Alloy wheel cleaning

[KennethS]

I recently acquired some Canyon wheels and they need a bit of spiffing up. Last time I had alloy wheels (in the 80s) I used a cleaner that had phosphoric acid, which apparently these days will cause all life as we know it to cease to exist. So anyone have a recommendation on a wheel cleaner that has enough balls to remove the dog/cat piss that’s on at least one of these wheels? All of the stuff I saw at the parts store today raved about removing brake dust, but that ain’t what ails these wheels.

 

[Rut Row]

phosphoric acid and a VOC rated respirator?

 

[KennethS]

And some rubber gloves.

Another question for those who have similar wheels - are these supposed to be coated or are they bare alloy? They have been in the Arizona sun for quite a while, and with the surface crustiness it's hard to tell.

 

[BlueC]

are these supposed to be coated or are they bare alloy?

They should be anodized, as 99% of factory aluminum wheels are. The coating can become damaged over the years and flake off, or some unassuming dumbass might have used a chemical cleaner too harsh and melted it off in the past. To check, get some mag/aluminum polish on a rag and lightly rub a few spots like you're polishing it. If it turns black the coating is gone, at least in that spot. If it stays clean, the coating is there.

Either way, start with the least aggressive cleaner and work your way up. Expect to wash them a few times. I'd start with dish soap/water, then move to a good "safe" cleaner like Maguire's. I like these two.

If you need to go further you're likely not saving the finish, or if you want to remove the anodized finish use oven cleaner, then you will have to polish the wheels.