Cleaning Chrome Wheels Using Clay

Use a medium grade detailing clay bar to remove embedded brake dust from wheels.

All the tiny contaminants that stick to your vehicle’s body also stick to the wheels. Add brake dust on top of that. Detailing clay is a fantastic tool for removing embedded contamination from wheels. Griot’s Garage Wheel Cleaning Clay is made especially for claying wheels. The good thing about this product is that you have a clearly labeled jar so it’s less likely you’ll confuse the wheel clay with the regular detail clay you use on the paint. You should not mix them up! Always avoid cross-contamination between wheels and paint.

Always use wheel detailing clay after cleaning the wheel but before polishing or waxing.

Spray the wheel generously with Griot’s Garage Speed Shine or another slippery clay lubricant.

Take a quarter of the clay bar and flatten it into a patty over your fingers. Then rub the clay over the wheel. Take care to get between spokes and wherever you can see pitting or black spots.

Fold the clay to reveal a clean side as it becomes soiled.

When you’re done with each wheel, use the clay lubricant or quick detailer to remove any clay residue and wipe the wheel clean.

Do the same on all four wheels.