The shiny and flashy appearance of polished chrome rims is appealing to many car owners. Chrome rims are also popular due to their durability and resistance to extreme temperatures. Dirt, salt and brake dust inevitably accumulate on chrome rims, causing them to appear dull and dingy. Frequent cleaning protects chrome rims from corrosion, restores their original shine and allows them last longer. Certain cleaning solutions and supplies are effective at cleaning and polishing chrome rims.
Park the vehicle in the shade to allow the rims to cool down. Do not attempt to clean warm or hot chrome rims or spots may appear on the chrome.
Spray the first rim and wheel with a fine mist of water from a garden hose. Completely rinse off all loose surface dirt, road salt and brake dust.
Fill a 5-gallon plastic bucket halfway with water from the garden hose. Add 1/2 cup of liquid dish detergent to the water.
Spray water from the garden hose into the bucket to create suds. Soak a chamois cloth thoroughly in the soapy solution.
Wipe the chamois cloth gently over the entire rim. Apply light, even pressure to prevent removing or scratching the chrome finish.
Rinse the rim with water from the garden hose to remove soap and loose debris. Spray the crevices of the rim to ensure no dirt or grime remains in hidden areas.
Drench the cloth in the solution and rub it over the entire rim, including the tiny crevices and hidden areas. Apply more pressure to the cloth this time.
Rinse the chrome rim with water from the garden hose to thoroughly remove all soap and grime. Allow the rim to air dry to prevent harming the delicate finish.
Repeat the entire cleaning process on each chrome rim. Allow all of the rims to air dry completely.
Apply chrome polish designed specifically for chrome rims to a clean chamois cloth. Buff each clean rim with the polish according to the polish manufacturer's directions.
