
$1.12BEST $/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
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
Ingredients
ammonium mercaptoacetate
12–15%≈ 11.3% active thioglycolate (salt-normalized)
CAS: 5421-46-5active ingredient
Alcohols, C12-14, ethoxylated
10–12%
CAS: 68439-50-9surfactant
2-dodecoxyethyl hydrogen sulfate
5–7%
CAS: 9004-82-4surfactant
Alcohols, C11-15-secondary, ethoxylated
1–3%
CAS: 68131-40-8surfactant
phosphoric acid; orthophosphoric acid
1–3%
CAS: 7664-38-2pH adjuster/acid
lactic acid
1–3%
CAS: 50-21-5pH adjuster/acid
Citral
<15%
CAS: N/Afragrance
Geraniol
<15%
CAS: N/Afragrance
Limonene
<15%
CAS: N/Afragrance
Safety Profile
Signal Word
WarningEye Hazard
Causes serious eye irritationSkin Hazard
Causes skin irritationCorrosive to Metals
YesFlammable
No


