardz – Detail Guardz | Premium Car Care Products USA

Happy Wheel Cleaning!

YOU ARE THE MAN!
I have the majority of the items you posted here.
I saw the bucket hooks and flipped out !
Purchased two of them, one for the wheel bucket and one for the wash bucket.
My initial reaction was that they were bit pricey at $20 bucks a piece, but when they arrived and I saw the build quality I was impressed. I didn't want some flimsy plastic thing holding up my expensive tools.
Also purchased a separate set of the Rag Company drying towels for the lower door jams and wheels.
.

 

[_zOmbIE_]

Lots of good tips in here, I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for one of those gloves!

 

[DFB5.0]

YOU ARE THE MAN!
I have the majority of the items you posted here.
I saw the bucket hooks and flipped out !
Purchased two of them, one for the wheel bucket and one for the wash bucket.
My initial reaction was that they were bit pricey at $20 bucks a piece, but when they arrived and I saw the build quality I was impressed. I didn't want some flimsy plastic thing holding up my expensive tools.
Also purchased a separate set of the Rag Company drying towels for the lower door jams and wheels.
.

Excellent!!

The only problem I had with mine was fitting it over a gamma seal lid, a slight tweak made it work though.

 

[kilobravo]

Lots of good tips in here, I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for one of those gloves!

Speaking of which, these showed up yesterday. I'll report back after the next wash.

 

[DFB5.0]

Speaking of which, these showed up yesterday. I'll report back after the next wash.

Hmmm, I was wondering where I remembered those furry hands from....................................and then it clicked.........................

 

[kilobravo]

Hmmm, I was wondering where I remembered those furry hands from....................................and then it clicked.

HILARIOUS, D and you have a darn good memory! Never watched them, (wrong generation,) but it wouldn't surprise me if they actually USED wheel scrubbing gloves as they look identical to the version from CarPro. <laughing hysterically>

 

[DFB5.0]

HILARIOUS, D and you have a darn good memory! Never watched them, (wrong generation,) but it wouldn't surprise me if they actually USED wheel scrubbing gloves as they look identical to the version from CarPro. <laughing hysterically>

This is waaaaay off topic, but it's my thread, so I'm allowing it lol!

Sesame Street was certainly my generation, so it was very present in my younger years. The below clip apparently had a 3-year-old me in hysterics, and I still laugh at 33 years later.



Or this one...........................



As a side note, there was a lot of controversy over Sesame Street in Australia, that an Amercian children's program was teaching young Aussies to speak, as in teaching them American mannerisms and pronunciation. You know the sort, the ones who clean everything with bleach and worry about every little potential problem. In any case, Sesame Street was balanced by Play School and a number of other local produced programs.

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