Cleaning Rims Query

[Mister Loco]

What's the best way to clean brake deposits off alloy wheel rims? Mavic make a soft stone cleaning block but it's £15. Is it safe to use something like a plastic pot scourer and elbow grease? Thanks in advance for any advice offered.

[DaveP]

Well thats what I do. Well, not so much elbow grease actually in my case. It usually comes of pretty easily, though I understand the amount of deposited material may vary according to the brake blocks in use. A little detergent in the water helps, even if you have to raid the kitchen for it. If you are worried about wearing away the rim while cleaning it try using a used scotchbrite rather than a new one.

[Mick F]

Kitchen sink.
Hot soapy water.
Scrubbing brush or scouring pad.
Keep wheel vertical, rotate as you go, then turn it round and do the other side.

Works for me!
(Cleans the tyre too!)

[reohn2]

scrubbing brush

[Si]

and remember to clean the block faces too!

[quiksilver]

I have heard changing from black coloured brake blocks cuts down on the amount of dust produced in the future. To this end I have tried fitting red coloured blocks as this matches my bike colour scheme. They squealed like banshees, so have reverted back to black ones for the time being. The quest for colour co-ordination continues, and silent braking.

[ChrisButch]

If your domestic circumstances make it unwise to use the kitchen sink, I've found a good alternative to be a long, narrow plastic plant container from a garden centre, in which the wheel sites nicely. Has the advantage that you don't need to take the wheel off the bike - but you do need one without drainage holes (!). If you're using a pan scourer, to be on the safe side I only use those sold for use on non-stick pans, which are less abrasive.

[minkie]

Scrubbing brush largely works for me but I get rid of those last pesky deposits with this http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Swissstop_Rim_Cleaner/5360043725/ - doesn't look like much for a fiver, but does the job well and a lot cheaper than the Mavic