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10 Best Rim Cleaners 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Armor All Car Brake Cleaner Dust Repellent, Cleaner for Tires, Wheels, Rims, 11 Fl Oz Each

Armor All Car Brake Cleaner Dust Repellent, Cleaner for Tires, Wheels, Rims, 11 Fl Oz Each

Armor All

10.0 score

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The Armor All Car Brake Cleaner Dust Repellent serves as both a cleaner and a protective agent for tires, wheels, and rims. It stands out by forming an invisible barrier that helps keep rims cleaner for up to four weeks, which means less frequent cleaning is needed. This protective feature is a big plus for anyone looking to maintain their wheels' appearance without too much effort.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,274
Ease of Use
Protective Features

Most important from
5997 reviews

Ease of Use
Applies smoothly and cleanly without splattering on the car’s paint, making the process hassle-free and neat.
Protective Features
Delivers a deep, glossy shine that endures for weeks, maintaining a fresh look even after rain or dusty conditions.
#2
9.1 score

SONAX Full Effect Wheel Cleaner 230500 | Heavy-Duty Brake Dust Remover for All Wheels | Safe on Painted, Alloy, Chrome & Stainless Steel | pH Neutral, Acid-Free, with Color-Changing Action | 5 Liter

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SONAX Full Effect Wheel Cleaner 230500 | Heavy-Duty Brake Dust Remover for All Wheels | Safe on Painted, Alloy, Chrome & Stainless Steel | pH Neutral, Acid-Free, with Color-Changing Action | 5 Liter

SONAX

9.1 score

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The SONAX Full Effect Wheel Cleaner is a strong choice if you're looking for a rim cleaner that tackles tough brake dust, oil, and road grime effectively. Its pH-neutral and acid-free formula means it’s gentle on a wide variety of wheel types—including painted, alloy, chrome, stainless steel, and more—so you don't have to worry about damage or fading. A standout feature is its color-changing action: the cleaner sprays on green and shifts to red or purple as it works, giving you a clear visual cue when the dirt is being dissolved. This makes it easier to know when to rinse off, which is quite handy if you want to avoid guesswork.

Rating
9.1
Ease of Use
Type of Rim Cleaner
pH Level

Most important from
5689 reviews

Ease of Use
This cleaner really dissolves brake dust and grime without the need for scrubbing, as long as you apply it to dry wheels and follow the directions carefully.
Type of Rim Cleaner
It cuts through even months of caked-on brake dust and road grime that other top brands couldn't remove without harsh scrubbing.
pH Level
Despite its strong cleaning power, the formula is acid-free and pH-balanced, making it safe to use on expensive and delicate rims like BBS, Enkei, and refinished wheels without causing damage.
Compatibility with Rim Material
It works well on a variety of wheel types including painted, alloy, and clear-coated wheels, though wheels with severe pitting or damage may require additional restoration.
#3
7.9 score

Armor All Wheel and Tire Cleaner and Tire Shine Kit, Heavy Duty Car Wheel Cleaner, Extreme Tire Shine Spray and Wash Brush - 3 Count

Armor All Wheel and Tire Cleaner and Tire Shine Kit, Heavy Duty Car Wheel Cleaner, Extreme Tire Shine Spray and Wash Brush - 3 Count

Armor All

7.9 score

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The Armor All Wheel and Tire Cleaner and Tire Shine Kit is a comprehensive solution for car wheel and tire maintenance. It includes three components: a heavy-duty wheel and tire cleaner, an extreme tire shine spray, and a wash brush. This kit is designed to tackle grease, road grime, and brake dust effectively. The cleaner features a color-change technology, making it user-friendly by indicating when it has finished loosening grime and dirt.

Top 10 Best Rim Cleaners 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score
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Armor All

Armor All Car Brake Cleaner Dust Repellent, Cleaner for Tires, Wheels, Rims, 11 Fl Oz Each

Ease of Use: easy to apply, 11 oz spray
Protective Features: forms barrier, keeps rims clean 4 weeks

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Chosen by 1274 this week

#2
9.1  score
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SONAX

SONAX Full Effect Wheel Cleaner 230500 | Heavy-Duty Brake Dust Remover for All Wheels | Safe on Painted, Alloy, Chrome & Stainless Steel | pH Neutral, Acid-Free, with Color-Changing Action | 5 Liter

Type of Rim Cleaner: color-changing spray
pH Level: pH-neutral
Compatibility with Rim Material: painted, alloy, chrome, stainless steel
Ease of Use: spray, let sit, scrub, rinse
Environmental Impact: acid-free, pH-neutral
Protective Features: gentle, no damage or fading

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20% OFF
#3
7.9  score
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Armor All

Armor All Wheel and Tire Cleaner and Tire Shine Kit, Heavy Duty Car Wheel Cleaner, Extreme Tire Shine Spray and Wash Brush - 3 Count

Type of Rim Cleaner: heavy-duty cleaner
Ease of Use: color-change tech
Protective Features: protect from cracking and fading

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#4
7.9  score
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Chemical Guys

Chemical Guys Diablo Gel Oxygen Infused Foam Wheel & Rim Cleaner - Concentrated Formula Safe on All Wheel Finishes, Removes Brake Dust, Dirt & Grime, for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Motorcycles & RVs, 16 oz

Type of Rim Cleaner: Gel
Compatibility with Rim Material: suitable for all finishes
Ease of Use: easy to use
Environmental Impact: biodegradable
Protective Features: non-caustic, no heavy acids or alkaline

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10% OFF
#5
7.9  score
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Chemical Guys

Chemical Guys CLD_203_1602 Signature Series Wheel Cleaner, Formated for All Gloss Finishes, Safe for Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Motorcycles, RVs & More 16 fl oz (2 Pack)

Type of Rim Cleaner: Citrus-based spray
Compatibility with Rim Material: Alloy, plastic, motorcycle, RV rims
Protective Features: Reduces buildup and corrosion

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10% OFF
#6
7.9  score
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Gtechniq

Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armor Wheel Cleaner, Rims Cleaner Protects Alloy Rims, Brake Dust Remover Wheel Cleaner Repels Brake Dirt for up to 12 Months - 1 fl oz (30ml), Sufficient for 4 x 21 Outer Rims

Type of Rim Cleaner: Wheel Cleaner
Compatibility with Rim Material: matte, satin, powder-coated
Protective Features: chemically bonds, repels dirt, 12 months

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5% OFF
#7
7.6  score
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SONAX

SONAX 02305050 Wheel Cleaner Plus (5L)

Type of Rim Cleaner: Wheel Cleaner Plus
pH Level: pH-balanced
Compatibility with Rim Material: chrome, aluminum, steel, painted
Ease of Use: high
Protective Features: changes color when cleaning

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20% OFF
#8
7.3  score
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SONAX

SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect (230200) | Non-Acid Rim Cleaner | Color Changing Wheel Cleaner | Brake Dust Cleaner | Non-Acid Iron Remover | (500 ml or 16.9 fl. oz.)

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15% OFF
#9
7.0  score
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Griot's Garage

Griot's Garage Heavy-Duty Wheel Cleaner for All Wheel Finishes, Breaks Down and Removes Stubborn Brake Dust and Grime, PH Balanced, Non-Acidic, 10973, 22oz

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#10
7.0  score
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Turtle Wax

Turtle Wax 53759 Hybrid Solutions All Wheel Cleaner and Iron Remover, Rapid Removal of Surface Contaminants, Brake Dust and Rust, Safe for All Vehicle Paint, Low Odor Formula, 23 Oz. (Pack of 1)

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Buying Guide for the Best Rim Cleaners

Choosing the right rim cleaner for your vehicle is essential to maintain the appearance and longevity of your wheels. Rim cleaners are designed to remove dirt, brake dust, and grime that accumulate on your rims over time. The right product will not only clean effectively but also protect your rims from damage. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a rim cleaner, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
Type of Rim CleanerRim cleaners come in various types, including sprays, gels, and foams. Sprays are easy to apply and are great for regular maintenance. Gels tend to cling better to the surface, making them effective for heavy-duty cleaning. Foams can expand to cover more area and penetrate hard-to-reach spots. Choose a type based on how dirty your rims typically get and how much effort you're willing to put into cleaning them.
pH LevelThe pH level of a rim cleaner indicates its acidity or alkalinity. Acidic cleaners are very effective at removing tough grime and brake dust but can be harsh on certain types of rims, especially if they are not coated. Neutral pH cleaners are safer for all rim types and are less likely to cause damage. Alkaline cleaners are also effective and generally safer than acidic ones. If you have delicate or expensive rims, opt for a neutral or mildly alkaline cleaner.
Compatibility with Rim MaterialRims can be made from various materials such as aluminum, chrome, alloy, or painted surfaces. It's crucial to choose a cleaner that is compatible with your specific rim material to avoid damage. For example, some cleaners are specifically formulated for chrome rims, while others are safe for painted or powder-coated surfaces. Always check the product label to ensure it is suitable for your rim type.
Ease of UseEase of use is an important factor, especially if you plan to clean your rims frequently. Some cleaners require scrubbing, while others are spray-on and rinse-off. If you prefer a quick and hassle-free cleaning process, look for a product that offers easy application and minimal scrubbing. However, for heavily soiled rims, a cleaner that requires some scrubbing might be more effective.
Environmental ImpactConsider the environmental impact of the rim cleaner you choose. Some products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Eco-friendly rim cleaners are formulated with biodegradable ingredients and are less harmful to the environment. If environmental sustainability is important to you, look for products labeled as eco-friendly or biodegradable.
Protective FeaturesSome rim cleaners offer additional protective features such as anti-corrosion agents or a protective coating that repels dirt and brake dust. These features can help keep your rims cleaner for longer and protect them from damage. If you want to reduce the frequency of cleaning and add an extra layer of protection to your rims, consider a cleaner with these added benefits.

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