Super Clean vs Wheel Brightener: Acid vs Base Wheel Cleaner!

[@shawnamison2485]

All cleaners have their time and place. I enjoy the science behind how they work and where they work. Alkaline cleaners are great on grease, dirt, and natural stains, where acids clean rust, calcium deposits, brake dust, and things like that. I use superclean (a base) and vinegar (an acid) all over my house, not just my car. Although not at the same time for obvious reasons. Vinegar is great at removing salt stains from carpets and floor mats, since we get a lot of road salt in the winter time around here. Like I said, each cleaner has a place in detailing and I dont see why you wouldn't have both on hand!

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Definitely! Both have their places!

[@gsjourney3054]

Oh wow so now I know how to get salt stains out I really tried everything even using a carpet cleaner and it’s still in there so thanks gonna try that out vinegar has great purposes

[@ericktapia5698]

I use super clean and an acidic based cleaner. For car wash appointments that are on our reoccurring plan for every week, 2 weeks max I just use super clean. For first time vehicles that are hammered I use an acidic based cleaner. For aftermarket wheel I use P&S breakbuster or APC.

[@daniksautodetailing3085]

I usually watch my videos on KZbin sped up to x1.5 or x2.0.... but you talk fast enough to not speed up haha, I love it!!!

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Hahahaha right!

[@cristalmunroe4643]

First time using super clean and just love this stuff .

[@salvatorelattero8236]

The answer to the question will super clean react to bare metal is yes very much so. Diluted 4 to 1 on a bare aluminum wheel, super clean reacted not to the extent that the acidic wheel brightener would do, but enough that it caused me to polish the wheel for another 30 additional minutes.

[@supercharged00gtp]

Great video and explanation of each product. I normally spray my wheel brightener, then hit the tires and wheel wells with degreaser. Then circle back to scrub the wheels, then my smaller brush on tires, and long handle for wheel wells then rinse all at one time. Unless it's too hot and need to avoid the WB from drying on the wheels.

[@h4x0rm30]

Good video, I love what acidic wheel cleaners can do! I'm a huge fan of Poorboys World Spray & Rinse wheel cleaner, which I assume is similar to Megs Wheel Brightener. Caked on brake dust melts right off, and with a little agitation most wheels will look factory new afterwards.

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Love it!!! Sounds like a great product I will have to try!

[@AntLive29]

video starts at 4:25

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

Holy Curb Rash Batman! Also, even distilled water is slightly less than 7 pH but then again we're probably splitting hairs in your man-bun ;-) Great video - I believe you're absolutely correct about "safe for" cleaners - even most modern non-OE wheels can take a fair amount of abuse chemical wise - I would mainly be concerned about really cheap "chrome" clad/painted ones where that chrome coating might react with anything more aggressive than facial soap....

[@wilsonautodetailing]

hahahahahaha I love it!

[@KatrinaTrys]

Being new to Super Clean (today was the first time I used it & LOVED it,) since the price is $10 a gallon to the other at almost $30 a gallon, could you not get the same results with 2 passes of SC.? Still have the same results & still save money? Honest question..

[@dossegundos7145]

Katrina Georgia Girl Mmm probably not a good comparison, SC needs to be full strength, MWB works well even with an 8-1 dilution, 5-1 is the strongest recommended dilution ratio. In other words in the long run the MWB is cheaper. Either one works, I will use the SC for the inner inside part of the wheels due to the most grease and dirt built up, assuming you want cleaner wheels and spend up to 25 mins per wheel, cleaning it, cleaning the tire and dressing it.

[@joel4210]

You can get Meguiar’s Wheel Brightener for $19.99 on DetailedImage.com with free shipping (promo).

[@jimmyjimmy7240]

I just cleaned some chrome rims with meguiars wheel brightener and ohhhhh boy did they get clean and then look like shit because of insane white spots. I fixed the issue but great learning experience.

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Definitely a good learning experience!

[@jimmyjimmy7240]

Wilson Auto Detailing Yea, I'm still learning the difference in metals and what is coated or finished. I'm assuming the chrome wasn't coated but was finished and I pretty much wiped the finish off and brought it down to bare chrome. I used a chrome cleaner and then a polish and they looked better than ever. Customer went from very angry to getting me a lot of referrals.

[@skzion2]

Luke, just because pure water has a pH of 7 it does follow that anything with a pH of 7 is water.

[@MichaelBrown-oy1gg]

Great scientific info. Good job. This is important.

[@JoseAlvarez-rz6sl]

Damm pre med really ? WELL THAT explains it all your a very intelligent man that has the ability to do anything as well as creating new detailing products as Dallas correction paint does .I enjoy and love everything you do for us thank you my friend.

[@1974MRyan]

Another very informative video from Wilson Auto Detailing. Impressed by Luke's ability to explain some complex issues in an easily understandable and useful way. Thank You!!

[@stevegorkowski3246]

Ph neutral cleaners use detergents to clean. They normally foam to lift the dirt or grease. Using non ph neutral cleaners can be hard on your health and the item you clean.

[@larrydavid5355]

Can you just use white vinegar to dissolve brake dust and clean your wheels?

[@wilsonautodetailing]

I wouldn’t use it just because it’s not as effective

[@ZombieFeathers]

What if you cross wheel brightener and superclean while cleaning tires and wheels? My first experience with wheel brightener: Start scrubbing with spoke brush, pull it back, and sling product all over my face/eyes. Haha, learned pretty quick to keep my face out of the way.

[@wilsonautodetailing]

hahahahahahahha aYa you need to be careful for sure

[@AteebTallaat]

Can I spray this on the tire as well? I have a brush to brush and agitate it. 30 secs or 5 mins dwell time?

[@Charlestondetailers]

What do you do about rotors after a heavy wheel cleaning? Usually they will have that light surface layer of rust until the brake pads remove it, but even then it's not attractive or professional looking... any suggestions??

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Roll the car back when you get done and lightly hit the brakes it will take it right off

[@samcrawford3281]

How does it work with baked on brake dust that doesn’t come out even with hard scrubbing. Especially in the wheel barrels?

[@jonpg28]

I have used cleaners on my fuel wheels that are low gloss matte bronze and they have a white residue that does not wipe off how can i remove this

[@every_thing_wood1251]

So have both on hand?

[@samochoa6733]

The meguiars turned the area where the wheel had damage black. Why? Did it go away once the product dried?

[@nesco7615]

Great video brother.

[@lizardfirefighter110]

Nice presentation Luke!

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Thanks man!

[@Ryboybo]

Is Wheel Brightener effective on tires? Or should I use something else on the rubber?

[@gregcarterfineart]

Thanks for the great info. Since 'Extra Tough' is a degreaser, can I dillute it 5/1 and clean wheels in a similar fashion?

[@SZPILTTMAN]

Can Super clean® (diluted obviously) be used as an all porpuse cleaner for the car interior?

[@steveshields2293]

Yes

[@markharootunian775]

Do the acid-based cleaners affect the brake hardware?

[@wilsonautodetailing]

They do not

[@TraumaChaplain]

So, does the acid cleaner stain concrete driveways and how do you mitigate that if so?

[@wilsonautodetailing]

It does not

[@waynecarney8635]

I note super clean can melt the clear coat on chrome plated rims. Or plastic coated rims is that the case .

[@bboylorettoEight08]

Great video but you use this diluted amount for wheels only or can use it for interior too ?

[@positivevibes4957]

Will I be able to use the super clean diluted 5:1 on my 2007 Nissan Altima Aluminum rims?

[@Angel_Peg]

Yes

[@PereraN]

Love your videos man, please keep them coming. Hey I was watching another video on wheel cleaner you did back in 2017, you mentioned MWB is costly compared with Purple Power, and prefer to use PP on wheels. Now I'm confused..LoL

[@johnrohrs9482]

If I’m not sure what kind of metal my wheels are, and there is curb rash and peeling of the coating on them, which wheel cleaner is safer...basic or acidic?

[@cbbuddydavis]

Luke, if I have a ‘hammered’ wheel that is brake dust-ridden, can I mix the Wheel Brightner stronger and not damage the factory wheel? I don’t have a steamer to break it down (like you did in another video).

[@LadyJustice86]

The drivers really like getting curb rash.

[@RogersRaceReady]

I would love to know what you recommend for black satin wheels ? Thanks I'm having a hard time finding something that works good

[@wilsonautodetailing]

good question! A lot of times I will actually use an APC for those as crazy as that sounds

[@icymike9649]

If its hammered use citrol 266 aerosol

[@thecapitalist2highoctane956]

Good wheel vid Luke 👍

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Thanks my man!

[@patrickguida3979]

HELP: Its too late to panic. So please teach or explain. I used 5 to1 Super Clean to clean a set of wheels. End result was like a splash stain and spot markings people around say it was acid. I believe what you said. What was it and is a cure or ease treatment?

[@llwizzoll]

Patrick Guida only use soap and water from now on

[@trapcracker]

Great video Luke. I like how you always bring up the chemical properties of an acid, which proves that just because Wheel Brightener is an acid does not mean that it is unsafe. People who are scared of acidic wheel cleaners generally have no understanding of basic chemistry. Keep it up brother!

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Thanks my man! You’re so right hahahahaha! People read a forum and then freak with acid cleaners

[@lizardfirefighter110]

trapcracker 😂😂 “BASIC” Chemistry! 😂

[@anonymouse7074]

Do you have any videos on cleaning the inside of the wheel? One with embedded brake dust?

[@jimmyjimmy7240]

Luke, I screwed some chrome rims with meguiars Wheel brightener, fixed them though. Would you recommend using super clean for those types of metals? Will it also damage those?

[@wilsonautodetailing]

I would recommend using a non acidic wheel cleaner from nano skin

[@jimmyjimmy7240]

Wilson Auto Detailing thanks boss

[@patrickguida3979]

@@jimmyjimmy7240 How did you fix the rim's ???

[@jimmyjimmy7240]

@@patrickguida3979 Three items. I may have been able to use two but I used three just in case. 1. Meguiars Hot Rims: they have All Wheel Cleaner, Chrome Cleaner, Aluminum Cleaner. The customer didn't know what the rims were made of so I bought them all 🤣. This was the just in case item. Wanted to reclean them properly for the polishing step. 2. White Diamond Metal Polish 3. Grade #0000 Steel Wool. Recleaned them with the Meguiars, then polished them using the steel wool, then buffed off with a microfiber. Better than new. Problem was owner didn't know what they were, I should have played it safe but he said they weren't sensitive. Wheel Brightener is amazing but only if you know what you're applying it to. 99% of the time it's standard wheels. His car was a rare 60s Chevy with just about all aftermarket parts 🤔. He bought it because it looked nice but knew nothing about the components added; I ran into a lot of problems that day and I no longer do old cars 🤣😥.

[@MrTrickey1976]

Hey brother what about simple green? Do you have a video on that product

[@justme6256]

just bought a new caddy with polished aluminum wheels . Bought the meg wheel brightener , just to see the instruction said not to use on P.A . W , I called Meguiars and they told me not to use it and to use ultimate all wheel cleaner . Are they telling me that because the all W.C. is more money in the long run ? Thanks in advance !

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Can't use acidic wheel cleaner on aluminum wheels

[@justme6256]

@@wilsonautodetailing , thanks for the reply , but I've heard you say that aluminum wheels have a clear coat , so it would not hurt them . So is it that mine are polished aluminum ? They are the ones that came with the car from the factory .

[@ryanott6763]

Just me some aluminum wheels have a clear coat, typically if the wheel is painted it’s clear coated and it’s ok to use. a acid based cleaner, any “polished aluminum” has NOTHING on top of the metal, and acidic wheel cleaners will eat and etch into the metal as soon as they touch, even if you rinsed t super well you’d mess up your finish and have to polish your wheels. so technically you can use wheel brighter but your going to be polishing your wheels after every wash which i do not recommend, go with one of the purple turning wheel cleaners such as meguiars all wheels cleaner, adams wheels cleaner (best for polished aluminum wheels) or honestly if they arnt that dirty use just some car soap and water

[@justme6256]

@@ryanott6763 , Thanks , I just thought cause they are from the factory , they were clear-coated . I will never let them get to dirty , so thanks for letting me know the car soap will do for most of the time .

[@Redal24]

You mentioned your pre-med in passed tense, not into it anymore? What are you studying now? Fully going toward detailing?

[@wilsonautodetailing]

I just knew I didn’t want to work in an office all day, I enjoy business a lot more!

[@ScooterBlia2]

Great video. Owner of the vehicle needs to stop curbing sidewalks! LOL!

[@bryanpalanca1274]

Is meguiars wheel brightener is bad for coated wheels? Can you use that for daily maintenance wash? Thank you!

[@wilsonautodetailing]

I use it all the time for maintenance washes! Never even one problem with this product despite all the ciriticism

[@bryanpalanca1274]

Wilson Auto Detailing thanks, man! Will use it too.

[@MasDaGreat]

Wilson Auto Detailing I’ve had a gallon of wheel brightener because I haven’t wanted to use it and mess up wheels. What is your dilution for it and what would the dilution be for a 1 gallon pump sprayer

[@platanomikeyklk1455]

Great video

[@TonySmith-tl1lo]

That's why I like Super Cleaner you have Stronger to 3x stronger

[@NotVeryNiceToYou]

What do you reccomend for bare polished aluminum wheels

[@wilsonautodetailing]

At that point you will have to apply some sort of aluminum wheel polish after you clean it cause once water hits it, it’s going to react to that as well as the cleaner. So just a soft cleaner with a followed up polish. But polishing metal wheels is a bear

[@RogersRaceReady]

Yes I agree also and it helps to dry them with a towel or chamois after every wash and not let the water sit and dry

[@ericmah6865]

What's your recommendations for cleaners for glossy black rims?

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Clear coated? I may go non acidic wheel cleaner from Nano skin

[@xKingUVHearts]

Hey luke! Would you be able to do a video on Megiures ultimate Paste Wax Vs MGU liquid wax? I just wanted to know your opinion ! thanks

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Yes I was actually planning on it! Thanks for the suggestion my man!

[@shuichigojo415]

Does it work on chrome wheels

[@LeoYarbrough]

Wat Luke how do you feel maguire's non acid and tire clean measure up to those

[@wilsonautodetailing]

It’s great for non factory wheels!

[@Aandecleaningsolution]

Great detailing

[@bdeale3314]

Is the acidic cleaner safe for Carbon Ceramic brakes?

[@wilsonautodetailing]

I wouldn’t risk it!

[@TonySmith-tl1lo]

Also to Jax Wax have some Good stuff also man but I see you use them to

[@JohnDeTulio]

Were any of these products dilluted?

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Yes 😂😂 all of them

[@1pirezx827]

If super clean is cut 1 to 10 will I ever damage wheels I really need to avoid that at all costs

[@davidzaragoza7189]

U always say 5 to 1 or 10 to 1 how do u measures that in a bottle.

[@wilsonautodetailing]

I’ve just learned to eyeball it at this point. It really isn’t that important to be exact with that

[@sharonbrown9701]

Good job 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@williammendoza6251]

Which of the two products would be better to use on chrome wheels

[@wilsonautodetailing]

I go with meguiars wheel brightener 9 times out of 10

[@myriadcorp]

NDMF scraping up all those wheels.

[@stevensparks19]

People probably saw the movie Alien and now associate D140 with Xenomorph blood. Stuff will melt the wheel right off your car!

[@wilsonautodetailing]

hahahahahahahahahaha probably!!!

[@LadyJustice86]

My god he squirts fast. ....

[@josephvance8900]

Happens when it's good product

[@thecapitalist2highoctane956]

Yeah detailing requires understanding some chemistry. 🤓 Mad Detailing Scientist lol

[@wilsonautodetailing]

hahahaha yes!!!

[@keepingclean3616]

should have put it the other way around

[@smokesgtp]

Using Meg's WB without gloves is not wise man...

[@llwizzoll]

Anyone who uses acid on someone else wheels should be sued.

[@XboxStickey]

Should have used a iron removing wheel cleaner afterwards to see if anything was really left behind.

[@Fredrbcc]

Agreed

[@itsmeanthony9704]

Lotta curb rash.

[@Dabeast7233]

Front wheels always worse then the rear wheels

[@SuperCIBoo]

so many curbs

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Hahahahahahaha!!

[@henryfreeman6113]

First

[@poyo3582]

Why does super clean smell so nasty

[@wilsonautodetailing]

Hahaha I don’t think it’s that bad

[@poyo3582]

Wilson Auto Detailing it's pretty strong I think it's the tire reacting to the cleaner that smells but idk

[@eraldbiba6883]

You talk to much