I cleaned clear coated aluminum rims today. At first I just used soap, 3 different scrub brushes and a scotchbrite pad.

There were dark spots in the "corners" and deep in the wheel where the brake dust would not come off even with the scotchbrite pad (rougher sand cast areas). I had a wheel solution that I forgot about and gave it a try. Wow, it cleaned everything with just a gentle srubbing action after a 30 second soak. I strongly recommended it: Meguiar's Hot Rims All Wheel Cleaner. It works.

Edited July 10, 201114 yr by Blue

Meguiar's Hot Rims has always worked great for me. They also make a different version for chrome wheels that performs just as well.