Duel Autocare
Axis
Acid Free Wheel Cleaner
Size
Axis is our acid-free alloy wheel cleaner – a powerful alkaline formula that binds to and dissolves baked-on brake dust and road grime, then foams as you agitate. Acid-free means it's safe on clear-coated wheels and painted alloys, where harsh acidic cleaners can stain or etch. Dilute it to suit how dirty the wheels are, spray on, let it dwell, and rinse.
At A Glance
Why You'll Love It
Acid-free means no harsh acids to stain or etch your finish. Axis is safe on clear-coated wheels and painted alloys, so you get serious cleaning power without the risk that comes with acidic cleaners.
The formula binds to and breaks down baked-on brake dust and road grime, foaming as you agitate so it lifts the dirt out of the wheel rather than just moving it around.
On lightly to moderately soiled wheels you can often spray, dwell and rinse with no brushing at all — quick, easy cleaning that gets into the areas a brush can't reach.
At up to 20:1 it's a concentrate you dilute right down for everyday cleaning, so a single bottle covers a lot of wheels — and the 5 Litre works out especially good value.
What Does Axis Actually Do?
Brake dust is more than dirt. It's a mix of fine metal particles and grime thrown off the brakes, and the heat of braking bakes it onto the wheel where a normal wash won't shift it. Left to build up, it looks dull and can start to eat into the wheel's finish.
Axis is alkaline and acid-free. Its cleaning agents bind to and dissolve that bonded brake dust and road grime, and the formula foams as you agitate to help lift it away. “Acid-free” matters here: many strong wheel cleaners rely on acids, which clean well but can stain or etch clear-coated and polished finishes. By doing the job with alkaline chemistry instead, Axis gives you the cleaning power without that risk on coated wheels.
Used regularly, it stops brake dust building to the point where it damages the finish — so your wheels stay cleaner, look better, and the finish lasts longer. Because it's a concentrate you dilute to suit the job, you can run it light for a weekly clean and stronger when the wheels have been left to get grubby.
Is It Right For You?
- Clear-coated wheels and painted alloys — factory finishes on most cars
- Anyone dealing with baked-on brake dust and stubborn wheel grime
- People who want strong cleaning without the risk that comes with acidic cleaners
- Regular washers who want quick, near-contactless wheel cleaning
- Anyone who wants a concentrate that dilutes right down for everyday value
- Your wheels are bare metal or polished/unsealed alloys — test on an inconspicuous area first, as these finishes need extra care
- You're specifically targeting bonded iron fallout on the paintwork — Toxin is the dedicated iron remover
- You just want to clean and dress the tyres — that's a job for Cleanse and Profile
- Clear-coated (lacquered) wheels
- Painted alloy wheels
- Standard factory wheel finishes
- Bare or polished metal wheels
- Unsealed or damaged finishes
- Any surface where it could dry before rinsing
How To Use Axis
Give the wheels a good rinse to knock off the loose dirt. Work on cool wheels out of direct sunlight, never hot ones straight after a drive.
Dilute to suit how dirty the wheels are — up to 20:1 for a light clean, stronger for heavy brake dust. There's a full breakdown in the dilution ratios below. Wear gloves and eye protection while handling the concentrate.
Spray onto the wheel surface, covering the face, barrel and around the spokes. Make sure the whole wheel is evenly wetted.
Leave it to dwell for two to three minutes. On heavier soiling, agitate with a wheel brush. Don't let it dry on the surface or use it in direct sun.
Rinse off completely with a pressure washer until the water runs clear. Your wheels should look visibly cleaner and brighter, ready to dress the tyres at the end.
Dilution Ratios
| Strength | Ratio (water : product) | 1L sprayer example | Best used for | Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 20:1 | 952ml water + 48ml Axis | Lightly soiled, regularly cleaned wheels |
|
| Medium | 10:1 | 909ml water + 91ml Axis | General brake dust and road grime |
|
| Strong | 5:1 | 833ml water + 167ml Axis | Heavy, baked-on brake dust |
|
Dilute to suit the wheels — lighter for a regular clean, stronger for baked-on brake dust. Always wear gloves and eye protection, never let Axis dry on the surface, and rinse thoroughly after every application. For more on how dilution ratios work, read our dilution ratios guide.
H314 — Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.P101 — If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand.P102 — Keep out of reach of children.P280 — Wear eye protection, protective gloves.P301+P330+P331+P310 — IF SWALLOWED: rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. Immediately call a doctor.P303+P361+P353+P310 — IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. Immediately call a doctor.P305+P351+P338+P310 — IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Immediately call a doctor.P405 — Store locked up.| Product type | Alloy Wheel Cleaner |
|---|---|
| Format | Acid-free alkaline concentrate |
| Sizes | 500ml · 1 Litre · 5 Litre |
| Application | Trigger spray · wheel brush |
| Dilution range | Up to 20:1 (water : product) |
| Dwell time | 2–3 minutes |
| Rinse required | Yes |
| Scent | Orange |
| Suitable for | Clear-coated wheels and painted alloys |
| pH | Alkaline · 11.5–13 |
| Physical state / colour | Liquid · Blue |
| Storage | Store locked up in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool. |