How to Clean Oxidation Off of Alloy Wheels

All the debris, dirt, minerals, salts, moisture and brake dust that collects on your alloy rims can really make the rims look awful. Fortunately, cleaning oxidation stains off of aluminum alloy rims is done by simply exposing the oxidation to an acid. A safe acid mixture of household items can be made right on your stove top and then rubbed onto the alloy until the oxidation stains are gone.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 quart of water
  • 2 tablespoons of vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Cooking pot
  • Stove
  • Rags
  • Hose and water source
  • Pour the water, vinegar, cream of tartar and lemon juice into the cooking pot.

  • Stir the mixture as you bring it to a boil.

  • Take the pan of the aluminum cleaning mixture out to your alloy rims.

  • Dip the rag in the solution.

  • Scrub the alloy rims with the solution. Keep the rag and rim wet with the solution until the rim is clean.

  • Wash off the rim with a water hose.