The Ultimate Wheel Cleaner - Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner

[DetailersDomain]

SONAX Full Effect Wheel Cleaner

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/pyiu/work/SonaxWheelCleaneratdetailersdomain.jpg

Precision Wheel Cleaner for safe and effective removal of brake dust and stubborn dirt

SONAX Wheel Cleaner is a highly effective, acid-free and pH balanced rim and wheel cleaner that is safe for all wheels, including aluminum and alloys. This formulation is also effective and safe for use on painted wheels and will not deteriorate clear coats.

SONAX Wheel Cleaner contains unique chemical ingredients that effectively dissolves the sintered iron by forming a water soluble iron complex. During the use of your vehicle, brake dust and road grime become sintered to the surface of rims and wheels due to the high temperature conditions they are normally exposed. Brake dust contains high levels of iron and once sintered to the rim, becomes extremely difficult to dissolve or remove without the use of harsh chemicals.

SONAX Wheel Cleaner sprays on as a thick, flourescent grean foam. As the cleansing foam begins to work into the dirt and grime, the formula begins to turn red. The red coloration is the SONAX Wheel Cleaner forming a bond to the sintered iron on the wheel and changing its state to a water soluble complex for easy removal. Stubborn, baked on grime may take a small amount of agitation. Rinse wheels thoroughly with a power washer and wipe dry.

MSRP - $15.95.

So here is the test I did over the weekend. First I used this on the VW R32 and got amazing results, unfortunately no pictures.

Was able to do some more testing and the test subject a 2010 Audi S4, with all the bad weather I figured this was a great time to test it out. 4-5 weeks without washing the car (due to rain, snow, northeast winter)

Take a look I followed the instructions to the tee and got some amazing results, dare I say this will be a hit! I'm going to say even better than my favorite wheel cleaner.

Before shot of the wheel
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/pyiu/2010%20Audi%20S4/IMG_7346.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/pyiu/2010%20Audi%20S4/IMG_7351.jpg

Sprayed it on, and it was immediately green as stated in the directions
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/pyiu/2010%20Audi%20S4/IMG_7355.jpg

Started to turn purple within minutes
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/pyiu/2010%20Audi%20S4/IMG_7357.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/pyiu/2010%20Audi%20S4/IMG_7358.jpg

Take a look at it cleaning. (this was after quickly using the Uber Spoke Brush and Uber Boar's Hair Brush nothing crazy just a quick brushing)
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/pyiu/2010%20Audi%20S4/IMG_7361.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/pyiu/2010%20Audi%20S4/IMG_7362.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/pyiu/2010%20Audi%20S4/IMG_7364.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/pyiu/2010%20Audi%20S4/IMG_7365.jpg

Used a power washer (Cam Spray) and they looks great!
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/pyiu/2010%20Audi%20S4/IMG_7367.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/pyiu/2010%20Audi%20S4/IMG_7370.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/pyiu/2010%20Audi%20S4/IMG_7371.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/pyiu/2010%20Audi%20S4/IMG_7369.jpg

Needless to say I was impressed so impressed we will be carrying this asap.
I know most know what my favorite wheel cleaner is here and I've been using it for 15 years and I think I just found its replacement.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Phil, I bought a gallon of this stuff from you guys (something like $89.95). I love it. Should last me for life. Haha.

[pyreguy]

Impressed!! I will be placing an order soon. Plus I like all the colors.... :biggrin

[Marcus-SanDiego]

And let me give you guys a tip. Be sure to rinse it well. The stuff likes to hide in cracks and crevices. You'll find little streaks of purple on your wheel if you don't rinse well enough.

I did that the first time I used it. Never happened again after that -- because I made sure I rinsed well.

[kayger12]

Sold!

[az3579]

Darn, requires a rinse.
Hose access is rather limited...

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Definitely needs a good rinse, BP. A must.

[DetailersDomain]

this is really good stuff.
and yes it requires a good rinse.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Heck, I enjoy using the Sonax stuff because it takes most of the work away. Just little scrubbing after I've waited a few minutes for the Sonax to work.

Guys, if you're curious about this stuff, grab the small bottle they sell at Detailer's Domain. I knew I was sold on the product before I got it, so I bought the 5-liter refill bottle.

[Washburn]

I assume this is safe on our wheels?

[DetailersDomain]

yes safe on all wheels.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

It's safe on my wheels. I have BBS LM and the stock ZHP wheel, which is style 135.

[billschusteriv]

:applause2 I'm sold! I'm tired of trying random wheel cleaners in the store with hopes something will work half as good as these pictures show.

I'll place an order for some of this stuff in the next week and hopefully have a nice little write up with some before/after pictures of my awful wheels....

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Phil also tells me that if you buy three you get one free.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/3plus1bulk.aspx

[Smilez]

WOW

where is the group buy. that stuff was amazing.

[Alphatek45]

WOW

where is the group buy. that stuff was amazing.

+1. Id take a gallon if the deal was sexy...

[Marcus-SanDiego]

You can go to the site right now. They're selling it for 20% off list price (http://www.detailersdomain.com/sonax-fulleffect-wheelcleaner.aspx). You won't do much better with a group buy.

[Smilez]

oh didn't know that. awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kayger12]

Just ordered.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Yeah. I had to order one of those big containers last year to get that kind of deal. The small bottles typically don't make sense. They do here.

[Alphatek45]

Nice!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Phil also tells me that if you buy three you get one free.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/3plus1bulk.aspx

[kayger12]

Phil also tells me that if you buy three you get one free.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/3plus1bulk.aspx

I missed the boat as usual-- already ordered and only bought 2 :crying

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Call them and tell them you want to add another one so that you can get three and one free.

[kayger12]

Call them and tell them you want to add another one so that you can get three and one free.

I'll give it a shot, Mark.

Unfortunately they were quite efficient and already emailed me that my order status is, "shipped."

[Marcus-SanDiego]

They are very fast. I'd still give them a call. Tell them that you got Phil's note, through me, right after you placed your order. See if they'll hook it up.

[kayger12]

Will do. Thanks.

[DetailersDomain]

happy new year guys.

sorry for the delay in getting back to all of you here.

just got back from a family vacation.

yup you can buy 3 and get 1 free plus you can take the forum discount code for another 10% off.

also if you order now you can get FREE SHIPPING with orders over $49.95.

Phil

[kayger12]

They are very fast. I'd still give them a call. Tell them that you got Phil's note, through me, right after you placed your order. See if they'll hook it up.

They were so fast, Mark, that the package was already on my doorstep when I got home from work today!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Yep. They are in your neck of the woods. Not surprised.

[Alphatek45]

Bump for the greatest wheel cleaner I have ever used in my life!

[Johnmadd]

Good bump, I hadn't seen this before and it looks pretty awesome.

[kayger12]

Bump for the greatest wheel cleaner I have ever used in my life!

Agreed. Used it for the first time last week.

Very happy with it.

[Washburn]

Got Sonax wheel cleaner the in mail today... :)
Now only if can find time to wash the car and use it.... :(

LOL - one of my friends @ work at seeing me get out of the ZHP: "Damn man, that bitch is nasty! You need to wash it!" (as if I didn't know)

[MrMaico]

I want to say THANK YOU to Phil for the bottle of Sonax I received for winning the ZHPMafia photo contest! Haven't had a chance to try it out yet though. My wheels got an unexpected wash today when I was out for a drive and got caught by a little flood. I drove in here along the Missouri River and on my way in the water wasn't even halfway across the right side of this road and 15 minutes later this is what it looked like when I went to leave! Kinda spooked me when I first saw it.

Thanks again Phil......Barry

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-333Ci/IMG0787/1220457944_8JB5R-XL.jpg

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-333Ci/IMG0788/1220458017_PFzXw-XL.jpg

[danewilson77]

Lookin good Barry.

HTC Thunderbolt! Boom! Winning!

[Dotpage]

nice

[DetailersDomain]

not a problem, enjoy!

[kpro]

Thanks, if this wouldn't have got bumped I would have never noticed. I just bought a bottle :)

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Kristen, and don't forget to mention ZHP Mafia for a 10% discount.

[mimalmo]

How does this stuff do with the baked on brake dust that turns that golden yellow color?

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I don't believe it's strong enough to get that off, Eli. My detailer uses stronger stuff for those little baked on nuggets.

[Matt]

Rinse wheels thoroughly with a power washer and wipe dry.


I don't have access to a power washer... Standard garden hose/thumb pressure won't cut it? Just want to make sure I don't damage anything. Thanks, looks like an excellent product!

[Marcus-SanDiego]

I don't have a power washer either. I use one of those attachments you buy at Home Depot. I set it to jet.

Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E8UQB0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=zhpcom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001E8UQB0

[mimalmo]

I don't believe it's strong enough to get that off, Eli. My detailer uses stronger stuff for those little baked on nuggets.

There's a couple areas on those wheels I picked up that have that golden sheen to them. My wife's truck also has a few areas with the same. Any idea what your detailer is using for the tough spots?

[kayger12]

I don't have access to a power washer... Standard garden hose/thumb pressure won't cut it? Just want to make sure I don't damage anything. Thanks, looks like an excellent product!

Haven't used a power washer yet and haven't had any problems getting it off.

Standard garden hose here.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

There's a couple areas on those wheels I picked up that have that golden sheen to them. My wife's truck also has a few areas with the same. Any idea what your detailer is using for the tough spots?

I will find out, Eli.

[mimalmo]

Thanks.

[mwscircle]

hi guys, the sonax wheel cleaner would remove basic dirt and the black stuff. If you take your wheel off and let the sonax sit there for about 2-3 minutes, then use a soft brush it would remove it. Pics of the yellow stuff? if its an aluminum wheel you can also use a an aluminum wheel polish on it. its normally blue and its pretty strong... so make sure you wear gloves and some eye protection :)

Good luck, if you need more info send them to mark and he can bug me :)

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Thanks, Mikey (my detailer).

[billschusteriv]

hi guys, the sonax wheel cleaner would remove basic dirt and the black stuff. If you take your wheel off and let the sonax sit there for about 2-3 minutes, then use a soft brush it would remove it. Pics of the yellow stuff? if its an aluminum wheel you can also use a an aluminum wheel polish on it. its normally blue and its pretty strong... so make sure you wear gloves and some eye protection :)

Good luck, if you need more info send them to mark and he can bug me :)

Thanks Mikey!

I'm going to give this a try. I've got some golden and black baked on stuff. Looks like the PO never cleaned her wheels.

[mimalmo]

hi guys, the sonax wheel cleaner would remove basic dirt and the black stuff. If you take your wheel off and let the sonax sit there for about 2-3 minutes, then use a soft brush it would remove it. Pics of the yellow stuff? if its an aluminum wheel you can also use a an aluminum wheel polish on it. its normally blue and its pretty strong... so make sure you wear gloves and some eye protection :)

Good luck, if you need more info send them to mark and he can bug me :)

Thanks for the info! There are two sets of wheels I want to clean up. The first are painted OEM BMW wheels and the second set I think are polished with clearcoat (the 20" OEM 5 spoke wheels you see on the Chevy Suburban LTZ package).

[Mike V]

This is the first time seeing this thread and wow, this stuff looks amazing! How many washings would the $15 bottle be good for?

[billschusteriv]

I'm late to the party, just pulled the trigger on a 3+1 pack with 2 day shipping. Hope I can get it Friday or earlier. Want to clean up the BBS's on the e30 for cars and coffee this Saturday.

[kayger12]

You'll love it. Stuff is awesome.

[bullfrogs_M3]

Is this safe to use on BBS wheels?

[kayger12]

Is this safe to use on BBS wheels?

Yes. Non-acidic. Safe to use on all finishes.

[DetailersDomain]

awesome!

[billschusteriv]

You'll love it. Stuff is awesome.

I think I will Keith.

The only issue I think I will run into is my 45's are "stained" from the PO - so I'm going to have to get creative with how I take that off. This will clean up my 73's and e30 OE BBS 14's nicely.

[nike001]

I've had this stuff for a while. Works wonders!

[RITmusic2k]

Thanks for bumping this thread - I must've missed it when this first popped up. Buying my bottle today. Prolly getting some more goodies while I'm there :)

[billschusteriv]

http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/ad185/bill_schuster/IMG00271-20110414-1048.jpg

Wow! Requested two day shipping - but I must've gotten the ZHPMafia hookup! Wasn't expecting this until later today or even tomorrow morning.

Very cool! Looking forward to using the nice day to detail the e30 wheels! :applause2

[Marcus-SanDiego]

And don't forget that you guys get 10% off when you enter the discount code of ZHPMafia.

[DetailersDomain]

awesome! we will be running a 2 pack 5 liter refill deal in a few minutes its going to be good for those who love this stuff!

[Alphatek45]

Bump, for new folks and SALE! Make sure to use the affiliate link if you grab some:rockon

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Adam, Detailed Image is the one selling them for $11.93 today (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?4002-Detailed-Image-selling-Sonax-wheel-cleaner-for-11.83-today). Not Detailer's Domain.

Didn't want to confuse people.

[Alphatek45]

Ah ok. I'm always confusing the two. Thanks for the clarification.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

All good, Adam.

[quikryptonite]

My results. I love this stuff, especially with our wheels that take a little extra effort to clean. For some reason I didn't take any pictures start to finish of the same wheel. You can see in the first picture where I wiped the brake dust off with my finger.

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x428/dcrider48/BMW%20330i%20ZHP/Sonax1.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x428/dcrider48/BMW%20330i%20ZHP/Sonax3.jpg

http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x428/dcrider48/BMW%20330i%20ZHP/Sonax2.jpg

[danewilson77]

^No wiping, however slight, occurred?

[quikryptonite]

I used a wheel brush and it only takes about 45-60 seconds per wheel. It's pretty slick.

[danewilson77]

I used a wheel brush and it only takes about 45-60 seconds per wheel. It's pretty slick.

Nice.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[bullfrogs_M3]

Looks like I need to place my order ASAP! Hopefully it is fine on the BBS wheels, most are from what i've found.

[Hermes]

does this work good w/caked on brake dust/dirt/road tar deep inside the rim where I can't reach w/o taking off wheel?

[danewilson77]

does this work good w/caked on brake dust/dirt/road tar deep inside the rim where I can't reach w/o taking off wheel?

More scrubbing/wiping would be required.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

In my opinion, no. You need something with more strength to get that, JP.

[Hermes]

Yeah that's what I was thinking. Just a pain to take off, clean and reinstall all 4

[zhpnsnv]

Like this stuff. Still requires wiping with a sponge on the thick layer of dust that accumulates.

[SEGUA I SOGNI]

I just ordered my first bottle of SONAX Ultimate Wheel cleaner. Do I need to use anything on it like a micrfiber cloth or a brush? Or does it just need a good stream of water to rinse it all off?

[LivesNearCostco]

Seeing those before and after pictures, I HAVE to try this stuff!

[kayger12]

I just ordered my first bottle of SONAX Ultimate Wheel cleaner. Do I need to use anything on it like a micrfiber cloth or a brush? Or does it just need a good stream of water to rinse it all off?

Good stream of water will do the trick as long as you don't let it dry.


Seeing those before and after pictures, I HAVE to try this stuff!
Yeah, you won't be disappointed-- it's awesome stuff.

[RITmusic2k]

A brush or a microfiber sponge would be good - you don't really have to scrub at all, just agitate everything lightly - mostly just to ensure all surfaces have been exposed to the product. This stuff will amaze your brain.

[das boots]

Just ordered the 3 + 1. Do I have to let it sit after spraying for a while prior to power hose off?? Is this done one wheel at a time?

[danewilson77]

Yeah....one wheel at a time. Let it turn purple. Do not let it dry.

[das boots]

Thanks. I guess i won't be purchasing the Wheel Wax.

[DetailersDomain]

Yeah....one wheel at a time. Let it turn purple. Do not let it dry.

2nd you may need to brush them if they are bad.

[danewilson77]

Thanks. I guess i won't be purchasing the Wheel Wax.

Why?

[nike001]

I don't know about anyone else.. but wheel wax seemingly does nothing. I can't tell a difference.

[DetailersDomain]

for good wheel protection check out.

Swissvax Autobahn
Opti Coat 2 (opti guard)
Wolf's Rim Shield
Collinite 845
Prima Wheel Armour (https://detailersdomain.com/Wheel-Wax_c_111.html)

[das boots]

Wouldn't the wheel protection wash off everytime the Sonax is used? And the wax/paste is PIA on application on the nooks and crannies. However, the liquid solution are easy to apply. But again, would they have to re-apply everytime Sonax is used?

[DetailersDomain]

I have had the opti coat on my wheels from last year and no issues the sonax does not strip it. The coating is permanent.

[das boots]

Got my package today when I got home. Thank you Philip & Sue. I do have a question for you and the members concerning comparison and performance. I got a bottle of wheel cleaner from BMW. (got it from our club Christmas party). Both bottle contaniers are from the same manufacturer. So, which one is better? Evidently, both are used the same way by spraying and leaving for 5 minutes (per instructions...do not dry) before power washing them off.......

[nike001]

Did you use both? Use them. Sonax has quite the different look, smell, and workings that I haven't experienced with any cleaner. If the BMW one is the same, then I think we have a match!

[das boots]

Frankly, I still have not tried the BMW. I will give both a try.....but of course, the BMW cost more....I think.

[DetailersDomain]

thanks for your feedback.

I have not tried the BMW wheel cleaner. I have ask Sonax and they have said it is definitely not Full Effect Wheel Cleaner.

[das boots]

Phil.....I was finally able to try and do a comparison on the Sonax and the BMW cleaner. And I would like to state for the record that Sonax came out as the winner. You could see the conversion on the Sonax from green to drak purple. The reaction was immediate. The BMW came out clear and there was no chemical transformation. Just the dark dust disolving. The BMW cleaner left some residue that required a second application using the Sonax. Although Sonax left a little residue, they were simply wiped off by a wash chamois. And this was on my 135s. Sonax did a fantastic job on my BBS RS for my E30 M3. Simply wiped off with no residue on the polished dish of the RS. Sonax.....Highly Recommended.

[DetailersDomain]

thanks for the feedback

[GT172I]

I recently bought some SONAX and Poorboys Wheel Sealant to use during my tire rotation and was definitely impressed with both products. With the price of SONAX I'm hoping the sealant will help get me a bit longer between deep cleanings but have no doubt it'll be capable of bringing the ARC-8's back to gleaming beauty.

[derbo]

bought one bottle of sonax from Phil. Can't wait to try it on my brother's caked on brake dusts on his track rims and see if it dissolves it!

[DetailersDomain]

if its baked on you may want to pull the wheels off let them sit and then use a brush to agitate the baked on brake dust. some brushing will be required.

thanks for the order.

[derbo]

if its baked on you may want to pull the wheels off let them sit and then use a brush to agitate the baked on brake dust. some brushing will be required.

thanks for the order.

That's exactly the Gameplan I was going to do! Thanks for the tips! The rims are already loose since they are track only rims :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DetailersDomain]

of course no problem.