How to Clean Rusty Steel Tire Rims

Nothing ruins the look of a classic car more than rusty steel tire rims. Dirt, debris, salt and brake dust accumulating on them over the years cause the rust. The rims can be cleaned to remove the rust and make the car look good again.

How to Clean Rusty Steel Tire Rims

Materials Needed

• Simple Green


• Scouring pad


• Garden hose


• Cloth


• 400 grit sandpaper

1. If the car has been driven recently, make sure it cools down for several hours before cleaning it. The products used can bake on the surface of the rims and make them look worse.


2. Spray Simple Green all over the rims. Allow the product to sit on the rims for five minutes. This will loosen any dirt and oil and make cleaning and removing the rust easier.


3. Use a scouring pad to scrub the rims. Remove as much dirt and oil as possible. Using circular motions will help lift the dirt and oil.


4. Rinse the rims with a garden hose. Make sure as much of the Simple Green is removed.


5. Wipe the rims with a cloth and allow them to further dry by air. Do not allow them to sit in the sun to dry.


6. Use 400-grit sandpaper to sand away the rust. Use circular motions and a little elbow grease to remove the rust.


7. Rinse the rims with a garden hose to remove any sanding dust. Wipe the rims with a cloth and allow the rims to dry for several hours.