
WheelX Wheel Cleaner
thioglycolate-basediron-reactiveready-to-usewheel-safeceramic-safeheavy-duty
Best Value
$1.12/oz
A thioglycolate-based wheel cleaner that combines iron chelation and cleaning surfactants in a ready-to-use formula for comprehensive brake dust and contamination removal.
Key Chemistry
pH Level
5.7
Active Mechanism
thioglycolate chelation
Surfactants
3 (anionic, nonionic)
Expert Analysis
WheelX uses ammonium mercaptoacetate as its primary active ingredient at 12-15% concentration, providing strong iron chelation to dissolve ferrous brake dust particles. The thioglycolate approach is complemented by anionic and nonionic surfactants that handle oil, grease, and general road grime, creating a true one-step cleaning solution. The mildly acidic pH of 5.7 balances cleaning effectiveness with material safety across different wheel finishes.
Key Differentiators
- •High concentration thioglycolate formulation (12-15% ammonium mercaptoacetate) provides stronger iron removal than typical ferric chloride-based cleaners
- •Balanced surfactant system handles both ferrous and non-ferrous contaminants in a single application
Potential Concerns
- ⚠Thioglycolate actives have a characteristic sulfur odor that some users find unpleasant
- ⚠Higher active concentration may require more thorough rinsing to prevent residue buildup
Ingredients
ammonium mercaptoacetate12 - < 15 %
CAS: 5421-46-5active ingredient
Alcohols, C12-14, ethoxylated10 - < 12 %
CAS: 68439-50-9surfactant
2-dodecoxyethyl hydrogen sulfate5 - < 7 %
CAS: 9004-82-4surfactant
Alcohols, C11-15-secondary, ethoxylated1 - < 3 %
CAS: 68131-40-8surfactant
phosphoric acid; orthophosphoric acid1 - < 3 %
CAS: 7664-38-2pH adjuster/acid
lactic acid1 - < 3 %
CAS: 50-21-5pH adjuster/acid
Citral< 15 %
CAS: N/Afragrance
Geraniol< 15 %
CAS: N/Afragrance
Limonene< 15 %
CAS: N/Afragrance
Source: sds only
Safety Profile
Signal Word
WarningEye Hazard
Causes serious eye irritationSkin Hazard
Causes skin irritationCorrosive to Metals
YesFlammable
No