How to Wash Wheels & Tires Using a Foam Cannon


Jimbo Balaam on

Here’s how to use your foam cannon to clean wheels and tires effectively.

How to Wash Wheels & Tires Using a Foam Cannon


How to Wash Wheels & Tires Using a Foam Cannon

Your wheels and tires collect the most dirt and brake dust. Here’s how to safely clean them with a foam cannon for pro-level results.

When most people think of foam cannons, they picture a car covered in thick white suds. But your wheels and tires need attention too. They’re constantly exposed to brake dust, road grime, and grease — all of which can quickly build up and damage surfaces if ignored. The good news? A foam cannon makes wheel and tire cleaning safer and more efficient.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to use your foam cannon to deep clean wheels and tires, what products to use, and how to protect your finish afterward.

Quick Answer: Pre-rinse wheels, apply a wheel cleaner like Pure Magic Cleaner through your foam cannon, agitate with brushes, rinse, and finish with All Dressed Up to restore a clean, matte finish.

Step 1: Pre-Rinse Wheels and Tires

Start by blasting away loose dirt with a hose or pressure washer. This removes the heavy buildup so your foam and brushes can work more effectively.

Step 2: Foam with Wheel Cleaner

Fill your foam cannon with water and add 2–3 ounces of Pure Magic Cleaner. Apply a thick layer of foam across the wheel face, barrels, lug nuts, and tires. The foam clings to vertical surfaces, giving the cleaner time to break down brake dust and grime.

Step 3: Agitate with Brushes

Use different brushes for each part of the wheel:

  • Barrel brush: Reaches deep inside the wheel.
  • Detail brush: Gets into lug nut holes and tight spots.
  • Tire brush: Scrubs browning and dirt from rubber.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse top-to-bottom until the foam and dirt are completely gone. Repeat the foaming and agitation process if necessary for heavily soiled wheels.

Step 5: Dry and Dress

Use a microfiber towel to dry wheel faces, then apply All Dressed Up to the tires and plastic trim. This restores a factory-fresh matte finish without the greasy shine of old-school tire dressings.

Wheel & Tire Foam Cannon Kit

Get spotless wheels and a clean, satin tire finish with Pure Magic Cleaner and All Dressed Up.

Shop Pure Magic Cleaner Shop All Dressed Up

Common Mistakes When Cleaning Wheels

  • Using car soap on wheels: Regular soap won’t cut through brake dust.
  • Reusing brushes on paint: Brake dust is abrasive — keep wheel tools separate.
  • Skipping protection: Clean wheels get dirty fast without a dressing or sealant.

Pro Tips for Wheels & Tires

  • Seal wheels with a ceramic spray like Tough As Shell to make future cleanings easier.
  • Use separate towels and brushes just for wheels and tires.
  • Always clean wheels first — they’re the dirtiest part of the car.

Final Thoughts

A foam cannon isn’t just for paint — it’s a powerful tool for wheels and tires too. By pairing Pure Magic Cleaner with the right brushes and finishing with All Dressed Up, you’ll get spotless wheels, clean tires, and a professional finish that makes your car stand out.

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