Extreme alloy wheel clean brake dust removal guide using vinegar, caustic soda and WD-40. How to

This how2everystep video shows you how I use distilled vinegar to clean really dirty allow wheels, and then use Caustic Soda to remove baked on brake dust and then finally use WD-40 to remove tar deposits. In 10 easy to follow steps. EXTREME BRAKE DUST REMOVAL FROM ALLOY WHEELS!
Every Step Summary
Step 1: Vinegar Cleaner Preparation
Step 2: Vinegar Spray the Wheels
Step 3: Vinegar Scrub & Jet Wash
Step 4: Caustic Soda Preparation
Step 5: Caustic Soda spray the wheels
Step 6: Scrub with Caustic Soda
Step 7: Hose Wash
Repeat Step 5,6,7
Step 8: Spray with WD-40
Step 9: Scrub with WD-40
Step 10: Final Jet Wash
Tools / Materials Required
1: Spray Bottles x 2
2: Microfibre Cloths
3: Paint brush
4: Tooth brush
5: White / Distilled Vinegar + Washing-Up Liquid
6: Caustic Soda / Sodium Hydroxide / Lye
7: Mixing Jars, utensils, funnel and scales etc
8: PPE: Thick long rubber gloves, safety glasses / face mask, overalls
9: WD-40
10: Jet wash & hose
Amazon Links (to follow)
1: Spray Bottles
2: Microfibre Cloths
3: Paint brush
4: Tooth brush
5: White / Distilled Vinegar + Washing-Up Liquid
6: Caustic Soda / Sodium Hydroxide / Lye
7: Mixing Jars, utensils, funnel and scales etc
8: PPE: Thick long rubber gloves, safety glasses / face mask, overalls
9: WD-40
10: Jet wash & hose

[@patrickmcfly3264]

Excellent video, didn't know sodium hydroxide can be use to remove baked in break dust! Can't waited to see your wheel refurbishment video!

[@patrickmcfly3264]

Liked and Subscribed!

[@How2EveryStep]

Thanks Patric! It works a treat - but make sure you wash it off thoroughly - as it can damage laquer and corrode aluminium.... cheers Colin

[@Penryn87]

Its basically.. hah ha chemistry joke lol.. but yes it’s oven cleaner.

[@DEVONLAD11]

@@Penryn87 Toilet cleaner works well as well

[@timmorodgers4271]

I've got a set of 5 wheels that are absolutely caked in 20 years worth of brake dust. I don't want to pay too much for specialised alloy cleaning products so will give this method a try, thanks.

[@How2EveryStep]

Yer these wheels were 15 to 20 years old and it worked a treat. Good luck :)

[@timmorodgers4271]

@@How2EveryStep Had a go this afternoon and it shifted 95% of the built up brake dust and gunk. What little is left is greatly softened so should scrub away quite easily, these wheels were really bad and this technique has saved me the cost of a refurb- I'm dead chuffed! Many thanks!

[@How2EveryStep]

@@timmorodgers4271 Hi Timmo! Im really glad the technique worked on your wheels! Thanks for your good feedback! Cheers Colin

[@emichels]

We have a product named 'Extra Strength Purple Power' in the US for $7 that requires no high power wash. Just spraying, bit of scrubbing, and rinsing with a garden hose. Just did my wheels today with it. Just don't let it dry on the metal. Spray, scrub, rinse -- quickly and you will be fine.

[@barryhughes1612]

Very good vid Colin!

[@How2EveryStep]

Thanks Barry. Glad you liked it :)

[@user-ez7oe6gl9b]

Excellent thanks alot

[@seropserop]

Is this safe for the clear coat on the face?

[@How2EveryStep]

Hi there. Yes it's been fine for all my alloys. make sure you wash off the Sodium Hydroxide thoroughly to avoid discoloration of the clear coat...

[@iansummers6749]

“Washing up liquid”, is it not called dish soap outside the states (where I’m from)? Not being a jerk, legit asking.

[@How2EveryStep]

Hi Ian. I am not sure I understand the question?

[@iansummers6749]

@@How2EveryStep I’m asking if the substance you’re calling “washing up liquid” goes by any other names where you’re from, or if that’s just what everyone calls it there? Like here in the US we would just call it “dish soap”, but I’m sure it’s got a bunch of names in different places.

[@williamb4726]

@@iansummers6749 everyone calls it 'washing up liquid' in the UK. You'll find there are many differences in wording between UK and US English

[@iansummers6749]

@@williamb4726 definitely. Brits have the best figures of speech and euphemisms.

[@rubberkas2]

What an absolute faff when there are safer manufacturers products available !!!

[@rjprz5929]

This is useful if you don't have the time or money to buy the proper products, so don't judge. At the end of the day is on you what you want to do, your not forced to do anything if you fine a better solution then good for you, but don't criticize the man. Is always good to have some knowledge.

[@rubberkas2]

@@rjprz5929 I'd rather use something that is less hazardous to health, and it's still not a crime to have a different opinion the last time I looked, so I'll thank you not to criticise my opinion either !

[@rjprz5929]

@@rubberkas2 you have a point there , your opinion is as valuable as any other person, and yes there are safer ways to clean but, the way you put it sound like your almost accusing the man for giving you different options to clean some rims, when like I said before your not forced to do It this way.