I have heard muriatic acid, as it will take off a tiny bit of the metal off the surface, leaving bright shinny metal exposed ... anyone done this? I am a little leary as I know how bad the fumes are for ya ...

Quite frankly, there is no easy way. It takes a lot of hard work. Use aluminum wheel polish and a terry towel wrapped around one finger with light pressure til you get down to "new" metal... then buff with a clean terry towel to a nice gloss. Note: Power tools will leave marks and produce a duller shine.

 

Once you get them buffed, WAX them, and KEEP them waxed. Between waxings, ONLY wash them with COLD water and use a sponge with light pressure as to not remove the wax prematurely. The wax will ensure you'll never have to experience the agony you're going through now.

 

BTW, it's easier if you pull the wheels.

I found that the Aromor All Quicksilver works pretty well. I've used it on some detailed rims ('95 Chrysler Town and Country alloys) and spoked motorcycle wheels and i cleaned them really well. Just make sure to follow the directions correctly or it could fubar your rims. Also, keep away from automotive paint since it will turn it a different shade if left on it (found out from experience)

cameo

last time i cleaned alloy wheels (that were off a Landrover of all things) i found a enginneering firm with an ultrasonic cleaning bath then used a polishing attachment on a hand held drill......99% of the hard work taken care of. Last 1% was final hand polish.

A buffer works well on smooth aluminum. Unfortunately, I've got the factory Subaru wheels that have small concentric ridges.