
Best Value
$0.41/oz
5gal
Premium pH-neutral chelating wheel cleaner for safe, effective cleaning of all wheel finishes
Key Chemistry
pH Level
Active Mechanism
thioglycolate chelation
Surfactants
2 (cationic, nonionic)
Expert Analysis
Adams uses iron remover chemistry (thioglycolate chelation) in a wheel cleaner. pH 6-8 (near neutral) with (2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium mercaptoacetate (1-5%) as primary active ingredient. This is the same chelating agent used in iron removers, providing color-changing feedback as it reacts with iron particles. Dual surfactant system (cationic + nonionic) provides cleaning power while chelation removes iron and brake dust. Safe for all wheel finishes due to neutral pH. Similar approach to Armour Detail Supply Wheel Cleaner.
Key Differentiators
- •ONLY chelation-based wheel cleaner analyzed (vs alkaline or acidic)
- •Near neutral pH (6-8) - safest for delicate finishes
- •Uses iron remover chemistry for brake dust removal
- •100% ingredient transparency - best in class
- •Safe for coated wheels (ceramic, powder coat)
- •Lower hazard profile than alkaline cleaners
- •Made in USA
Potential Concerns
- ⚠Contains endocrine disruptor (≥0.1%)
- ⚠Contains fragrance allergens (coumarin, d-limonene)
- ⚠Contains phthalates (diethyl phthalate in fragrance)
- ⚠May cause allergic skin reaction
- ⚠Contains CA TACs (2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol)
- ⚠May be less aggressive on heavy soiling than alkaline cleaners
- ⚠Ready-to-use only (no concentrate option for value)
Ingredients
Acute Tox. 4 / H302; Skin Sens. 1B / H317
Eye Irrit. 2 / H319
Eye Irrit. 2 / H319
Skin Irrit. 2 / H315; Eye Dam. 1 / H318
Acute Tox. 4 / H302; Acute Tox. 3 / H331; Flam. Liq. 4 / H227
Source: california rtk section 15
Safety Profile
Lower hazard than alkaline wheel cleaners. Warning signal word vs Danger. Main concerns are skin sensitization and fragrance allergens. Contains endocrine disruptor and phthalates.