Best Practices for Cleaning Polished Aluminum Wheels
Polished aluminum wheels are beautiful but fragile. Unlike painted or clear-coated wheels, they’re bare metal, which means the wrong cleaner or towel can permanently scratch or dull the finish. Here’s how to clean them safely like a pro.
Safe Towels for Polished Aluminum
Always use ultra-soft, edgeless microfiber towels to avoid scratches on delicate aluminum finishes.
Jump to: Why Polished Aluminum Needs Special Care • Step-by-Step Cleaning Method • Tools & Towels You Need • Mistakes to Avoid • FAQs
Why Polished Aluminum Needs Special Care
Polished aluminum wheels aren’t painted or clear-coated. They’re bare metal polished to a mirror finish. This makes them:
- Beautiful but fragile: Easily scratched or dulled.
- Prone to oxidation: Without protection, they tarnish quickly.
- Unforgiving: One wrong chemical or towel leaves permanent marks.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Polished Aluminum Wheels
1) Rinse Thoroughly
Start with a strong rinse to remove loose dirt and brake dust. Never wipe dry dirt across polished aluminum—it scratches instantly.
2) Use a Gentle Soap
Mix The Super Soaper in a bucket or foam cannon. Avoid strong cleaners—pH-balanced soap is safest.
3) Soft Wash Mitt or Towel
Instead of brushes, use soft microfiber like the Softer Than Soft Towel. Gently wipe wheels; never scrub.
4) Rinse & Dry
Rinse completely, then blot dry with a microfiber towel. Rubbing while drying risks micro-marring.
5) Protect
Apply a non-abrasive sealant or spray like Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray to slow oxidation.
“I ruined a set of polished wheels years ago with an acid cleaner. Following this method with The Super Soaper and soft towels has kept my new wheels flawless.” – Jake P.
Tools & Towels You Need
- The Super Soaper – safe, pH-balanced soap
- Softer Than Soft Towels – for wiping and drying
- Everyday Microfiber Towels – for less delicate areas
- Blower or compressed air – for drying tight spots without touching
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using acid cleaners: Instantly etches bare aluminum.
- Scrubbing with brushes: Too abrasive for polished metal.
- Air drying: Leaves mineral spots that stain the finish.
- Skipping protection: Leads to fast oxidation.
The Safe Polished Aluminum Kit
Everything you need to keep polished aluminum looking mirror-perfect.
Polished Aluminum Wheel FAQs
What’s the safest cleaner for polished aluminum?
A pH-balanced soap like The Super Soaper. Avoid all acids and harsh chemicals.
Can I polish out scratches?
Yes, but it requires repolishing with metal polish. Prevention is far easier.
Do ceramic sprays work on bare aluminum?
Yes. Tough As Shell bonds to metal surfaces and helps repel dirt and water.
How often should I clean polished aluminum wheels?
Weekly if driven, or after each drive for show cars. The cleaner they stay, the less chance of damage.
Should I wax polished aluminum?
Yes, but use non-abrasive metal sealants or spray ceramics instead of traditional carnauba wax.
