Most drivers clean their tires at least twice a month, with a deep clean every three months. It’s not just an aesthetic choice—cleaning your tires regularly helps extend your tread life by removing caked-on dirt and road salt that make your tires susceptible to cracking. But how do you clean your tires at home?

In this guide, our experts share their wheel and tire cleaning tips! Read on to learn about:

Tire Cleaning Equipment
Best Tire Cleaners and Dressings
Solvent vs Water-Based Tire Dressings: What to Avoid
7 Steps to Clean Tires and Wheels
Common Tire Cleaning Mistakes

Need to replace your tire? Hooper’s Tire Outlet offers quality used tires at an affordable price! Visit our Rochester, NY, or Syracuse, NY locations.

Tire Cleaning Equipment

Before you start scrubbing, gather the right tools and set up your workstation. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bucket of Water: Used for mixing soap or rinsing your cleaning tools. A clean bucket ensures you’re not re-applying dirt to your tires.
Hose or Pressure Washer: Helps blast away surface dirt, mud, and grime quickly. A pressure washer is especially effective for tough buildup.
Tire Brush (Stiff-Bristled): Designed to scrub tire sidewalls and remove stuck-on dirt and browning without damaging the rubber.
Wheel Brush or Sponge: Used for cleaning rims and getting into tight spaces between spokes and lug nuts. Soft bristles help avoid scratches.
Wheel & Tire Cleaner: Breaks down grease, brake dust, and road grime. Tire-specific cleaners are usually more effective on rubber, but brands also include hybrid wheel cleaners that are safe for trims. Look for cleaners with a balanced pH suitable for rubber. Avoid harsh degreasers that can strip the tire of its oils.
Microfiber Towels or Drying Cloths: Used to dry your wheels and prevent water spots after cleaning. Avoid using paper towels that can leave behind lint.
Tire Shine or Dressing (Optional): Restores the deep black look of your tires and adds a protective layer to block UV damage and prevent cracking. Water-based solutions are the most popular. Avoid formulas with petroleum distillates, acetone, or kerosene, which can strip your tire’s oils.
Tire Dressing Applicator Pad (Optional): A curved foam pad designed for smooth and even application of tire dressings.

Best Tire Cleaners And Dressings

At a minimum, you need a decent tire and wheel cleaner, with many top brands offering a hybrid solution. Tire dressing is optional but helps maintain your tires’ condition between cleanings, potentially reducing your cleaning schedule. Our experts recommend:

Griot’s Garage Wheel Cleaner: pH-balanced and safe for all wheel finishes, including chrome and polished aluminum.
Adam’s Tire & Rubber Cleaner: Specifically formulated to remove tire blooming and old dressings for a fresh look. If you prefer a hybrid product, Adam’s Wheel & Tire Cleaner is a good all-in-one solution.
Adams Graphene Tire Dressing: Highly recommended by tire professionals and car enthusiasts alike. Its water-based formula offers a satin finish and cures well to create a long-lasting protective coat.
Carpro Darkside: A solvent-based tire shine. It’s a high-performance product designed to last weeks between car cleanings.

Solvent vs Water-Based Tire Dressing: What to Avoid

There are two main types of tire dressings:

Water-Based Tire Dressing: The more eco-friendly formula, water-based options provide a matte finish on your tires and are rising in popularity. We prefer water-based tire dressings for their ease of use and compatibility with most tires.
Solvent-Based Tire Dressing: Compared to water-based counterparts, solvent-based tire dressings typically last longer and offer a satin or shiny finish. However, they can temporarily make tires slick and should not be used on motorcycle tires as a result. They can also corrode your car’s paint or brake system if accidentally applied.

Tire enthusiasts often debate whether prolonged overuse of solvent-based tire dressings can harm tires in the long run.

Some drivers argue that dressings containing petroleum distillates, acetone, and kerosene could penetrate a tire’s rubber compound and remove natural oils. Leeching oil would eventually lead to dry rot, causing the tire sidewalls to crack and blow out prematurely.

Nowadays, tire dressing formulas have improved to mitigate tire damage. It should be safe to use a high-quality product recommended for your tire. When in doubt, check tire dressing labels for harmful compounds and stick with water-based products that are safer for rubber.

(7 Steps) How to Clean Tires and Wheels

1. Rinse Off Loose Dirt

Start by rinsing the tires and wheels with a hose or pressure washer. This removes loose debris and makes it easier for your cleaner to do its job. Don’t skip this step—scrubbing dry dirt can scratch the finish.

Note: Do not clean tires if they’re warm from driving on the road as this can damage the rubber and wheels.

2. Apply Tire Cleaner

Working on one tire at a time, spray your tire cleaner directly onto the tire sidewalls and rims. Let it sit for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to break down dirt and grease. Avoid letting the cleaner dry on the surface.

Note: If you’re using an all-purpose (hybrid) cleaner, make sure it’s safe for both rubber and metal.

3. Scrub the Tires

Use a stiff tire brush to work the cleaner into the rubber. Focus on removing brown discoloration (“tire blooming”) and buildup around the edges. Scrub in circular motions for full coverage. You do not have to clean the tire tread beyond flushing out small stones or stubborn grime since tires will quickly pick up dirt between treads after your next drive.

4. Clean the Wheels

Use a softer wheel brush or sponge to scrub the rims. Pay attention to areas around the lug nuts and inside the spokes where brake dust tends to collect.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse off the cleaner and residue from the tires and wheels. Any leftover cleaner can leave streaks or cause damage over time.

6. Dry the Tires and Wheels

Use microfiber towels to dry your tires and rims. This prevents water spots and ensures a clean surface for dressing or polish. If polishing, tires should be cool and dry to the touch for maximum efficacy.

7. Apply Tire Dressing (Optional)

For that just-detailed look, apply a tire shine product to a foam applicator or cloth before rubbing it onto the tire side walls. Avoid spraying tire shine directly on the tire as it’s easy to overspray and get the product on your car’s paint, wheels, and brakes. Depending on the tire shine formula, overapplication could damage those parts.

Note: Do not apply tire dressing on your treads as this will affect your traction and lead to poor handling.

Common Tire Cleaning Mistakes

If it’s your first time cleaning tires, remember to avoid these common mistakes:

Using Household Cleaners: Cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or degreasers (dish soap) can dry out rubber and lead to cracking. Always choose tire-safe products.
Skipping the Rinse: Not rinsing off loose dirt can cause scratching during scrubbing. Not to mention, a dirty tire can reduce the efficacy of your tire shine.
Using the Same Brush for Tires and Wheels: Cross-contamination can scratch your rims or apply brake dust to your tires. Instead, use separate tools and consider using separate cleaners.
Letting Cleaners Dry on the Surface: If a tire cleaner sits too long, it can stain the tire or damage the wheel’s finish. Work quickly or tackle one wheel at a time.
Overusing Tire Shine: Applying too much dressing can cause "tire sling," where the product flings onto your paint while driving.

Clean Your Tires With Confidence

With the right tools and products, tire cleaning becomes an easy weekend task that leaves your car looking better than ever! Use our guide to establish a routine, and your tires are sure to last.

For all other tire needs, visit Hooper’s Tire Outlet to service your tires. Our team offers a free diagnostic with a tire repair purchase, tire mounting and balancing, and more.

Easy Guide to Cleaning Tires at Home: Products, Steps, and Tips