AMMO NYC Plum Wheel Cleaner: ChemCX Analysis
Ranked Performance
Pricing
Quick Answer
AMMO NYC Plum Wheel Cleaner combines thioglycolate iron chelation with alkaline cleaning at pH 10.75, giving it dual attack capability against both metallic brake dust and organic contamination. At $1.25/oz, it sits at the premium end of the category. Best suited for enthusiasts who want visible color-change confirmation that iron deposits are dissolving.
What It Is
AMMO NYC Plum Wheel Cleaner uses thioglycolate chemistry, the same iron-reacting compounds found in professional-grade fallout removers. This approach chemically bonds with ferrous brake dust particles, turning them purple as they dissolve, rather than relying solely on surfactants to lift contamination. Sold ready-to-use at pH 10.75, it requires no mixing or measuring before application.
Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| pH | 10.75 |
| Dilution Ratio | ready_to_use |
| Key Actives | (2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium mercaptoacetate |
| Signal Word | Danger |
| Transparency | excellent |
Category Context
| Metric | This Product | Category Average | Category Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 10.75 | 8.6 | 3.5 - 15 |
| Price/oz | $1.25 | $0.62 | $0.12 - $1.70 |
Where It Lands
At pH 10.75, AMMO Plum sits well above the category average of 8.6, placing it among the more aggressive RTU wheel cleaners. This alkalinity enhances the thioglycolate chemistry's ability to dissolve iron-based brake dust, making it effective for wheels with accumulated contamination. For lightly soiled wheels or frequent maintenance, this strength exceeds what's needed and increases the importance of prompt rinsing to protect wheel finishes.
At $1.25 per ounce, AMMO Plum commands a premium, roughly double the category average of $0.62. The thioglycolate chemistry does provide the color-changing iron reaction that alkaline alternatives lack. Users wanting similar pH levels with alkaline chemistry could consider 3D GLW Wheel & Tire Cleaner or Optimum Power Clean, both operating near pH 11 at lower price points.
How It Compares
Closest Alternatives
3D GLW Series Wheel & Tire Cleaner uses alkaline chemistry rather than thioglycolate, meaning it cleans through surfactants and degreasers instead of iron-reactive compounds. This makes it better suited for wheels without heavy brake dust but with significant road grime or tire dressing buildup.
Optimum Power Wheel Tire Cleaner offers alkaline cleaning at pH 11.5, slightly higher than Plum's 10.75. The trade-off: no color-changing iron indication, but broader cleaning action against oils and general contamination.
303 Products Wheel & Tire Cleaner runs at pH 9.5, making it gentler on delicate plastics and clear-coated wheels. The lower alkalinity trades some cleaning strength for reduced risk on sensitive surfaces.
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How the Chemistry Works
The active ingredient here is (2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium mercaptoacetate, a thioglycolate compound that reacts directly with iron particles embedded in brake dust. When sprayed on wheels, the thioglycolate breaks the chemical bonds holding iron oxides to the surface, producing the characteristic purple bleeding that signals the reaction is working. This iron-chelating mechanism targets metallic contamination that surfactants alone cannot dissolve.
The formulation backs this with a five-surfactant system spanning anionic, nonionic, and cationic types. Sodium alpha olefin sulfonate
provides primary cleaning power with good foaming, while two alkyl polyglucoside surfactants (the D-Glucopyranose compounds) add gentle but effective degreasing with low foam. The cationic cocoalkylmethyl quaternary ammonium helps the formula spread evenly and adhere to surfaces. Xanthan gum thickens the mixture so it clings to vertical wheel faces rather than running off immediately.Two chelating agents, tripotassium EDTA
and sodium gluconate, bind calcium and magnesium ions from hard water that would otherwise reduce cleaning effectiveness. The 2-Butoxyethanol solvent cuts through petroleum-based road grime and grease that water-based surfactants miss.What We Like
- Dual-action formula at pH 10.75, combining alkaline cleaning with thioglycolate iron chelation. One product handles both organic grime and ferrous brake dust without requiring separate iron removers.
- Lean 12-ingredient formulation means fewer potential interactions with ceramic coatings or sealants compared to cleaners with 20+ components.
What to Know
- The Danger signal word reflects the thioglycolate chemistry that makes this effective on brake dust. Gloves are a good idea since skin contact with pH 10.75 can cause irritation.
- At $1.25/oz RTU with no dilution flexibility, this sits at the premium end. A 16oz bottle covers maybe 8-12 wheel cleanings depending on contamination level.
- Thioglycolate cleaners work through chemical reaction, not just surfactants. Keep wheels wet during the 2-3 minute dwell and rinse thoroughly to stop the reaction.
Who Should Buy This
This product fits enthusiasts who want the purple color-change reaction that signals iron contamination dissolving from brake dust. The thioglycolate chemistry handles embedded metallic particles that standard alkaline cleaners miss. At $1.25/oz RTU, budget-conscious detailers could consider 3D GLW Series Wheel & Tire Cleaner, which uses straight alkaline chemistry at a lower price point while still handling typical brake dust accumulation.
Want to see how this stacks up? Compare these 3 wheel cleaners
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AMMO NYC Plum Wheel Cleaner safe for ceramic coated wheels? Thioglycolate chemistry targets iron contamination specifically, which is gentler on coatings than harsh acids, but prolonged contact on any protected surface carries risk. Rinse thoroughly and avoid letting it dry on the wheel.
Why does Plum Wheel Cleaner turn purple on my wheels? The thioglycolate active ingredient reacts with iron particles from brake dust, forming a purple iron-thioglycolate complex. This color change confirms the chemistry is working, dissolving embedded ferrous contamination that water alone cannot remove.
How does Plum compare to alkaline wheel cleaners like 3D GLW or Optimum Power? Plum uses thioglycolate chemistry while those alternatives rely on alkaline surfactants at similar pH levels (11 and 11.5). Thioglycolate specifically targets iron brake dust through chemical reaction. Alkaline cleaners work through general degreasing. For heavy brake dust, the iron-reactive approach often proves more effective.