How To Clean White Walls On Tires?

Last Updated on October 6, 2023 by Matthew Lloyd

To clean white walls on tires, you have a few options. One method is to use a product like Lightning Fast, which can be diluted and sprayed onto the white walls. Scrub the surface with a soft brush and wipe off the excess foam. Another method is to create a paste using baking soda and water, then apply it to the white walls and scrub gently. Rinse off the paste to reveal cleaner white walls. For more severe staining, wet sanding can be effective. Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and gradually switch to finer grit, wetting the sandpaper and gently sanding the surface. Clean and dry the tires, then apply a sealant to protect and enhance the white walls.

Method 1: Using Lightning Fast

One of the methods we recommend is using a product called Lightning Fast, which is effective for cleaning white walls on tires.

1. Dilute the Lightning Fast: Mix 10 parts water with 1 part Lightning Fast in a spray bottle. This 10:1 ratio provides a perfect solution for gently cleaning away stubborn grime without causing any damage.
2. Prepare the Work Area: To protect your garage or workspace from stains, place an old towel or cloth around the bottom of the tire to catch any runoff or debris.
3. Use an Exterior Brush: Grab an all-in-the-details brush with soft but aggressive bristles. This brush is designed to gently remove debris and grime from your white walls without causing any scratches.
4. Spray and Agitate: Spray the diluted Lightning Fast onto the brush and the area of the white wall tire that you want to clean. Start agitating the surface, scrubbing away any stubborn grime. You can also apply some Lightning Fast on the black wall of the tire to remove old debris.
5. Wipe off the Excess: After scrubbing, use a microfiber towel to wipe off the excess foam and check your work. Lightning Fast is safe for your wheels, so any product that gets on them can be easily wiped off.
6. Admire the Results: Remove any tape you may have used to mark the “before” and “after” areas. You will notice a significant transformation in the appearance of your white walls, with a restored bright finish.
7. Additional Tips: Lightning Fast can be used on black wall tires and is safe for gloss-painted surfaces. You can also use it to remove light brake dust and road grime. Lightning Fast can be diluted further for light-duty jobs or used at full strength for more stubborn stains.

Method 2: Using Baking Soda

If you prefer a more traditional and cost-effective approach, you can use baking soda to clean your white-wall tires. Here is how to do it:

1. Gather the Supplies: You will need baking soda, an old toothbrush, a plastic container lid, and some water.
2. Mix the Paste: Mix the baking soda with a small amount of water in the plastic container lid to create a paste-like consistency. The paste should be similar to toothpaste.
3. Apply the Paste: Using the toothbrush, apply the baking soda paste to the white wall tire. Scrub the surface, focusing on the areas with stains and discoloration.
4. Let it Sit: Allow the baking soda paste to sit on the tire for a few minutes. This will help it penetrate and break down the grime and stains.
5. Scrub and Rinse: Using the toothbrush, scrub the tire again, applying more pressure to remove stubborn stains. Then, rinse off the baking soda paste with water. You can repeat this process if necessary.
6. Evaluate the Results: Once rinsed, you should see a noticeable improvement in the cleanliness and whiteness of your white wall tires. The baking soda effectively removes dirt and grime, restoring the tires’ appearance.

Method 3: Wet Sanding

Wet sanding can be an effective method for white wall tires with deep staining and discoloration. Here are the steps to restore your tires:

1. Assess the Staining: Determine the depth of the staining on your white wall tires. If the stains are severe and regular cleaning methods haven’t worked, wet sanding may be necessary.
2. Choose the Sandpaper Grit: Start with a coarse grit sandpaper, such as 300. Wet the sandpaper with water to create a lubricating surface for sanding.
3. Begin Wet Sanding: Gently sand the surface of the white wall tire using circular motions. Keep the sandpaper wet throughout the process to prevent damage to the tire.
4. Gradually Switch to Finer Grit: After sanding with the coarse grit sandpaper, switch to a finer grit, such as 800. Continue wet sanding until the surface feels smooth and the staining is removed.
5. Clean and Dry the Tires: Thoroughly clean the tires and remove any residue from the wet sanding. Allow the tires to air dry completely or use compressed air for faster drying.
6. Apply a Sealant: Use a rubber, vinyl, or plastic sealer specifically designed for tires. Apply the sealant evenly using a microfiber application pad. Allow the sealant to cure for a couple of hours.
7. Buff Clean: After the sealant has cured, buff the tires with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any excess sealant and reveal the restored white walls.

Conclusion

Maintaining clean and bright white walls on tires can greatly enhance the overall appearance of your vehicle. Whether you choose to use products like Lightning Fast, create a paste with baking soda, or opt for wet sanding, effective methods are available to restore the brilliance of your white walls. Regular cleaning and proper maintenance will ensure your tires maintain their attractive and pristine look.

FAQs

Key Notes:

• Use Lightning Fast diluted at a 10:1 ratio to clean white walls gently.
• Using baking soda and water, create a paste to scrub and clean white walls.
• Wet sanding is a more advanced method for heavily stained white walls.
• Assess the staining level before choosing the appropriate cleaning method.
• Ensure tires are dry before applying sealants or dressings.