IMPORTANT: Use CLR® Calcium Lime Rust on chrome or stainless steel rims ONLY. Follow the instructions below for your type of rims on your truck / car.
Brake dust wheel and tire cleaner should definitely work! If that doesn't cut it, you can try a more intense cleaner, but a pressure wash and wheel and tire cleaner with a scrub brush should work great.
Do not use CLR on wood, clothing, wallpaper, carpeting, marble, terrazzo, natural stone, colored grout, painted or metallic glazed surfaces, plastic laminates, Formica or aluminum.
3) Using acidic cleaners (or common dish soap)
Acid will scrub off the brake dust; we'll give you that. But a clear coat will go away along with the dust. And we don't want that to happen. The clear coat protects the rim and makes it look nice.
Clay bar can remove a little more than vinegar will. If neither of those work, then you will need a polish to take care of them. NOT a metal polish, as your wheels are clear coated. A paint polish is what you want.
With the same CLR® Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover and water solution, you can also clear up any surface rust you might notice, especially on chrome or steel wheel rims. Avoid painted surfaces, and do not use on rims that are plastic or steel alloy, as the acids may cause etching.
This process can be used on sink or shower drains. White vinegar is a natural solution that can be utilized to dissolve calcium buildup. Sitting overnight, you will be able to remove lime buildup from the drain while avoiding the harsh chemicals in traditional drain cleaners.
Especially when it comes to a car having alloy wheels, you should have to pay more attention to its cleaning. Here a method given to clean the wheels from dirt, grease, and oil is WD-40. You can clean your wheels through it to maintain its longevity.
Dirty rims and wheels can take the joy out of any ride. Thankfully, Dawn® cleans everything from baked-on to braked on messes. So take a quick pit stop to clean your brake dust and make those tire rims and wheels shine like new.
CLR Is Aggressive And Has Corrosive Properties
This creates a chemical reaction that damages the metal and can even release fumes you don't want to breathe in.
Vinegar is safer to use than CLR. CLR has some strong chemicals in it, so you need to be careful when you use it.
Apply directly to the stain with a brush, cloth or sponge. After 2 minutes rinse promptly with cold water. Never leave Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover on an area for longer than two minutes. If the stain does not disappear, repeat this process and add more Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover solution as necessary.
Leaving vinegar on your wheels can lead to corrosion – which can cause potential safety and mechanical problems down the road. While all the cleaning solutions above work, it will take more of your time to mix and create your product; some more than others.
If there are any tough areas of oxidation left over, soak them in water and then use 40-60 grit sandpaper to tackle them. Wrap your sandpaper around a wooden block to get an adequate purchase, and then rub the sandpaper from side to side along the corroded area using as much pressure as possible.
Add Dawn dish soap to the vinegar. Aim for approximately one part soap to 10 parts vinegar. Screw on the cap, then shake the bottle to mix. Note: You could buy dedicated brake dust cleaner solution, but I find this inexpensive homemade cleaner works great 95% of the time.
Don't go scrub crazy
But for ceramic, glass, aluminum, enameled or nonstick pots and pans, reach for a less-abrasive nylon-mesh pad, and leave the heavy lifting to Dawn.
Baked on brake dust can be a nightmare for alloy wheels and brake discs as it is notoriously difficult to remove, which is why you will be using the isopropyl alcohol solution.
Avoid abrasive cleaning materials such as harsh brushes or steel wool when cleaning alloy wheels. Use a gentle car wash solution and soft microfibre cloth to clean wheels regularly. Be cautious during tire changes and avoid using tools that could scratch the wheel surface.
Meguiar's Hot Rims Black Wheel Cleaner, Best Cleaner For Matte Black Wheels, G230524, 24 oz.
Aluminum Rims
Get rid of road dirt, grease and tar by using a degreaser and cleaners like dish detergent and baking soda! Mix your dish detergent with equal parts water and clean your rims using a soft cloth. Then sprinkle baking soda on the rough side of a sponge and go over your rims again, and finally rinse off.
CLR not only removes Calcium, Limescale and Rust. The versatile solution can also effectively remove Mineral Deposits, Salt, Oxidation, Algae, Fibreglass/Gel Coat Yellowing and Soap Scum. Suitable on a large range of surfaces & usages inside and outside the home and worksite.
Final Verdict. The best overall hard water stain remover is CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Action Cleaner.
Use vinegar or another acidic cleaner to clean calcium buildup from your toilet. The acid will break down the mineral deposits so you can brush them away. Be sure to take the necessary safety precautions when working with cleaners. Wear gloves and eyewear and open windows for ventilation.