keeping aluminum rims clean on bicycle

[terryjohn]

I am looking to keep my alum rims clean and in good shape. I have heard people recommend scotch brite, emery cloth, ect what say you Bicyclists out there. Thanks

[TomIrvine]

I wouldn't use anything abrasive, just a shop towel moistened with a little water - or maybe some mild soapy water.

[hikermor]

Water, sometimes with a little detergent, and wipe clean.  No need for abrasives,

[terryjohn]

Thank you hikermor

[terryjohn]

thank you for the info:) that makes the best sense

[Josh72]

Yep, I agree with the rest, I try to wash my bike more than I would think is necessary, every two or three rides and I hit the rims with a little soapy water before I hose them clean.

[DutchBlue]

Hi, more of the same thoughts from me but a slight twist.  After a wet towel and dry I firmly wipe my rims with alcohol, 70-90%,whatever you have.  And, always always run a rough towel over your brake pads to clean them up, gets rid of tiny abrasion sources like sand and dirt.  🙂.  

[JRismyname]

I live in an upstairs apartment, and I wipe the tires with a wet paper towel and let them dry before bringing my bicycle inside across the carpeting to its decorative wall mount.  When it rains I wipe the entire bicycle down with several shop towels, (we get about 4 inches of rain on average, last several years it has been less).

Occasionally I will drive to one of the major bicycle trails and when I come home the tires are cleaner, not having a lot of black deposits on a wet towel as I experience when riding a route that consists of street pavement. 

About every three/four rides I also wipe the rims, spokes and bottom of the down tube and seat stays clean to remove the dust that can accumulate in less than a week.  Once or twice a year I use a biodegradable spray bicycle cleaner and wipe & polish my bicycles spending a day cleaning and adjusting several bicycles at the same time.   

Scotch Brite brand is a good product to scratch surfaces getting them ready to paint, but far to aggressive for cleaning a bicycle or wheels in my opinion.  

JR

[DonnyC]

Since I store bikes in garage or basement, I rarely clean the wheels. Just wipe with dry rag when I do clean them. If you have rim brakes, just wipe off the brake tracks, no chemicals or waxes.