How to Clean Your Wheels Like a Pro — Step by Step

Want to clean your wheels like a pro? In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to safely remove brake dust, road grime, and dirt — and protect your wheels so they stay cleaner longer!

Even if you wash your car regularly, your wheels take the worst abuse. Hot brake dust, road tar, grime, and oxidation can quickly ruin the look of your wheels — unless you clean them the right way.

Let’s walk through the full process so your wheels look showroom-fresh every time you drive.

What You’ll Need

Pure Magic Cleaner — BUY HERE
Wheel cleaning brushes (soft + barrel brush)
Orange Wash Microfiber Towels — BUY HERE
Massive Drying Towel — BUY HERE
All Dressed Up — BUY HERE or Amazon

Step 1 — Pre-Rinse Your Wheels

Start by giving your wheels a thorough rinse with water. This knocks off loose dirt and helps cool the wheels if they’re hot from driving.

Step 2 — Apply Pure Magic Cleaner

Pure Magic Cleaner is my go-to for wheel cleaning because it safely removes brake dust, mineral buildup, and grime without damaging factory clear-coated wheels.

Spray Pure Magic Cleaner liberally onto one wheel at a time. Let it dwell for 30 seconds to 1 minute — you’ll see brake dust and contamination start to dissolve.

BUY PURE MAGIC CLEANER HERE

Step 3 — Agitate with Wheel Brushes

Using your wheel brushes:

Use a soft face brush for the spokes and face of the wheel
Use a barrel brush to reach deep inside the wheel barrels
Use a small detail brush for lug nuts and tight areas

Agitate gently — let the Pure Magic Cleaner do the work!

Step 4 — Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the entire wheel thoroughly with water to remove all loosened grime and cleaner residue.

If needed, repeat steps 2–4 for very dirty wheels.

Step 5 — Dry Your Wheels

Use your Massive Drying Towel or a dedicated wheel towel to dry the wheels completely. This prevents water spots and prepares the surface for dressing.

BUY MASSIVE DRYING TOWEL HERE

Step 6 — Dress Tires with All Dressed Up

Finish your wheel cleaning by applying All Dressed Up to your tires. This gives them a clean, matte, OEM look — no greasy shine or sling.

Use a foam applicator or dedicated tire sponge to apply a thin, even coat. Let it dry for 10–15 minutes.

BUY ALL DRESSED UP HERE or Amazon

Pro Tips

Clean your wheels and tires first — before washing the paint — so you don’t splash dirt onto clean paint
Don’t use the same towels on your paint that you use on wheels
Always let Pure Magic Cleaner dwell — don’t rush it
Dress tires after they’re fully dry for best results

More Wheel & Tire Guides

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to clean your wheels like a pro — and protect them too!

By using Pure Magic Cleaner and All Dressed Up, you’ll get a deep clean with zero damage and give your tires a fresh, clean look.

Stay tuned for more wheel & tire care tips — and happy detailing!