Do spray-on / hose-off wheel cleaners really work and are they safe?
Most types of spray-on / hose-off cleaners that are relatively safe to use are only 70-80% effective. Even the more aggressive wheel cleaners that are spray-on / hose-off formulas are still only 80-90% effective. The more effective that a spray-on / hose-off wheel cleaner is, the more cautious you must be. Not all damage to the wheel becomes noticeable immediately. Wheels that have a buildup of dirt, road grime and brake dust cannot be cleaned without light agitation. Wheels and painted surfaces have an electro-static charge that is inherent in their structure and act like magnets that cause grime and brake dust to adhere to their surfaces. Chemicals by themselves, even those formulated with more aggressive ingredients, at best, can only remove approximately 90% of the buildup. To get 100% effectiveness some agitation must be performed with a wheel and tire brush.
