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View Full Version : The Ultimate Wheel Cleaner - Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner



DetailersDomain
12-27-2010, 05:49 PM
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
12-27-2010, 05:51 PM
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
12-27-2010, 05:51 PM
Impressed!! I will be placing an order soon. Plus I like all the colors.... :biggrin

Marcus-SanDiego
12-27-2010, 05:55 PM
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
12-28-2010, 05:04 AM
Sold!

az3579
12-28-2010, 05:26 AM
Darn, requires a rinse.
Hose access is rather limited...

Marcus-SanDiego
12-28-2010, 07:00 AM
Definitely needs a good rinse, BP. A must.

DetailersDomain
12-28-2010, 08:20 AM
this is really good stuff.
and yes it requires a good rinse.

Marcus-SanDiego
12-28-2010, 08:27 AM
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
12-28-2010, 09:28 AM
I assume this is safe on our wheels?

DetailersDomain
12-28-2010, 09:30 AM
yes safe on all wheels.

Marcus-SanDiego
12-28-2010, 09:31 AM
It's safe on my wheels. I have BBS LM and the stock ZHP wheel, which is style 135.

billschusteriv
01-02-2011, 08:58 PM
: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
01-03-2011, 01:41 AM
Phil also tells me that if you buy three you get one free.

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

Smilez
01-03-2011, 07:31 AM
WOW

where is the group buy. that stuff was amazing.

Alphatek45
01-03-2011, 08:10 AM
WOW

where is the group buy. that stuff was amazing.

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

Marcus-SanDiego
01-03-2011, 08:12 AM
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
01-03-2011, 08:29 AM
oh didn't know that. awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kayger12
01-03-2011, 08:38 AM
Just ordered.

Marcus-SanDiego
01-03-2011, 08:45 AM
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
01-03-2011, 09:13 AM
Nice!

Marcus-SanDiego
01-03-2011, 09:34 AM
Phil also tells me that if you buy three you get one free.

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

kayger12
01-03-2011, 02:34 PM
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
01-03-2011, 03:07 PM
Call them and tell them you want to add another one so that you can get three and one free.

kayger12
01-03-2011, 03:47 PM
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
01-03-2011, 04:18 PM
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
01-03-2011, 05:15 PM
Will do. Thanks.

DetailersDomain
01-04-2011, 08:24 PM
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
01-04-2011, 08:31 PM
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
01-04-2011, 09:05 PM
Yep. They are in your neck of the woods. Not surprised.

Alphatek45
01-29-2011, 05:42 PM
Bump for the greatest wheel cleaner I have ever used in my life!

Johnmadd
01-29-2011, 06:12 PM
Good bump, I hadn't seen this before and it looks pretty awesome.

kayger12
01-29-2011, 07:09 PM
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
02-15-2011, 06:04 PM
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
03-18-2011, 03:40 PM
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
03-18-2011, 03:44 PM
Lookin good Barry.

HTC Thunderbolt! Boom! Winning!

Dotpage
03-18-2011, 03:50 PM
nice

DetailersDomain
03-18-2011, 04:19 PM
not a problem, enjoy!

kpro
03-20-2011, 05:08 AM
Thanks, if this wouldn't have got bumped I would have never noticed. I just bought a bottle :)

Marcus-SanDiego
03-20-2011, 07:14 AM
Kristen, and don't forget to mention ZHP Mafia for a 10% discount.

mimalmo
03-22-2011, 04:09 PM
How does this stuff do with the baked on brake dust that turns that golden yellow color?

Marcus-SanDiego
03-22-2011, 04:20 PM
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
03-22-2011, 05:00 PM
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
03-22-2011, 05:26 PM
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
03-22-2011, 05:34 PM
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
03-22-2011, 05:41 PM
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
03-22-2011, 05:45 PM
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
03-22-2011, 05:47 PM
Thanks.

mwscircle
03-22-2011, 10:35 PM
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
03-22-2011, 10:48 PM
Thanks, Mikey (my detailer).

billschusteriv
03-23-2011, 04:18 AM
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
03-23-2011, 05:04 AM
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
03-26-2011, 12:36 PM
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
04-13-2011, 05:39 AM
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
04-13-2011, 05:40 AM
You'll love it. Stuff is awesome.

bullfrogs_M3
04-13-2011, 06:25 AM
Is this safe to use on BBS wheels?

kayger12
04-13-2011, 06:27 AM
Is this safe to use on BBS wheels?

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

DetailersDomain
04-13-2011, 06:28 AM
awesome!

billschusteriv
04-13-2011, 06:51 AM
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
04-13-2011, 01:31 PM
I've had this stuff for a while. Works wonders!

RITmusic2k
04-13-2011, 01:44 PM
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
04-14-2011, 06:56 AM
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
04-14-2011, 07:06 AM
And don't forget that you guys get 10% off when you enter the discount code of ZHPMafia.

DetailersDomain
04-14-2011, 07:15 AM
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
07-24-2011, 09:56 AM
Bump, for new folks and SALE! Make sure to use the affiliate link if you grab some:rockon

Marcus-SanDiego
07-24-2011, 11:55 AM
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
07-24-2011, 12:09 PM
Ah ok. I'm always confusing the two. Thanks for the clarification.

Marcus-SanDiego
07-24-2011, 12:32 PM
All good, Adam.

quikryptonite
09-23-2011, 10:25 AM
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
09-23-2011, 11:48 AM
^No wiping, however slight, occurred?

quikryptonite
09-24-2011, 07:08 AM
I used a wheel brush and it only takes about 45-60 seconds per wheel. It's pretty slick.

danewilson77
09-24-2011, 07:47 AM
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
09-24-2011, 08:39 AM
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
09-24-2011, 11:17 AM
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
09-24-2011, 11:26 AM
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
09-24-2011, 11:27 AM
In my opinion, no. You need something with more strength to get that, JP.

Hermes
09-24-2011, 11:28 AM
Yeah that's what I was thinking. Just a pain to take off, clean and reinstall all 4

zhpnsnv
09-24-2011, 11:35 AM
Like this stuff. Still requires wiping with a sponge on the thick layer of dust that accumulates.

SEGUA I SOGNI
03-02-2012, 09:32 AM
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
03-02-2012, 10:53 AM
Seeing those before and after pictures, I HAVE to try this stuff!

kayger12
03-03-2012, 05:11 AM
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
03-05-2012, 09:26 AM
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
04-04-2012, 02:02 PM
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
04-04-2012, 02:05 PM
Yeah....one wheel at a time. Let it turn purple. Do not let it dry.

das boots
04-04-2012, 02:12 PM
Thanks. I guess i won't be purchasing the Wheel Wax.

DetailersDomain
04-04-2012, 02:14 PM
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
04-04-2012, 02:54 PM
Thanks. I guess i won't be purchasing the Wheel Wax.

Why?

nike001
04-04-2012, 04:06 PM
I don't know about anyone else.. but wheel wax seemingly does nothing. I can't tell a difference.

DetailersDomain
04-04-2012, 04:56 PM
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
04-04-2012, 06:06 PM
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
04-04-2012, 06:17 PM
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
04-11-2012, 02:14 PM
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
04-11-2012, 02:28 PM
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
04-11-2012, 02:30 PM
Frankly, I still have not tried the BMW. I will give both a try.....but of course, the BMW cost more....I think.

DetailersDomain
04-11-2012, 07:58 PM
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
05-13-2012, 06:31 PM
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
05-13-2012, 06:35 PM
thanks for the feedback

GT172I
05-14-2012, 12:11 PM
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
05-24-2012, 12:22 AM
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
05-24-2012, 02:33 AM
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
05-24-2012, 09:48 AM
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
05-24-2012, 11:37 AM
of course no problem.