How do you clean, polish and restore aluminum wheels?

Cleaning and polishing aluminum wheels starts with removing dirt, brake dust and oxidation, then polishing the bare aluminum to restore its shine and protecting the finished surface. Whether your rims are dull, oxidized or stained, the right cleaning and polishing process can help bring them back to a bright finish.

Sound familiar? Check out our proven process for aluminum restoration using the Flitz Polishing Products arsenal.

Step 1: Assemble your supplies

• Flitz Metal Pre-Clean – for removing brake dust, grime and oxidation before polishing
• A tool for agitation of the Pre-Clean (steel wool, a scrub brush, etc.)
• Flitz Polish Paste
• Flitz Large 5” Buff Ball
• A microfiber cloth
• Flitz Ceramic Sealant

Step 2: Clean the Aluminum and Remove Oxidation

Start by rinsing the aluminum wheels to remove loose dirt, brake dust and debris before treating oxidation or stubborn buildup. Rinse the surface of the wheel with water, then spray a generous amount of the  Flitz Metal Pre-Clean to the areas of high corrosion. Allow the spray to sit for a few minutes (depending on the severity of the rim’s condition) before agitating the surface of the wheel. After several minutes of scrubbing, rinse the surface of the rim with water before drying. Wait until you see how it removes brake dust!

Step 3: Polish the Aluminum Wheels

Apply Flitz Polish Paste to the aluminum and work it into the surface with a microfiber cloth or 5” Buff Ball. Polish a small section at a time until the oxidation and dullness begin to lift, then buff away the residue to reveal the shine. For larger wheel surfaces, the Buff Ball can speed up the process and reach into curves and recessed areas. When using the Buff Ball, operate it at speeds up to 2500 RPM. 

See it in action below:

Step 4: Protect the Polished Aluminum

The final step is protecting the freshly polished aluminum. Apply Flitz Ceramic Sealant with a Flitz Microfiber Cloth, then wipe and buff the surface to a clean finish. This protective layer helps maintain the shine while making it easier to remove water spots, road grime and other contaminants. Regular protection can help keep your aluminum wheels looking polished between cleanings.