How to clean a pitted rim?

This post covers the best techniques for cleaning pitted rims and removing oxidation. In this article, we will teach you how to clean aluminum rims, deal with pitting, and remove oxidation to restore your rims to their original shine.

How to Clean a Pitted Rim

Cleaning pitted rims can be challenging due to the small, rough areas where dirt and grime settle. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Rinse the Rim: Begin by rinsing off as much dirt and debris as possible using water.
2. Apply Wheel Cleaner: Use a specialized wheel cleaner designed for aluminum or alloy rims. Spray it evenly over the rim.
3. Scrub the Pitted Areas: With a soft-bristle brush, scrub the rim, paying special attention to the pitted areas. For deep pits, you may need a more aggressive approach such as a nylon brush.
4. Polish the Rim: Once clean, apply a metal polish to help restore the shine and protect the rim from future damage.

How to Clean Pitted Rims

For heavily pitted rims, follow these steps:

1. Use an Aluminum Cleaner: Spray the rim with an aluminum cleaner or degreaser that can break down grime stuck in the pits.
2. Scrub the Rim: Use a stiff nylon brush to scrub the pitted areas.
3. Rinse Well: After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse off the cleaner.
4. Polish and Protect: Apply an aluminum polish to smooth out the surface and protect the rims from future pitting.

How to Remove Oxidation from Rims

Oxidation gives rims a dull, chalky appearance. To remove it:

1. Apply a Deoxidizer: Use a deoxidizing product designed for aluminum, such as aluminum brighteners or rim cleaners.
2. Scrub the Surface: Scrub the rims with a brush to remove the oxidation layer.
3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse off the solution with clean water, and dry the rims immediately to prevent water spots.
4. Polish for Shine: Use a metal polish to restore the gloss to your rims and prevent future oxidation.

How to Clean Pitted Aluminum

To clean pitted aluminum:

1. Clean the Surface: Start by using a mild cleaner to remove surface dirt.
2. Sand the Pits: For deeper pitting, gently sand the pitted areas with fine-grit sandpaper (such as 1200-grit) to smooth the surface.
3. Polish the Aluminum: After sanding, apply aluminum polish to bring back the shine.

How to Clean a Very Dirty Rim

For very dirty rims, follow these steps:

1. Rinse Thoroughly: Use a strong stream of water to knock off loose dirt and brake dust.
2. Apply Heavy-Duty Cleaner: Spray a heavy-duty wheel cleaner or degreaser generously onto the rim.
3. Scrub with a Stiff Brush: Use a stiff brush to scrub away stubborn grime, making sure to get into all crevices.
4. Rinse and Repeat: Rinse and repeat the process if necessary until the rim is clean.
5. Polish: Finish by polishing the rim to restore its shine and protect it from future dirt accumulation.

We hope this explanation helps you clean your pitted and dirty rims effectively. By following these steps, you can restore your rims to their original, shiny state and prevent further damage.