Getting Rid of Baked-On Brake Dust Without Ruining Your Wheels

Never, ever wash wheels that are hot to the touch. If you've just come off the highway, give it an hour. Cold water on hot rotors can warp them, and chemicals will flash dry and stain.

In the Aussie summer, this is non-negotiable. If the sun hits the wheel while the cleaner is on it, it'll bake the chemical into the clear coat.

Fill your wheel bucket with water and a decent amount of soap. Put all your brushes in the bucket to soak and soften the bristles.

Have a quick squiz at the wheels. Look for gutter rash or peeling clear coat. Be gentle on areas where the finish is already failing.

If you're using a new brand of iron remover, spray a tiny bit on the back of a spoke first to make sure it doesn't react weirdly with your specific wheel finish.

Use your pressure washer or hose to blast as much loose dust and mud out of the barrels and off the face as possible.

Spray your iron fallout remover liberally over the dry wheel. Doing it dry stops the chemical from being diluted. Cover the face, the barrel, and the brake calipers.

Let it sit for 2-4 minutes. You'll see it turn purple or bleeding red as it reacts with the iron. Don't let it dry! If it's a hot day, mist a tiny bit of water to keep it damp.

Use your long-reach Wheel Woolie to scrub the inside 'barrel' of the wheel. Reach all the way back behind the spokes.

Use your small detailing brush to get into the lug nut holes. This is where most people miss, and the dust builds up there until it's a solid crust.

Use your wash mitt or a very soft brush for the spokes and the face. Work from the top down.

Blast everything off with plenty of water. Make sure you get the chemical out of the lug nut holes and the brake calipers.

Spray your degreaser on the rubber sidewalls. You'll likely see brown 'blooming' (antioxidants) coming off. Scrub with your stiff tyre brush.

Rinse the whole wheel and tyre assembly again. The water should be running clear now.

Run your hand (inside a plastic sandwich bag) over the wheel. If it feels like sandpaper, there's still embedded grit. Use a clay bar and some soapy water as lube to pluck those remaining bits out.

Dry the wheel completely with your dedicated microfiber. Don't forget the lug nut holes, water sitting there causes corrosion.

Apply a wheel sealant or ceramic spray. This creates a slick barrier so the next lot of brake dust can't stick as easily.

Apply your favourite tyre shine. I prefer water-based ones; they don't 'sling' oily spots all over your clean doors when you drive off.