10 Best Rim Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Armor All Car Brake Cleaner Dust Repellent serves as both a cleaner and a protective agent for tires, wheels, and rims. It stands out by forming an invisible barrier that helps keep rims cleaner for up to four weeks, which means less frequent cleaning is needed. This protective feature is a big plus for anyone looking to maintain their wheels' appearance without too much effort.

The SONAX Wheel Cleaner Plus stands out with its powerful, non-acid, and pH-balanced formula, making it suitable for all types of factory-installed wheels. This includes chrome, aluminum, steel, clear-coated, painted, plastic, and even magnesium finishes. Its enhanced cleaning power is noteworthy, being 30% stronger than its predecessor, SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect. This makes it particularly effective for tackling the tough brake dust and grime commonly found on European car wheels, such as Mercedes, Audi, and BMW. A unique feature is the visual cleaning action; the solution changes color as it works, giving a clear indication of its effectiveness. It sprays on clear and turns deep red or purple, signaling its interaction with iron particles and other contaminants.

The SONAX Full Effect Wheel Cleaner is a strong choice if you're looking for a rim cleaner that tackles tough brake dust, oil, and road grime effectively. Its pH-neutral and acid-free formula means it’s gentle on a wide variety of wheel types—including painted, alloy, chrome, stainless steel, and more—so you don't have to worry about damage or fading. A standout feature is its color-changing action: the cleaner sprays on green and shifts to red or purple as it works, giving you a clear visual cue when the dirt is being dissolved. This makes it easier to know when to rinse off, which is quite handy if you want to avoid guesswork.