If you have a pressure washer, use this to provide a stronger stream of water.
To reach in and scrub inside the spokes, use a cone brush. To get around the lug nuts, use a lug nut brush. Both kinds of brushes should be available at mechanic shops. A soft-bristled brush will prevent you from scratching the finish on the wheel.
A soft-bristled brush is a bad fit for the wheel wells. You need soft bristles on the wheel surfaces and stiff bristles on the wheel wells.
Avoid rubbing in circles as it will lead to a streaky finish. An example aluminum polish is Wolfgang Metallwerk Fine Aluminum Polish, but any polish designed for bare aluminum should do the trick. You can find these kinds of polishes online, at a superstore, or at a mechanics shop.
Polish the lug nuts once you have finished the surface of the wheel.
Always use new towels at each step in the process so you’re not rubbing polish or dirt back in when wiping the wheels clean.
You can also protect the aluminum with a metal sealant, which works like wax to protect against oxidation. [11] X Research source A wax or sealant will prevent your aluminum wheels from breaking down and help repel dirt. [12] X Expert Source Chad ZaniAuto Detailing Expert Expert Interview. 2 October 2019.
You can repeat this process weekly to avoid having to polish your wheels as often. Simply rinse wheels with water, wipe them dry with a clean rag, and then apply the wax.
