---
product_id: 2643263
title: "SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect (230200) | Non-Acid Rim Cleaner | Color Changing Wheel Cleaner | Brake Dust Cleaner | Non-Acid Iron Remover | (500 ml or 16.9 fl. oz.)"
brand: "sonax"
price: "$88"
currency: NZD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
category: "Sonax"
url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/2643263-sonax-wheel-cleaner-full-effect-230200-non-acid-rim-cleaner
store_origin: NZ
region: New Zealand
---

# color-changing action reveals brake dust 500 ml spray bottle for easy application pH balanced, acid-free formula SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect (230200) | Non-Acid Rim Cleaner | Color Changing Wheel Cleaner | Brake Dust Cleaner | Non-Acid Iron Remover | (500 ml or 16.9 fl. oz.)

**Brand:** sonax
**Price:** $88
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🌟 Watch your wheels transform — clean smarter, not harder!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect (230200) | Non-Acid Rim Cleaner | Color Changing Wheel Cleaner | Brake Dust Cleaner | Non-Acid Iron Remover | (500 ml or 16.9 fl. oz.) by sonax
- **How much does it cost?** $88 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/2643263-sonax-wheel-cleaner-full-effect-230200-non-acid-rim-cleaner)

## Best For

- sonax enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted sonax brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Safe on All Wheels:** Acid-free, pH balanced formula protects chrome, aluminum, steel, and more without damage.
- • **Powerful Yet Gentle:** Advanced chemistry emulsifies stubborn baked-on brake dust without harsh scrubbing or wheel damage.
- • **Optimized Cleaning Routine:** Best results with high-pressure rinse; reduces cleaning time on complex wheels and tight spaces.
- • **Professional & DIY Friendly:** Trusted by enthusiasts and pros alike to restore showroom shine with minimal effort.
- • **Visual Brake Dust Detection:** Fluorescent yellow spray turns deep red/purple on contact with iron particles for real-time cleaning feedback.

## Overview

SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect is a 500 ml acid-free, pH balanced rim cleaner that safely removes brake dust and grime from all factory-installed wheels. Its unique color-changing formula visually signals iron contamination, enabling targeted and effective cleaning. Ideal for both professional detailers and DIY enthusiasts, it delivers showroom-quality shine without damaging delicate finishes.

## Description

Special wheel cleaner for removing stubborn dirt, such as brake dust and other road grime, from painted steel and light alloy wheels, as well as chrome and polished rims. Its neutral pH ensures gentle cleaning. Wheel trim and lug nuts will not be damaged.

Review: Very effective and reduces contact on wheels to get clean - Owning a Porsche, BMW and Volvo Polestar has been a challenge for a OCD afflicted owner. Brake dust seems ot be in European car manufacturers DNA. Ceramic coating is ineffective, you are in a battle to constantly get as much off as possible with the least amount of contact with the wheels ot prevent scratching and damage, I have used SONAX products for a decade and found them to be effective and as described. Now let's get this out of the way, this stuff STINKS. If stink level was the parameter to effectiveness there is a reason why your wheels get clean. After spraying on I usually leave on for 5 minutes until it has turned completely purple and will rinse and use very little agitation to get the wheels very clean. The G89 M3 has these very complicated wheels that if I did not have the SONAX I would spend 2 hours on wheels alone. The Porsche wheels are a little better and the Volvo wheels are just a nightmare because there is little room for your hand. Again the SONAX helps with that by spraying in the small gap between wheel and caliper.
Review: Beats all other wheel cleaners - This is by far the best wheel cleaner I've ever used. I've used both Meguiar's, Mother's and Chemical Guys. They all worked decently, I tend to prefer the Meguiar's Hot Rims over the rest; however it doesn't come close to how well this works. With 4 piston brembo calipers and hawk hps pads, my Evo's brakes spew out a TON of dust onto my wheels. It's a constant battle to keep them somewhat clean. If I let it sit on there too long and gather more road gunk, it was impossible to get off with Meguiar's (or anything else) alone, and would require scrubbing (sometimes with a harsh/dangerously hard bristled) brush. Not anymore! This cuts through caked on rims even after a couple months of horrible neglect. You might need to use two passes with it, depending how hard caked the gunk is. My advise is: -First spray the wheels with my meguiars soap and pressure wash them to get off as much as possible before applying this. -If you have a light cleaning (usually less then a couple weeks for my car), then you can get by with spraying two rims at a time. If you're going to have to scrub some of the gunked on mess it's probably best to do one rim at a time. Spray your rim(s) generously getting in your inner rim if possible, your lug nuts, etc. -The liquid will come out kind of greenish and then turn an orangish/redish as it breaks down brake dust. It has a very strong (like cat urine) odor that you just have to get used to. -Let it sit on there for a couple of minutes (usually don't want more then 5). You don't want it to dry on the rim, although having accidentally done this - it washed off no problem. -If it's a light cleaning you can probably get by with just pressure washing it clean at this point, although to make sure you get all parts of the rims I usually go over it with Griot's Garage 15704 Micro Fiber Wheel Wand, (Pack of 2) . If the caked on mess requires harder scrubbing I'd recommend something like autogeek's "speed master wheel brush". This bottle usually last about 16 individual wheel cleanings. It makes it the most expensive option out there, but by far the best and safest! It is acid free and ph balanced, and is specifically designed to be safe on all rims. I use this on BBS, Enkei, and WedsSports rims that cost over 1000-1500/per, all the time. I have no worry that this can in any way danger them. A lot of other products out there can be a hit or miss, and especially if you have refinished rims it can be very risky. My BBS are refinished and so far this has not worn it off or damaged them whatsoever. If you're looking for a bit cheaper solution, there's Sonax 230500 Yellow Wheel Cleaner to use as a refill. You can also checkout autogeek, depending on their sales, coupon codes, and shipping situation - you can usually find a better deal there.

## Features

- Safe On All Factory Installed Wheels: Acid-Free, Ph Balanced Formula Won'T Damage Wheels, Safe On Various Wheel Finishes Including: Chrome, Aluminum, Steel, Clear Coated, Pvd, Painted, Plastic Wheel Covers, And Magnesium
- Watch It Work: The Color Changing Formula Activates When It Comes In Contact With The Ferrous Metals (Iron) From Brake Dust Or Other Dirt And Grime. Full Effect Sprays On Fluorescent Yellow, Then Turns Deep Red Or Purple As It Dissolves Brake Dust
- Advanced And Effective Chemistry: Full Effect, Non Acid Wheel Cleaner Attaches And Emulsifies Stubborn Baked On Brake Dust. Simply Spray On, Let It Dwell, Watch For Color Change, Agitate If Necessary, And Rinse With Water. *For Best Results Rinse Using High Pressure Water
- Full Effect Is Great For Both The Diy (Do-It-Yourself) And The Professional. Effortlessly Achieve Shining Wheels That Will Make Your Vehicle Look Like It Just Rolled Off The Showroom Floor

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN  | B003UT3S6Q |
| Best Sellers Rank | #8,248 in Automotive ( See Top 100 in Automotive ) #35 in Automotive Wheel Care |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (5,692) |
| Date First Available  | June 25, 2010 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer  | No |
| Item model number  | 230200-755 |
| Manufacturer  | SONAX |
| Product Dimensions  | 3.5 x 2.25 x 9 inches; 1 Pounds |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** SONAX
- **Item Form:** Spray
- **Material Feature:** Spray
- **Scent:** Citrus
- **Specific Uses For Product:** Automotive Exterior

## Images

![SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect (230200) | Non-Acid Rim Cleaner | Color Changing Wheel Cleaner | Brake Dust Cleaner | Non-Acid Iron Remover | (500 ml or 16.9 fl. oz.) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61aO7E+bNSL.jpg)
![SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect (230200) | Non-Acid Rim Cleaner | Color Changing Wheel Cleaner | Brake Dust Cleaner | Non-Acid Iron Remover | (500 ml or 16.9 fl. oz.) - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/710BmYkYMmL.jpg)
![SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect (230200) | Non-Acid Rim Cleaner | Color Changing Wheel Cleaner | Brake Dust Cleaner | Non-Acid Iron Remover | (500 ml or 16.9 fl. oz.) - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814vu5RdLSL.jpg)
![SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect (230200) | Non-Acid Rim Cleaner | Color Changing Wheel Cleaner | Brake Dust Cleaner | Non-Acid Iron Remover | (500 ml or 16.9 fl. oz.) - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81BpGFQvsGL.jpg)
![SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect (230200) | Non-Acid Rim Cleaner | Color Changing Wheel Cleaner | Brake Dust Cleaner | Non-Acid Iron Remover | (500 ml or 16.9 fl. oz.) - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91C20lKWfFL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: how many wheels can 1 bottle treat?  (assuming moderately-dirty 16" or 17" wheels)**
A: In my experience, not many. I have 22" wheels and one bottle can do maybe 8 wheel treatments. So, for 16-17", maybe 12 treatments? Stuff is expensive but it works like magic & worth the cost.

**Q: Can you spray this onto a BMW 328i's wheel hubs to remove rust? I would, of course us a brush to actually scrub residue off... but is it safe ?**
A: I have used this product to remove BMW brake dust, which, as you likely know, can be black, thick and gritty. You spray this stuff on (I have a BMW 325xi), it turns color in about 5-7 minutes. Then give it a gentle brushing with a nylon-bristle brush, and hose it off. Done. The other wheel cleaners I have tried are a joke compare to this stuff, but it's relatively expensive. I can't tell you whether it would remove rust, although I doubt it.

**Q: Video shows them rinsing with a power washer... Is that whats doing most of the cleaning? Can you rinse with a spray nozzle on a garden hose to ger re**
A: Imho, the power washer probably is doing most of the cleaning. I used this on my motorcycle wheels, my aftermarket wheels on my Toyota Tacoma, oem wheels on my girl's Audi SUV and none of them came clean when following the instructions and a garden hose. Simple green works as good or better and it is better for the environment and hoses off easily.

**Q: Can I use this on plastic dip rims?**
A: This stuff was real gentle on my paint and wheels. I would say since this is clear coat safe, it is safe for plasti dip. It reacts with iron particles. The grime it loosened up was easily wiped away by my finger so you don't need to even scrub, which could damage your plasti dip.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very effective and reduces contact on wheels to get clean
*by R***K on January 4, 2026*

Owning a Porsche, BMW and Volvo Polestar has been a challenge for a OCD afflicted owner. Brake dust seems ot be in European car manufacturers DNA. Ceramic coating is ineffective, you are in a battle to constantly get as much off as possible with the least amount of contact with the wheels ot prevent scratching and damage, I have used SONAX products for a decade and found them to be effective and as described. Now let's get this out of the way, this stuff STINKS. If stink level was the parameter to effectiveness there is a reason why your wheels get clean. After spraying on I usually leave on for 5 minutes until it has turned completely purple and will rinse and use very little agitation to get the wheels very clean. The G89 M3 has these very complicated wheels that if I did not have the SONAX I would spend 2 hours on wheels alone. The Porsche wheels are a little better and the Volvo wheels are just a nightmare because there is little room for your hand. Again the SONAX helps with that by spraying in the small gap between wheel and caliper.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Beats all other wheel cleaners
*by C***E on March 1, 2014*

This is by far the best wheel cleaner I've ever used. I've used both Meguiar's, Mother's and Chemical Guys. They all worked decently, I tend to prefer the Meguiar's Hot Rims over the rest; however it doesn't come close to how well this works. With 4 piston brembo calipers and hawk hps pads, my Evo's brakes spew out a TON of dust onto my wheels. It's a constant battle to keep them somewhat clean. If I let it sit on there too long and gather more road gunk, it was impossible to get off with Meguiar's (or anything else) alone, and would require scrubbing (sometimes with a harsh/dangerously hard bristled) brush. Not anymore! This cuts through caked on rims even after a couple months of horrible neglect. You might need to use two passes with it, depending how hard caked the gunk is. My advise is: -First spray the wheels with my meguiars soap and pressure wash them to get off as much as possible before applying this. -If you have a light cleaning (usually less then a couple weeks for my car), then you can get by with spraying two rims at a time. If you're going to have to scrub some of the gunked on mess it's probably best to do one rim at a time. Spray your rim(s) generously getting in your inner rim if possible, your lug nuts, etc. -The liquid will come out kind of greenish and then turn an orangish/redish as it breaks down brake dust. It has a very strong (like cat urine) odor that you just have to get used to. -Let it sit on there for a couple of minutes (usually don't want more then 5). You don't want it to dry on the rim, although having accidentally done this - it washed off no problem. -If it's a light cleaning you can probably get by with just pressure washing it clean at this point, although to make sure you get all parts of the rims I usually go over it with Griot's Garage 15704 Micro Fiber Wheel Wand, (Pack of 2) . If the caked on mess requires harder scrubbing I'd recommend something like autogeek's "speed master wheel brush". This bottle usually last about 16 individual wheel cleanings. It makes it the most expensive option out there, but by far the best and safest! It is acid free and ph balanced, and is specifically designed to be safe on all rims. I use this on BBS, Enkei, and WedsSports rims that cost over 1000-1500/per, all the time. I have no worry that this can in any way danger them. A lot of other products out there can be a hit or miss, and especially if you have refinished rims it can be very risky. My BBS are refinished and so far this has not worn it off or damaged them whatsoever. If you're looking for a bit cheaper solution, there's Sonax 230500 Yellow Wheel Cleaner to use as a refill. You can also checkout autogeek, depending on their sales, coupon codes, and shipping situation - you can usually find a better deal there.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Not as good as the Plus, but still great stuff!
*by D***P on June 26, 2015*

Worked pretty well to remove brake dust and built up grime on my girlfriend's alloy, clear-coated wheels on her 2012 Fusion. These had been pretty well neglected by the two of us for about 60,000 miles. Aside from regular car washes, they hadn't had any special attention for cleaning or waxing/sealing, so they had some minor pitting going on in the corners where the build-up was the worst. It didn't completely take care of everything, but I think the wheels were past the "just clean 'em up" phase and need some sanding, etc. It got rid of the majority of the brake dust and yellow/brown haze on the wheels, leaving behind some of that in the pits in the corners of the spokes, which almost just highlights those trouble areas. The clear coat is scratched and looks like it's coming up on a few spots, so I'll end up having to have those repaired to get them back to normal. My painted, machined face, clear-coated wheels, though, with about 20,000 miles on them, regular washes, never waxed/sealed to my knowledge, came out pretty nice. Had a slight build-up on them in the corners, but as advertised, that stuff goes from neon yellow to red/dark brown as it works, and you can just rinse it off. I opted for a soft-bristled wheel brush to agitate it a bit more, and I felt like I had to use a lot of product to keep all of the wheels wet while I worked on them. Unfortunately I had to take care of them at a local car wash with a $3.50 minimum to activate the hose, so I tried to tackle all 4 wheels at once, which wasn't easy. It takes some time for this Full Effect to start working and if it's breezy out, it can dry up sort of fast. Still, it did a pretty good job. I also bought some Sonax Wheel Cleaner Plus, which worked much faster, and seemed to work a lot better, on my mom's Mazda 6 wheels. She was amazed with the results, and so was I. I'll need to find a small wheel woolie or something to use to attack the corners of the spokes a little better on all of them next time, but other than that, I definitely recommend this. The Sonax WC Plus is probably my go-to for the future, but this also works pretty well.

## Frequently Bought Together

- SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect (230200) | Non-Acid Rim Cleaner | Color Changing Wheel Cleaner | Brake Dust Cleaner | Non-Acid Iron Remover | (500 ml or 16.9 fl. oz.)
- Mothers Car Wash Brush, Wheel and Fender Brush, Short Handle Tire Cleaner for Car Detailing, 10 Inch, Red/Black
- Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash - Get Professional Results in a Foam Cannon or as a Bucket Wash - Get a Clean and Glossy Finish That's Safe for All Paint Types - 64 Oz

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*Product available on Desertcart New Zealand*
*Store origin: NZ*
*Last updated: 2026-02-10*