Even though my car is still "new" this seems to be a good idea for cleaning wheels of older cars.

http://www.ifilm.com/video/2898327?c...&refsite=10637

 

Yikes. I would not think that those chemicals would be good for the wheels.
I don't use any type of wheel cleaners anymore. I've seen too many rims damaged from 'cleaners.'
I wax my wheels (inside and out), and use car wash soap to clean them.

You are right though, that process may work well on a really dingy set of older rims.

 

Right you are!
I also found the easiest (although not attractive) way to clean the inside of the wheels behind the spokes:
a $3 fabric (yarn)-tipped toilet brush! Works great for cleaning without removing the wheels.

 

AS an retired Goodyear employee "DO NOT DO THIS" can damage the rubber at the seal, and cause bead damage. If you want to take the tire off and clean the rim, I still dont think any acid on aluminum is a good idea, can cause long term damage, cracking...