Heavy Duty: Wheel Cleaner + Degreaser
Chem-X Heavy Duty is a powerful, professional-grade cleaner formulated to attack the toughest grime, brake dust, grease, and road film on wheels, tires, undercarriages, engines, and equipment. Whether you're detailing a lifted truck or degreasing fleet vehicles and trailers, this cleaner delivers heavy-cut performance without requiring harsh acids or extended dwell times.
In this guide, we’ll cover what it is, how it works, where to use it, and tips to help you get the best results.
Shop Heavy Duty: Wheel Cleaner + Degreaser
What Is Chem-X Heavy Duty?
Chem-X Heavy Duty is a high-alkaline, fast-acting cleaner that works as both a wheel cleaner and a surface degreaser. It’s formulated to break down:
- Caked-on brake dust
- Road grime
- Tire browning and oils
- Grease and diesel soot
- General filth on heavy-use surfaces
It's versatile enough for detailers and fleet washers, yet strong enough for commercial and industrial applications.
Key Features & Benefits
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| High-Alkaline Formula | Cuts through brake dust, grease, and organic buildup fast |
| Dual-Use Versatility | Use on wheels, tires, underbodies, engines, frames, and more |
| Fast-Acting Foam or Spray | Can be applied via foamer, sprayer, or pump-up applicator |
| Rinse-Clean Finish | Leaves no residue when rinsed properly |
Where to Use Heavy Duty
Chem-X Heavy Duty is ideal for:
- Wheels & Tires: Remove brake dust, tire browning, and oils
- Undercarriages & Frames: Clean road film, salt, and grease
- Engines & Bays: Degrease engine components and wheel wells
- Trailers & Equipment: Cut through diesel soot and grime buildup
- Steps, Fenders, and Rocker Panels: Prep surfaces before coating or dressing
How to Use Chem-X Heavy Duty
Wheels, Rims & Mud Flaps
These areas take the brunt of road abuse—collecting brake dust, grime, and stubborn buildup. For best results, you'll want a stronger dilution ratio to power through it all.
- Recommended Dilution: 10:1 (Water:Heavy Duty)
- Application Method: Pump sprayer or bucket + brush
- Instructions: Spray or apply directly to the surface, allow short dwell time, then agitate with a brush. Rinse thoroughly with high-pressure water.
Tip: Always test on a small area first and adjust your ratio based on the severity of the buildup.
Heavy Degreasing
Recommended Dilution: 3:1 (Water:Heavy Duty)
This is your go-to ratio for serious grime and grease removal. Perfect for:
- Construction equipment
- Undercarriages
- Greasy tools
- Industrial machinery
- Oil-stained surfaces
Application: Use any method—pump sprayer, foam cannon, or direct application.
Instructions: Apply thoroughly, allow short dwell time, and follow with a high-PSI rinse for maximum effectiveness.
Pro Tip: For extreme buildup, increase dwell time slightly and follow up with agitation if needed.
Recommended Dilution Guide
Maximum Dilution Ratio: 100:1
Heavy Duty can be diluted up to 100:1, depending on your method and needs. Below are our recommended dilution rates for specific applications:
| Application | Recommended Dilution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel & Tire Cleaning | 10:1 | Great for tackling brake dust and tire bloom |
| Heavy Degreasing | 3:1 – 5:1 | For engine bays, undercarriages, and greasy buildup |
| Foam Cannon | Fill cannon 1/4 with concentrate + top with water | Fine-tune with metering knob or adjust dilution manually |
| Pump Sprayer | 10:1 – 50:1 | Start light, test a section, and increase if needed |
| Undercarriage Cleaning | Up to 100:1 | Use higher PSI for best results |
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use warm water (125°F+) for improved breakdown of grease and road film
- Apply bottom-up on vertical surfaces to reduce streaking
- Always follow up with a clean rinse to remove residue
- For aluminum or polished surfaces, rinse immediately and avoid over-application
- Combine with a soft bristle brush for deep wheel face cleaning
Surface Safety Notes
Chem-X Heavy Duty is non-acidic, but it is highly alkaline, so:
- Do not use on raw or uncoated aluminum without testing first
- Safe on coated or painted wheels when diluted correctly and rinsed thoroughly
- Avoid use on hot surfaces or direct sun exposure
Final Thoughts
Chem-X Heavy Duty Wheel Cleaner + Degreaser is a must-have for any serious wash system. Whether you’re cleaning a 12-wheel trailer, a work truck, or just reviving neglected wheels, this product cuts through grime with speed, power, and consistency.
From brake dust to diesel soot—Heavy Duty is your all-terrain cleaner.