How To Clean Brown Tires?

Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd

To clean brown tires caused by tire blooming, you can use products like Super Clean automotive degreaser, Total Extract Tire and Rubber Cleaner, or Turtle Wax Platinum All Wheel and Tire Cleaner. These products help break down the brown discoloration and restore the appearance of your tires. Dilute the degreaser, spray it on the tires, scrub, and rinse thoroughly. For Total Extract Tire and Rubber Cleaner, rinse the tires, spray the cleaner, scrub, and rinse again. With Turtle Wax Platinum, spray the cleaner, scrub, and rinse. Regular tire cleaning and maintenance and UV-protecting tire dressings can help prevent further tire blooming.

What is Tire Blooming?

Tire blooming refers to the chemical process that causes brown discoloration on the surface of tires. This phenomenon occurs due to two primary reasons:

Release Agents: During manufacturing, release agents are applied to tire molds to facilitate easy removal. These agents can contribute to tire blooming when they migrate to the tire’s surface.

Anti-Ozone Chemicals: Tires are infused with anti-ozone chemicals to protect against sun damage, preventing dry rot and extending lifespan. However, these chemicals can also rise to the surface, leading to the brown discoloration commonly associated with tire blooming.

Factors contributing to tire blooming include:

Exposure to Heat and Sunlight: Higher temperatures and prolonged exposure to sunlight accelerate the migration of chemicals, leading to tire blooming.

Environmental Contaminants: Pollutants, dirt, and road grime can accumulate on the tire’s surface, interacting with the chemicals and intensifying the brown discoloration.

Cleaning Brown Tires: Effective Solutions

Solution 1: Super Clean Automotive Degreaser

A Super Clean automotive degreaser is one effective method to clean brown tires.

Diluting the Super Clean Degreaser:

Begin by diluting the Super Clean degreaser with water. The recommended ratio is 1 part degreaser to 3 parts water. This dilution helps balance the strength of the degreaser while ensuring effective cleaning without causing any damage to the tire.

Applying the Diluted Solution:

Once the degreaser is properly diluted, proceed with the application process:

1. Spray Application: Spray the diluted Super Clean solution generously onto the brown areas of the tire. Be careful to avoid spraying the wheel itself, as the degreaser is specifically meant for the rubber part of the tire.
2. Allowing Penetration: Allow the solution to sit and penetrate the stains for a few minutes. This dwell time allows the degreaser to effectively break down the chemicals causing the discoloration and loosen the brown residue.

Scrubbing and Rinsing:

After the degreaser has had sufficient time to penetrate the stains, proceed with scrubbing and rinsing:

1. Agitating with a Brush: Using a brush with stiff bristles, scrub the tire surface vigorously to agitate and remove the brown residue. The bristles help dislodge stubborn stains and enhance the cleaning process. Make sure to cover the entire tire surface for uniform cleaning.
2. Thorough Rinse: Rinse the tire thoroughly with water, ensuring that all the residue, along with the broken-down chemicals, is washed away. Use a hose or a bucket of clean water to rinse off the degreaser and residue completely.

Repeat if Necessary:

In some cases, a single round of cleaning may not eliminate all the brown discoloration. If needed, repeat the entire process until the brown discoloration is significantly reduced or completely removed. Additional rounds of cleaning can help achieve the desired results.

Solution 2: Total Extract Tire and Rubber Cleaner

Another effective product to clean brown tires is the Total Extract Tire and Rubber Cleaner. Here’s how to use it:

Rinsing Off the Tires:

Start by rinsing the tires with water to remove loose dirt and grime. This initial rinse helps create a clean surface for the cleaner to work effectively.

Applying the Total Extract Cleaner:

Spray the Total Extract Tire and Rubber Cleaner generously over the entire tire surface, ensuring complete coverage. The cleaner is specifically designed for tires and rubber, and its formulation helps break down dirt and grime effectively.

Scrubbing and Foaming:

Take a stiff bristle brush and scrub the tire surface, focusing on the brown areas. Apply pressure and scrub circularly to agitate and dislodge the dirt and grime. The Total Extract cleaner will begin to foam up, indicating it is actively working to exfoliate the stains.

Thorough Rinsing:

Rinse off the tire thoroughly with water, ensuring that all the foam and residue are completely washed away. Use a hose or a bucket of clean water to rinse off the cleaner from the tire surface.

Drying the Tire:

Dry the tire using microfiber towels, absorbing all excess moisture. Alternatively, you can let the tire air dry naturally. This step helps prevent water spots and promotes a clean, polished appearance.

Solution 3: Turtle Wax Platinum All Wheel and Tire Cleaner

Turtle Wax Platinum All Wheel and Tire Cleaner can also effectively clean brown tires. Follow these steps:

Applying Turtle Wax Platinum All Wheel and Tire Cleaner:

Apply the Turtle Wax Platinum All Wheel and Tire Cleaner generously to the brown areas of the tire. Ensure complete coverage of the discolored areas for maximum effectiveness.

Allowing Penetration and Breakdown:

Allow the cleaner to sit on the tire for approximately 30 seconds. This dwell time allows the cleaner to penetrate the stains and break down the brown residues.

Scrubbing and Removing Residues:

Take a brush with stiff bristles and scrub the tire, focusing on the areas with brown discoloration. You will notice the brown residues starting to break down as you scrub.

Rinsing Thoroughly:

Rinse the tire with water thoroughly, ensuring all the cleaner and residue are completely removed.

Repeat if Needed:

If the brown discoloration is still present after the initial cleaning, repeat the entire process until the discoloration is significantly reduced or eliminated. Multiple rounds of cleaning may be necessary for stubborn stains.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Cleaning brown tires caused by tire blooming is possible with the right products and techniques. Whether you choose Super Clean, Total Extract Tire and Rubber Cleaner, or Turtle Wax Platinum All Wheel and Tire Cleaner, following the recommended steps will help restore the appearance of your tires. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent further discoloration and keep your tires looking their best.

Key Points:

• Tire blooming is a natural process caused by chemicals rising to the surface of the tires, resulting in brown discoloration.
• Chemicals used during tire manufacturing and anti-ozone chemicals contribute to tire blooming.
• Super Clean, Total Extract Tire and Rubber Cleaner, and Turtle Wax Platinum All Wheel and Tire Cleaner are effective solutions for cleaning brown tires.
• Dilute Super Clean, spray, scrub, and rinse.
• Apply Total Extract Tire and Rubber Cleaner, scrub, and rinse.
• Use Turtle Wax Platinum All Wheel and Tire Cleaner, scrub, and rinse until the brown discoloration is significantly reduced or eliminated.
• Regular tire cleaning and maintenance can help prevent further tire blooming and keep your tires looking their best.
• Avoiding exposure to extreme heat and sunlight can minimize the effects of tire blooming.
• Apply tire dressings with UV protection to further protect your tires from discoloration.
• Conduct a small compatibility test before using any cleaning product on your tires.
• Clean your tires at least once every few weeks or as needed to maintain their appearance and prevent the buildup of grime and contaminants.