steam cleaner
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Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Unmodified
steam cleaner
A friend suggested I use a steam cleaner to clean my brakedustified wheels. Has anybody used one of these and are they safe for my paint?
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From: Texas
I've never seen one used for brake dust but if you search on YouTube you'll see a lot of the popular detailers use them all over the car. Primarily the interior but I've seen some use them to detail the felt wheel liners on BMWs (similar to what the C7 Corvette has) and some of the under hood wiring harnesses.
It's just hot water and the pressure ranks just above "mist". Unless you plan to find one that blasts the water out at 500* at a pressure like a blowtorch you'll be fine.
Edit: I will add that I'd only use steam and not load the water up with a bunch of chemicals. A quick Google search yielded thousands of links with pics and videos.
It's just hot water and the pressure ranks just above "mist". Unless you plan to find one that blasts the water out at 500* at a pressure like a blowtorch you'll be fine.
Edit: I will add that I'd only use steam and not load the water up with a bunch of chemicals. A quick Google search yielded thousands of links with pics and videos.
Last edited by 96GS#007; Jul 8, 2023 at 10:26 PM.
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They do have acid wash which insists you do it in a ventilated area and keep away from skin if possible, etc, etc. BTDT. It was great stuff if you followed the instructions. Black dust came off so it works.
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Never heard of using a steam cleaner rto work on the wheel area, but why not find a really good detail shop and ask them their opinion. Perhaps they use one in their car prep, or can tell you the negatives of doing so.
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Get some Griot's Garage Wheel Cleaner, spray it on use a microfiber brush and rinse off.. doing 1 wheel at a time
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I'd bet a dollar our wheels are powder coated at the factory. Powder cures at 350-400 part metal temp. Steam at its hottest isn't going to be above 212*. Even if its paint, you'd have to deliberately hold the steamer in one spot for a while to do damage.
High end detailers do use steam wands to clean out trim areas on old cars that have not been cared for in some time to remove debris from behind and in crevices.
I think there are easier ways to do it, but you'd be fine.
High end detailers do use steam wands to clean out trim areas on old cars that have not been cared for in some time to remove debris from behind and in crevices.
I think there are easier ways to do it, but you'd be fine.
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From: Brooklyn NY
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Unmodified
