Is every wheel cleaner safe for polished or Diamond Cut wheels?

No. Acidic and aggressive alkaline cleaners can attack and dull the clear coat of polished (Diamond Cut) or anodised custom wheels. On sensitive and custom wheels, use only a pH-neutral wheel cleaner or fallout remover such as Great-Lion Bleeding Wheel Cleaner.

Why does a fallout remover turn purple on the wheel?

The purple discolouration (the 'bleeding' effect) is a chemical reaction in which the active ingredients loosen and dissolve embedded brake dust and iron particles (fallout) without damaging the paint or the wheel.

Can I apply wheel cleaner on hot brakes or in direct sunlight?

No, never spray wheel cleaners on hot wheels or in direct sunlight. If the product dries on the wheel, stains or etching may occur. Always let the wheels cool down in the shade first.

Wheel Cleaner

Professional Wheel Cleaner & Fallout Remover

Protect your valuable wheel set with high-quality, pH-neutral wheel cleaners and powerful fallout removers from top brands such as Great-Lion. Without the risk of dull paint or corrosion on custom, polished, powder-coated and Diamond Cut alloy wheels.

Keep Your Wheels Scratch-Free & Clean:
Brake dust, road grime and embedded iron particles (fallout) can permanently damage the clear coat of alloy wheels if not cleaned correctly. Aggressive, acid-based wheel cleaners from the car wash often cause irreversible dullness on polished lips or anodised bolts. At Wheels 'N Customs we select only safe, professional wheel cleaners and fallout removers (such as the well-known Great-Lion Bleeding Wheel Cleaner) that clean deep while preserving your clear coat or glass coating.

1. Compare: Which Wheel Cleaner Do You Need?

Choose the right cleaning product based on the type of contamination and your wheel finish:

Cleaner Type	Action & Features	Diamond Cut & Custom Wheels	Coated Wheels
pH-Neutral Wheel Cleaner	Safe, mild cleaner for weekly washes and light brake dust.	100% Safe	100% Safe
Fallout Remover (e.g. Great-Lion Iron)	Purple colour-change effect. Loosens baked-on iron particles and brake dust.	Safe (pH-neutral)	Safe
Alkaline Degreaser (Extreme Clean)	Powerful degreaser for very dirty tyres and stubborn road grime.	Use caution on bare metal	Safe when diluted
Acidic Cleaner (Acid)	Very aggressive acid. Known from cheap car washes.	DANGER (Causes damage)	Not recommended

2. Our Detailing & Wheel Care Categories

Great-Lion Iron Fallout Remover

Removes invisible baked-on iron particles and brake dust with the well-known purple colour effect. Essential for a thorough deep clean without damaging the paintwork.

pH-Neutral Maintenance Cleaners

Ideal for the weekly maintenance wash. Does not affect existing wax layers or ceramic glass coatings and is safe for gloss black and polished wheels.

Soft Wheel Brushes & Microfibre

Clean without scratches! Use ultra-soft microfibre wheel brushes and detailing brushes for the tricky corners around wheel bolts and valves.

Wheel Protection & Glass Coating

Prevent brake dust from baking in again. Protect your wheels after cleaning with a heat-resistant wheel wax or professional ceramic wheel glass coating.

3. Step-by-Step: Scratch-Free Wheel Cleaning Like a Pro

01.

Cool Down & Rinse Off

Let the brakes and wheels cool down completely in the shade. First thoroughly rinse off loose sand and dirt with a pressure washer.

02.

Spray On & Dwell

Evenly mist the Great-Lion wheel cleaner or fallout remover onto the wheel and brake calliper. Allow it to work for 3 to 5 minutes (do not let it dry out!).

03.

Agitate with Brush

Use a soft microfibre wheel brush for the barrel and a soft brush for the bolt holes and centre cap to loosen dirt.

04.

Rinse Thoroughly & Dry

Rinse the wheel thoroughly with plenty of water. Dry the wheel with a soft drying towel to prevent water spots.

? Important Warning for Custom & Diamond Cut Wheels

Do you have custom polished wheels, assembled 2-piece/3-piece wheels with anodised bolts or polished Diamond Cut accents? Never use aggressive acid-based cleaners from the car parts store or car wash. These cause so-called 'white rust' (white corrosion spots under the clear coat). Always choose our certified pH-neutral wheel cleaners from, among others, Great-Lion!

4. Frequently Asked Questions about Wheel Cleaning

Can I use wheel cleaner on wheels with a ceramic glass coating?

Yes, provided you choose a pH-neutral wheel cleaner or fallout remover. Because coated wheels are water- and dirt-repellent, a mild pH-neutral cleaner is often sufficient to spray off all brake dust effortlessly without affecting the coating layer.

Why does a fallout remover turn purple during cleaning?

The purple discolouration (also called the 'bleeding' effect) is an active chemical reaction. The ingredients in the product bind to microscopic iron particles originating from your brake discs and brake pads. As soon as it turns purple, you know the iron is being dissolved and can be safely rinsed off.

How often should I clean my alloy wheels?

We recommend cleaning your wheels briefly every 1 to 2 weeks with a mild wheel cleaner or car shampoo. Use a fallout remover once a month to deeply remove stubborn baked-on iron particles.

100% pH-Neutral Safe No damage to paint or polished finishes

Includes Fallout Effect Powerful purple colour-changing deep clean

Available for Immediate Delivery From our own stock in Nijkerk

Free Shipping On orders from € 250 incl. VAT

Need Advice on the Best Maintenance for Your Wheel Set?

Are you unsure which cleaning product is safe for your specific brand or wheel finish? Feel free to contact the experts at Wheels 'N Customs!

Request Maintenance Advice → View Our Glass Coating Services