Cleaning Rims?

[tdr1nka]

The center pull brakes on my hack have lost all their bite and become all spongey, I'm already cleaning out the moving parts, resetting the blocks, cables and lubing the cable casings but I think the rims want cleaning off too.

I don't have any proper alcahol cleaner but I do have lighter fluid, would that do the job as well or is there something vital I'm missing?

Obviously not getting any on the tyres of course,:?:

 

[TheDoctor]

I'd be wary of anything petrochemically, just in case it's unexpectedly slippery.
Don't think I've ever cleaned the rims TBH.

 

[tdr1nka]

You use acetone to clean discs & drums on car brakes, it can remove any rubber or oil based contaminants on and in the surface.

 

[hackbike 6]

I clean my rims with my brake blocks.(ooer)

 

[on the road]

I just use a sponge and car shampoo.

 

[fossyant]

car shampoo and water. Car alloy wheel cleaner is great......

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Baby wipes do a good job cheaply.

 

[mickle]

Soapy water and a green nylon pan scourer. Take a file to your brake blocks or rub em on a sheet of coarse sand paper which has been laid flat on a surface.

Check for bits of aluminum embedded in the surface of the block and remove them with a jibber.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Ah thanks mickle, I'll just nip and find my jibber......it is here somewh.......what's the hecks a jibber?

 

[mickle]

http://www.cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=15905&highlight=jibber

Scroll to post #5.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

Ahhhh, I see. It was all a bit jibberish for a mo.

 

[02GF74]

I use hose and a washing up brush.

 

[gavintc]

Soapy water and a green nylon pan scourer. .

Yes, this is my preferred routine. Done each week - good bike then followed by the commuter. I like the wheels looking nice and shiny.

 

[ChrisKH]

Go into a chemist and ask for a small bottle of Isopropyl Alcohol. You will need to confirm that it is for cleaning bike parts, but the stuff is great for rims (also brake drums, etc). Obviously keep it locked up or in a high place if you have kids. And make sure you don't look like a heroin addict or an alcoholic when you try to buy it.