How to remove baked-on brake dust

Brake dust is mostly tiny hot iron particles. They land on the wheel, bond to the finish and rust in place, which is why neglected wheels look brown and gritty even after a wash. Scrubbing harder with an abrasive will scratch the finish. An iron remover reacts with the iron and dissolves it — you will see it bleed purple as it works.

1. 1

   Clean the wheel first

   Do a normal clean with Wheel Rescue and the brushes, then rinse. That removes the loose dirt so Iron Out can reach the bonded layer.

2. 2

   Spray Iron Out on the cool rim

   Coat the barrel, face and spokes evenly. Watch for the purple bleed over the next two to four minutes.

3. 3

   Agitate the worst areas

   Work a soft brush over the heaviest build-up, usually the inner barrel and around the spokes nearest the caliper. Do not let it dry; re-mist if needed.

4. 4

   Rinse and repeat

   Rinse thoroughly. Wheels that have not been cleaned properly in months may need a second round.

5. 5

   Make the next clean easier

   Once the wheel is clean and dry, a light coat of Ceramic Shield on the face and barrel makes brake dust rinse off far more easily.

   Bay tip · Keep sealant off the brake discs and pads. Spray onto a towel, not near the brakes.

Safety: Wear gloves and avoid eyes. Iron Out has a strong sulphur smell — work outdoors or with the garage open. Rinse overspray from paint and trim.