Technical what solutions clean diamondback whitewalls to snowwhite

Dr. Nick here: I've seldom asked questions on the hamb but would like to know if anyone has a recommended formula for a solution that cleans Diamondback whitewall tires to the showroom white we see on the cars at the Grand Nationals; nothing I have tried works (not bleach mixtures, Simple green; nothing...) Appreciate your feedback fellow Kustom brethren.

 

Brillo pad ***uming you have them. No amount of cleaning works, you need to use a mild abrasive to remove the discoloured surface.

 

I have found since the tree huggers seem to have all the say so these days cleaning supplies are nothing near as good as they used to be!

 

@73RR that stuff is fantastic ^^^

 

Totally Awesome and Mr. clean
Works great on many surfaces. Cheap too.

 

I use a combination of what Oneball
& 74RR said SOS Brillo pads along with Bleach White.

 

I use tub o towels on mine. Works great. You can also call Diamondback. They will give the best advice. Jmho. Snowman ⛄️

 

I use Comet and a scrub brush

 

The first thing is try not to let them get too dirty. I've always had good results on my D.B.s with Simple Green along with a mild scouring pad, per D.B.s advice.

 

Yup. I've been using it (under the Westley name) since the 60's.

 

Another vote for Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

 

Castrol Super Clean

 

I use Bleche-White too, works for me.

Dave

 

Apparently in the old days Rolls Royce recommended fine steel wool and soap. According to a guy who worked on Rolls Royces.

 

Elbow grease

 

Aerosol Engine degreaser and a Scotch Pad will remove yellow/brown off whitewalls

Before


After


I spray degreaser into the Scotch Pad AND also on the tyres and start scrubbing

 

I have really good luck using Totally Awesome from the dollar store and a red Scotchbrite pad.

 

To get any aggressive marks out you can sand the W/W with 1200 grit paper and water. Or gritty type hand cleaner.

 

The magic eraser works awesome, used it for years.

 

From Diamondback Q&A... I recall at one time they specifically said no Westley's.
Q. How do I clean my Diamond Backs?
A. No bleach! Any ammonia based product will do, we have had the best luck with Simple Green and a cloth towel. Common yellow and green household sponges can take care of any stubborn stains.

 

Bleach white will dry out and crack your whitewalls over time. You can use it a little bit but extended use will crack them.

Scotch bright, or mild steel wool
with soap and water.

 

For the yellow / brown discoloration I have had my best luck with 300 grit Wetodry sandpaper. perfect results, well no but so Mucking Fuch better it is worth the effort. When I get the tires to a point that I think they are as good as I can get them it is then soap & a water rinse. When tires are dry I go over them with F-11. Like most things you put a lot of effort into the harder you are to please.

 

In the old days I used Ajax cleanser along with a small scrub brush - wet the tire down with water, sprinkle on the Ajax, scrub, and then rinse. It was a little more work but I think it cleaned just as well as the modern stuff in spray bottles.

 

Another vote for Simple Green. When I bought the WW tires for my 40 from Diamond Back I asked about cleaning them and they recommended Simple Green. I carry a spray bottle in my cleaning bucket in the trunk. Gets them sparking white.

 

I use windex believe it or not, just spray it on and wipe off with a microfiber cloth wipe. Does the trick for this old hot rodder.

 

Castrol Super Clean. Spray on, pressure wash off (if you're not averse to that cleaning method on your car). Don't spray it on painted or aluminum surfaces.

Otherwise I use an SOS pad and hot water.

 

So, @dr nick , what have you learned?
What have you tried?
How white are your walls?

 

Also, aggressive cleaners may be used to get them looking good, but you want to protect them after so you don't keep repeating the rough stuff. Just like you don't compound your paint job and then leave it bare to the elements and compound again in 6 months.

 

All I have ever used is Purple Power, whitewalls or black walls, spray it on a quick rub with a nylon scrub brush and rinse. HRP