Cleaning rims

I have a 2003 with the 6 bolt factory wheels. They are getting stained, how to clean them without damaging the finish?

 

i used oven cleaner to great effect. spray on wait 2 minutes and brush off with an old tooth brush. wash afterwards with soapy water. later painted hub caps.

bear in mind mine are severely damage and stained. still has curb rash and some staining towards inside but significantly better. if yours are just moderately stained then this will probably make them like new.
i tried several methods and products and this method was by far the easiest cheapest fastest and most effective. even cheap oven cleaner works fine.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/official-ask-a-detailer-thread.8957/

 

I've tried most every commercial cleaner out there in the last 40+ years. The brake compound in my wifes BMW leave the wheels really nasty. My Tacoma's not bad. I hadn't been able to get her wheels clean. I even screwed up one wheel trying a Magic Eraser on it. The only times the wheels were "right" was when it came from dealer service wash. One trip at dealer I went out and asked the wash guys what they use. Straight Simple Green. They have access to the commercial stuff, but don't use it.
Simple Green's now in the detail box.

 

Thanks for this! I've tried like 5 different things... Guess I'll stop by the store this weekend.

 

I’ve always heard Simple Green damages the aluminum, this is good to hear!

 

Well if that does not turn out to your satisfaction you can always try what I did.
The factory finish on my 2003 mags was so badly pitted that I took it off completely with wire brushes on a hand drill.
Painted the plastic lug covers as well. I then clearcoated everything. I am very happy with the finish now.

 

with my wheels mentioned above i started with simple green. didn't even touch my staining. it won't hurt these wheels because our wheels have a thick paint over the aluminum. its probably bad for mag wheels.

 

Just gave my 03 the oven cleaner trick and it worked I will be painting these when the weather gets better