Brake dust is the silent saboteur of every clean wheel. One spirited drive and that once-glossy rim looks as if it’s been dusted with charcoal. Left alone, the metallic particles embed, oxidise and etch, turning a five-minute wipe-down into an afternoon of aggressive scrubbing—or an expensive refurb. The fix isn’t more elbow-grease; it’s chemistry that dissolves the iron before you touch a micro-fibre cloth. In this guide you’ll learn exactly what a brake-dust remover kit does, why pH-balanced iron fallout removers outperform old-school acids, and how to pair the right accessories with your wheel type so you spend minutes, not hours, on maintenance.
What Brake Dust Actually Is—and Why It Sticks Like Glue
Brake pads shred under heat and pressure, firing a cloud of carbon, adhesives and micro-filings into the air. The moment those hot particles hit a cool alloy wheel they bond electrostatically and chemically, forming iron oxide (rust) that grips the clear-coat. Soap can’t break that bond; only a dedicated iron remover can.
Top 10 Brake Dust Remover Kits
Detailed Product Reviews
1. 3D BDX Iron Remover – Fast Acting Fallout & Brake Dust Cleaner | Purple Color-Changing Spray for Wheels & Paint | Acid-Free | Made in USA | Car Detailing | 16 oz
Overview:
3D BDX is a spray-on, pH-balanced iron remover that turns purple as it dissolves embedded brake-dust and rail dust from paint, wheels, exhaust tips, and glass. The 16 oz bottle delivers roughly four full wheel sets or two complete car decons, making it an entry-level pro product for enthusiasts who want to see contamination literally disappear.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The acid-free, ceramic-coat-safe recipe means you can hit every exterior surface without fear, while the vivid color-change indicator removes guess-work—when the foam stops darkening, you’re done. 3D’s 25-year formulating pedigree and U.S. manufacturing add credibility that many boutique brands lack.
Value for Money:
At $18.99 you’re paying ~$1.20 per ounce, sitting between bargain acids ($0.80/oz) and boutique gels ($2/oz). Given its dual-role as both wheel cleaner and paint decon, one bottle replaces two separate products, effectively halving cost per job.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
- Safe on painted, powder-coated, and ceramic-coated finishes
- Fast 30-60 s dwell time; no scrubbing on light buildup
- Pleasant citrus scent vs. harsh sulfur of older formulas
– Struggles with thick, baked-on truck brake dust in one pass
– Sprayer occasionally foams excessively, wasting product
– Purple dye can lightly stain bare plastic if left to dry
Bottom Line:
For under twenty bucks 3D BDX gives weekend detailers pro-grade iron removal without acid anxiety. Keep a dedicated stronger wheel acid for severely neglected trucks, but for 90 % of maintenance washes this is the only decon step you’ll need.
2. SOEKAVIA Wheel Hub Cleaning Kit, Brake Dust Remover Wheel Cleaning Automotive Tools Sets with 15 Pads,Holder and Adapte Fits for Power Drill or 1/2” Impact Driven Wrenches
<img src=“https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/519MpI5E-wL._SL160_.jpg” alt=“SOEKAVIA Wheel Hub Cleaning Kit, Brake Dust Remover Wheel Cleaning Automotive Tools Sets with 15 Pads,Holder and Adapte Fits for Power Drill or 1/2” Impact Driven Wrenches” style=“display: block; margin: 15px auto; max-width: 250px; width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 4px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);”>
Overview:
SOEKAVIA’s 15-piece wheel-hub kit turns the drill you already own into a dedicated brake-dust eraser. Three color-coded grits (blue polish, purple medium, black heavy) Velcro to an ABS-shielded holder that accepts either a ¼” hex drill or a ½” impact anvil, letting you scrub the face of the rotor, the lug recesses and the hub flange without removing the wheel.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike universal “cone” brushes, the contoured holder keeps the abrasive pad flat and cool, so you resurface rather than groove the rotor. The fiber-mesh/SiC mix cuts baked-on ferrous dust faster than nylon bristles yet leaves a 120-grit finish that promotes even pad bedding. Swap grits in two seconds—no tools, no torn knuckles.
Value for Money:
At $15.99 you’re getting three dedicated grades of abrasive plus an impact-rated backing plate; buying comparable single-grit discs alone would cost more. If you service brakes twice a year, the kit pays for itself the first time you skip a $40-per-axle shop “brake clean-up” fee.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
- Impact-gun option delivers serious torque for neglected fleets
- ABS guard prevents gouging aluminum wheels
- Reusable pads rinse clean
- 3” diameter can’t reach deep inside staggered spoke designs
- Adapter is ½” drive only—no ⅜” option for compact impacts
- Velcro weakens above 2,500 rpm; keep speed moderate
Bottom Line:
For weekend wrenchers who already own a drill or ½” impact, this $16 kit is the cheapest horsepower you’ll ever add to your detailing arsenal. It won’t replace a lathe for warped rotors, but it will keep hubs shiny and pad squeal away—no specialty air tools required.
3. Dr. Beasley’s Intensive Brake Dust Remover for Autos - Easily Removes Brake Dust, Clings to Surface to Reduce Waste, Stops Brake Dust from Etching and Corroding Wheels
Overview:
Dr. Beasley’s Intensive Brake Dust Remover is a gel-based wheel cleaner engineered to dissolve bonded metallic dust before it can etch clear-coat or chrome. Designed for enthusiasts who wash weekly yet still fight stubborn, baked-on grime, the 12-oz bottle arrives ready-to-spray with no dilution math or separate iron-dissolver step.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The viscous formula clings like syrup, giving the color-changing chemistry a full 3-4 minute dwell to digest iron particles instead of running onto the driveway. You literally watch purple “bleeding” indicate the reaction is working, so you know exactly when to rinse—no guesswork, no wasted product.
Value for Money:
At $26.99 for 12 oz it’s priced above bulk gallon cleaners, but one coat usually does the job on a moderately dirty set of wheels, translating to roughly $1.30 per corner per month for a daily driver. Factor in the time saved skipping second applications or acid-based fallback products and the cost feels fair.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths:
- Cling time equals less scrubbing and zero runoff stains on concrete
- Safe for painted, powder-coated, and clear-coated wheels (pH-balanced)
- Pleasant citrus scent compared with typical sulfur odor of iron removers
Weaknesses:
- 12 oz disappears quickly on large trucks or heavily caked SUV wheels; plan on two bottles
- Doesn’t replace mechanical agitation for thick, tarred-on layers—still need a soft brush
Bottom Line:
If you cherish clean wheels but hate acid smells and wasted runoff, Dr. Beasley’s gel is a smart, albeit premium, addition to your detailing shelf.
4. Akfix A110 Brake Parts Cleaner - Strong Dust and Rust Remover, Brake Cleaner Spray Can, Hand Cleaner for Auto Mechanics and Clutch | 2 Pack, 16.9 Oz
Overview:
Akfix A110 Brake Parts Cleaner arrives as a two-can, 16.9-ounce bundle aimed squarely at driveway tinkerers and shop pros who want OE-level cleanliness without the industrial price tag. The fast-evaporating, residue-free aerosol blasts away brake dust, clutch glaze, and oily film from calipers, pads, rotors, and even adjacent engine bits, restoring friction surfaces to a surgically clean state in seconds.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike budget sprays that leave a faint petroleum film, A110 driestotally dry, eliminating the re-contamination that causes squeal. The broad-spray nozzle delivers a wide, even fan that cuts prep time in half, while the non-chlorinated formula is safe on rubber bellows, ABS sensors, and painted brackets. At under eight bucks a can in a convenient twin pack, it’s priced like a consumer product but packaged like a pro refill.
Value for Money:
Comparable name-brand cleaners hover around $10–12 per 14-ounce can; Akfix gives you 20 % more volume per can and two of them for fifteen dollars. Factor in reduced comebacks from noise comebacks and longer pad life, and the spray pays for itself after one brake job.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: Leaves zero residue, safe on plastics, excellent spray pattern, generous 2-pack size, CARB-compliant formula.
Weaknesses: Strong solvent odor demands outdoor use, aerosol can loses pressure below 50 °F, no extension straw for tight spots.
Bottom Line:
If you service your own brakes—or just hate squeaky stops—Akfix A110 is the cheapest insurance against dust, glaze, and comeback noise. Stock the two-pack on your shelf and you’ll reach for it more often than your ratchet.
5. OEMTOOLS 24686 Brake Hub Resurfacing & Cleaning Kit – Removes Rust and Corrosion from Hubs, Rotors, and Lug Studs – Includes 4 Pads and Shank Adapter
Overview:
The OEMTOOLS 24686 Brake Hub Resurfacing & Cleaning Kit is a $19.99 specialty kit that lets you power-clean brake hub faces, rotors, and lug studs with an ordinary drill. Four non-woven abrasive pads and a ¼-inch shank adapter mount in seconds, removing rust and corrosion without caliper or rotor removal.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike wire wheels or chemicals, the low-RPM, non-woven pads cut fast but won’t gouge aluminum or iron, restoring a factory-flat surface so rotors seat perfectly. The kit’s “no-disassembly” approach means you can service each corner in under two minutes—ideal for quick pad swaps or seasonal tire changes.
Value for Money:
At twenty bucks you get four pads that survive multiple vehicles and a steel adapter that outlasts cheap knock-offs. One prevented comeback from a warped-rotor comeback pays for the entire kit; for DIYers it erases the cost of shop resurfacing fees.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths – Fast, drill-powered operation; pads resist clogging; safe on ABS sensors; fits passenger cars to ½-ton trucks.
Weaknesses – Pads load up on heavy scaling (tap to clean); not for deep pitting; hex shank can slip in low-torque drills—use side handle for control.
Bottom Line:
If you do your own brakes, this inexpensive kit is cheap insurance against pedal pulsation and comebacks. It’s fast, gentle, and pays for itself the first time you skip the shop’s hub-cleaning surcharge.
6. Adam’s Polishes Wheel Cleaner 16oz - Tough Wheel Cleaning Spray for Car Wash Detailing | Rim Cleaner & Brake Dust Remover | Safe On Chrome Clear Coated & Plasti Dipped Wheels | Use w/Wheel Brush
Overview:
Adam’s Polishes Wheel Cleaner is a 16-oz, acid-free spray engineered to obliterate baked-on brake dust and metallic grime from daily-driven wheels. Designed for enthusiasts who detail weekly as well as weekend warriors tackling months of neglect, the formula turns deep purple as iron particles dissolve, giving visible proof that contamination is literally bleeding away.
What Makes It Stand Out:
The color-change indicator is more than gimmick—it shows exactly where the cleaner is working and when it’s time to rinse, preventing wasted product or accidental etching. pH-neutral chemistry is safe on factory clear-coated, chrome, powder-coated, and even Plasti-Dipped rims, a rarity in the “purple” wheel-cleaner class.
Value for Money:
At $1.06 per ounce it sits mid-pack price-wise, but a fine mist and rapid reaction mean one bottle cleans a full set of heavily soiled wheels 6–8 times, undercutting cheaper, harsher alternatives that require multiple applications.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
- Reacts in seconds, cutting scrub time by half
- Safe for most OEM finishes; no harsh acids
- Pleasant citrus scent versus typical sulfur stench
– Not for bare aluminum, anodized, or un-coated aftermarket wheels
– Can dry spotty if left in hot sun; shade or quick rinse required
– Trigger sprayer feels flimsy for repeated pro use
Bottom Line:
For drivers seeking a fast, visual, and reasonably gentle way to deep-clean daily wheels, Adam’s Wheel Cleaner is a standout. Just respect the finish limitations and work in the shade—your rims (and knuckles) will thank you.
7. SONAX Wheel Cleaner Brush Combo | Complete Car Wheel Cleaning Kit | Brake Dust Remover, Microfiber Towel | Professional-Grade, Easy to Use | SON-232200-AZBN
Overview: The SONAX Wheel Cleaner Brush Combo is a professional-grade detailing kit that promises showroom-clean wheels without the elbow grease. At $44.99, this three-piece set combines SONAX’s acclaimed Full Effect wheel cleaner with purpose-built tools designed to tackle the most stubborn brake dust and road grime on any wheel type.
What Makes It Stand Out: Unlike generic wheel cleaners, SONAX Full Effect changes color as it dissolves brake dust, giving visual confirmation that it’s working. The Speed Master brush features ultra-soft bristles that conform to intricate spoke patterns, while the dual-purpose microfiber towel ensures a streak-free finish. The kit’s universal compatibility means no guesswork about whether it’s safe for your specific wheels.
Value for Money: Considering professional wheel detailing costs $50-100 per session, this kit pays for itself after one use. The concentrated formula means the 16.9 oz bottle handles numerous cleanings, while the quality tools are built to last through hundreds of washes. It’s an investment that protects expensive wheel finishes from corrosive brake dust damage.
Strengths and Weaknesses: The color-changing formula provides satisfying instant gratification, and the brush reaches deep into wheel barrels where brake dust hides. However, heavily neglected wheels may require multiple applications, and the cleaner’s strong chemical smell demands adequate ventilation. The microfiber towel, while quality, could be larger for oversized wheels.
Bottom Line: This kit transforms wheel cleaning from a dreaded chore into a satisfying ritual. For enthusiasts who take pride in spotless wheels or anyone wanting to protect their investment, it’s a must-have. The professional results justify every penny.
8. Nyuemystery Wheel Hub Cleaning Tool, Brake Hub Resurfacing Kit with 3 Pads, Aluminum Alloy Holder & Adapter, Fits 1/2” Impact Wrench and Power Drill for Car Truck Maintenance
<img src=“https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41076A+LI5L._SL160_.jpg” alt=“Nyuemystery Wheel Hub Cleaning Tool, Brake Hub Resurfacing Kit with 3 Pads, Aluminum Alloy Holder & Adapter, Fits 1/2” Impact Wrench and Power Drill for Car Truck Maintenance” style=“display: block; margin: 15px auto; max-width: 250px; width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 4px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);”>
Overview:
The Nyuemystery Wheel Hub Cleaning Tool is a purpose-built resurfacing kit that attacks the rust, paint, and baked-on brake dust that prevent wheels from seating flush. At $15.99 you get an aluminum alloy hub holder, a ½-inch impact/drill adapter, and three replaceable abrasive pads—everything required to true-up brake discs, hubs, and wheel studs in minutes instead of hours with a wire wheel.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Unlike universal flap wheels that skate across curved surfaces, Nyuemystery’s pads are sized specifically for hub bores and lug circles; the low-profile holder keeps the abrasive flat so material is removed evenly without gouging. The adapter’s dual square-drive fits both impact wrenches and ordinary drills, letting you switch between brute torque and controlled speed without extra accessories.
Value for Money:
Comparable single-use hub discs cost $8–10 each and still require you to fabricate a mandrel. Here, three pads plus a CNC-milled holder and alloy adapter come in under sixteen bucks—roughly the price of a cheap pizza. If it saves one trip to the shop for rotor run-out or wheel-balance issues, it has already paid for itself.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros:
- Aircraft-grade aluminum holder resists cross-threading and wobble
- Pads center automatically, eliminating “finger-burn” moments
- ½-inch shank means no special collets or chucks
Cons:
- Abrasive is aggressive—keep below 1,200 RPM or risk round-off
- Pads load quickly on thick anti-seze compounds; stock extras
Bottom Line:
For driveway wrenchers who hate mysterious wheel vibrations, the Nyuemystery kit is cheap insurance that delivers pro-level hub cleanliness in less time than it takes to find the jack stands. Buy it, buzz each mating surface during every brake job, and store the leftover pizza money for the next mod.
9. Fukaisu Wheel Hub Cleaning Tool, Brake Stud Cleaner Kit Fits 1/2” Impact Wrench Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit Includes 2 Pads and 1 Adapter Ideal for Car Truck Maintenance (Black)
<img src=“https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41NdNzZyjxL._SL160_.jpg” alt=“Fukaisu Wheel Hub Cleaning Tool, Brake Stud Cleaner Kit Fits 1/2” Impact Wrench Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit Includes 2 Pads and 1 Adapter Ideal for Car Truck Maintenance (Black)” style=“display: block; margin: 15px auto; max-width: 250px; width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 4px 8px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);”>
Overview:
The Fukaisu Wheel Hub Cleaning Tool is a $13.99 mini-kit that turns any ½-inch impact wrench into a brake-dust annihilator. Three pieces—an alloy-bodied tool, two 2-inch replaceable pads, and a quick-change adapter—arrive in a palm-sized box ready to scrub wheel hubs, studs, and rotors without elbow grease.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Most hub cleaners are handheld wire brushes that eat knuckles; Fukaisu lets the impact gun do the spinning at 3,000 RPM while you simply hold the trigger. The alloy spine keeps the pad perfectly perpendicular, so you resurface rather than scour, and the 3.6-inch length slips between dualies and sport-caliper spokes alike.
Value for Money:
Two shop-grade wire wheels alone cost ~$10 and wear out quickly. Here you get the tool, two pads, and an adapter for $14—about the price of a deli sandwich. If it saves one trip to the tire shop to chase a warped-rotor vibration caused by crusty hub mating surfaces, it has paid for itself twice.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros: lightning-fast setup; pads rinse and re-use; zero kickback compared with cup brushes; fits passenger cars to 1-ton trucks.
Cons: pads load up with greasy soot—keep a bucket of soapy water nearby; no storage case; impact wrench not included, so budget shoppers still need air or battery power.
Bottom Line:
For driveway wrenchers who hate the metallic crunch of brake dust and value speed over sentimentality, the Fukaisu kit is cheap, effective, and borderline fun. Buy it, spin it, forget the rust—your rotors will thank you on the next re-torque.
10. Orion Motor Tech 32pc Dual Brake Tools, 2 in 1 Caliper Compression Tool and Drum Brake Tool Kit, Brake Caliper Tool Kit and Drum Brake Tool with Brake Spring Tool Compressor Pliers Installer Remover
Overview:
Orion Motor Tech’s 32-piece Dual Brake Tool Kit is a one-stop chest for anyone who regularly touches drum or disc brakes. The set combines eight specialized drum-brake helpers (spring pliers, adjusters, retainers) with 24 disc-brake adapters and wind-back hardware, all packed in two tough blow-molded cases that fit on a shop cart or trunk floor.
What Makes It Stand Out:
Few kits under sixty dollars give you both drum and caliper capability in the same box. The 18 disc adapters cover most domestic and import piston patterns (square, notched, push-in, wind-back), while the drum tools include the often-missing brake-spring compressor and three different adjustment spoons. Black-oxide and chrome finishes mean the parts still look new after multiple brake-fluid baths.
Value for Money:
At $53.99 you’re paying less than $1.70 per tool—cheaper than renting a single caliper press twice. Comparable “pro” kits start around $120 and skip the drum hardware, making this a wallet-friendly addition to a home mechanic’s arsenal.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Pros:
- Truly dual-purpose; no separate drum kit to buy
- Adapters grip firmly; no stripped piston ears during wind-back
- Cases keep pieces from becoming “that one missing cup”
Cons:
- Instruction sheet is generic—verify vehicle rotation arrows online
- Thrust bolt handles are short; you may need a cheater bar on seized rear calipers
- Adapters are laser-marked, but paint fill would be easier to read in low light
Bottom Line:
If you do your own brakes and occasionally see drum shoes, this kit pays for itself the first Saturday you use it. Buy it, add a PDF service manual, and skip the parts-store loaner line forever.
How Brake-Dust Remover Kits Work (The Chemistry Behind the Colour Change)
Iron fallout removers contain thioglycolic acid or sodium thioglycolate. When the molecule meets Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ it forms a water-soluble complex, instantly changing from clear to purple—proof the reaction is happening. The gel variant slows evaporation so vertical spoke faces stay wet long enough for the chelation to finish.
Key Components Every Professional-Level Kit Should Include
High-pH Iron Fallout Remover (Colour-Changing)
Look for >5 % thioglycolic acid in a viscous gel; anything thinner will run off before the dwell time is met.
Non-Acid Wheel Cleaner for Pre-Rinse
A neutral or mildly alkaline surfactant loosens organic grime so the iron remover can focus purely on metallic particles.
Soft-Bristle Detailing Brushes
Synthetic bristles (not natural boar) resist chemical swell and reach behind spokes without scratching.
Wheel Woolie or Microfibre Mitt
Chenille microfibre lifts the purple slurry away; a mitt with an internal sponge reservoir keeps the surface lubricated.
pH-Neutral Maintenance Shampoo
Post-treatment wash resets surface tension and removes any chelated residue left in seams.
Iron-Infused Clay Bar or Synthetic Poly-clay
For embedded specks that survived the chemical step, a fine-grade clay mops up the last contaminants.
Soft, Lint-Free Towels (at Least 450 gsm)
High-density towels prevent marring while buffing off sealant or wax that follows decontamination.
Optional: Iron-Blocking Sealant or Ceramic Coating
A SiO₂-rich topper fills the micro-pores, making the next dust rinse-off dramatically easier.
Wheel-Surface Compatibility: Painted, Powder-Coated, Chrome & Matte
Painted and powder-coated wheels tolerate pH 3–11 for short dwells. Chrome needs pH 6–8; acids etch the thin plating. Matte finishes hate oils—choose a sealant specifically labelled “zero gloss.” Always spot-test behind the spoke first.
Step-by-Step Decon Process: From Cool Rinse to Final Wipe
- Hose off loose dirt when wheels are cold.
- Spray alkaline pre-cleaner; agitate with a soft brush; rinse.
- Mist iron remover 360°; wait 4–7 min until purple runoff stops spreading.
- Work a Wheel Woolie through barrels; don’t let the gel dry.
- Rinse thoroughly; clay any rough spots lubricated with leftover shampoo.
- Dry; apply wheel sealant; buff after the flash time listed on the bottle.
Common Mistakes That Damage Wheels (and Void Warranties)
Letting Chemicals Bake in Direct Sun
Surface temps >30 °C accelerate evaporation, leaving chalky acid residues that etch clear-coat.
Using Household Degreasers
Caustic oven cleaners creep under lacquer and stain raw aluminium white.
Skipping the Clay Stage
Iron remover dissolves only surface rust; the remaining grit becomes sandpaper under your towel.
Pro Tips to Extend the Time Between Cleanings
Seal wheels immediately after decon. Aim for a SiO₂ spray every third wash; top up high-temp sealants quarterly. Rotate tyres at the same interval—removing wheels gives you full access to the inner barrel where 60 % of dust hides.
How to Evaluate Performance: The White-Towel Test
After your next 100 km drive, wipe a white microfibre across the rim face. Anything darker than light grey means your sealant is spent and iron particles are already bonding—time for another round.
Environmental Considerations: Safer Chemistry, Lower Runoff
Modern kits swap ammonium bifluoride for biodegradable thioglycolates. Capture rinse water in a low-profile drum; let solids settle, then decant the grey water into a sanitary drain—never the storm drain.
Budget vs Premium Kits: Where Extra Money Actually Goes
Premium removers use slow-evap gels and corrosion inhibitors that protect callipers. Mid-range bundles include better brushes (ergonomic, chemical-resistant) and thicker towels. Budget sets get you the core chemistry but expect cheaper triggers and lintier cloths.
Storage & Shelf-Life: Keep Your Chemicals Potent for Years
Store iron remover between 5–25 °C, cap tight, and shake monthly to prevent phase separation. Once the liquid smells strongly of sulphur or turns dark brown, the active thioglycolate has oxidised—replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How often should I use a brake-dust remover kit?
Every three months or when the white-towel test shows visible grey residue. -
Will the purple stain my driveway?
Rinse while still wet; dried iron complexes can leave faint spots that fade in a week of weathering. -
Can I use iron remover on paintwork?
Yes—spray lightly on lower doors and rear hatch where brake dust settles; dwell 3 min and rinse. -
Are iron removers safe for ceramic brakes?
Absolutely; carbon-ceramic discs still shed iron from the hubs and calliper hardware the pad glides on. -
Do I still need acid-based wheel cleaner?
Only for neglected, caked wheels. Modern neutral pre-cleaners plus iron remover handle 95 % of jobs safely. -
Why does the gel turn red instead of purple?
High-carbon pad dust or copper from calliper pins can tint the complex; performance is unaffected. -
Can I clay without using iron remover first?
You’ll mar the surface; always dissolve iron chemically before mechanical decon. -
What dwell time is too long?
Beyond 10 min the gel dries, reverse-depositing iron and risking etch—never let it bake. -
Does brake-dust remover strip wax?
It softens organic wax; reapply sealant or wax to the wheel face after decontamination. -
Is the sulphur smell harmful?
Ventilate; the odour is thioglycolic acid reacting—non-toxic at these concentrations but unpleasant in closed garages.