47-59 What is the best way to clean whitewall tires?

[Ctimrun]

As the title says looking for what you’ve found is the best way to clean the whitewalls on the tires without damaging them. Got ours cleaned up and ready to put away as the weather is going to turn in a few days, but couldn’t get some of the smudges off the whitewalls. Pic just because……

[Warrens69GMC]

Bleche white after using dawn dish soap.

[mr48chev]

Back years ago I would use an SOS pad.

I've used Bleach White but some guys say it isn't the best to use on white walls now.

[fauXGT]

Yep. SOS pads would light scuff clean the whitewalls and the wierd soap that came out of those things also helped.
Do they still make those things? Maybe scotch bright pads with mutant soap???

[e015475]

The Bleche White of yore seemed to be a lot stronger than the stuff you can get nowadays.

I've had pretty good luck with the powder bathroom cleaner, and the one I like best is Comet. Bon Ami and Ajax seem to work ok too.

To use the powder cleaner, I dump a small pile on the concrete next to the tire and dip a wet stiff bristle brush in it to pick up the powder then proceed to scrub the whitewall. It is a lot easier to hang on to the brush than it is an SOS pad.

A few years ago, I bought some period-correct Uniroyal Tiger Paw whitewall tires for a car I had. No mater what I did to clean the whitewalls they'd turn brownish in a week or so. I finally concluded that whatever hydrocarbon plasticizer they used in the tire's carcass was bleeding up through the whitewall. The best way to get them clean was to wipe the whitewall with some acetone first and then proceed to finish them with powder cleanser. They'd still only stay white for a few days.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by e015475

The Bleche White of yore seemed to be a lot stronger than the stuff you can get nowadays.


A few years ago, I bought some period-correct Uniroyal Tiger Paw whitewall tires for a car I had. No mater what I did to clean the whitewalls they'd turn brownish in a week or so. I finally concluded that whatever hydrocarbon plasticizer they used in the tire's carcass was bleeding up through the whitewall. The best way to get them clean was to wipe the whitewall with some acetone first and then proceed to finish them with powder cleanser. They'd still only stay white for a few days.

I had the same feeling on the bleachwhite when I used it on the tires on my last Cadillac that had whitewalls (82 Deville) It didn't do as good as the Bleachwhite did in the mid 70's.


On the whitewalls turning brown, I've read that several times on the net. That like the bleachwhite may be due to what we are allowed to use in the mix now as apposed to then. I've got some old white wall rollers that will be on my 48 until I take it to town to put new white walls on it the day it is "done" that look fantastic yet as far as whitewall goes but the tires would fallapart if I drove very far or fast on them. They were on an Olds Delta 88 that my dad had that I sold for junk.

[Black_Sheep]

Wesley’s, Simple Green or 409 and scrub with a sponge. The key it to not let them get real dirty to start with…

[R&B51]

Lots of real world experience-I like these answers. I remember asking when called Diamondback (will be getting some for current build since need speed rated). Can’t remember what they said… getting older. Might try calling the people who make them either Diamondback or Coker?

[Accelo]

I have 4 new white wall tires. They possibly have 250 miles on them Always clean and always garaged. Can't get the WW clean and white. Wonder White was a great product. Use to get it in a gallon can just add water. Too bad we don't know the formula?
I have tried almost every other product out there with no real luck. The are still off white.

[Dan in Pasadena]

A BAAD idea that I know works GREAT is gasoline. Cleans them to pure white immediately but of course is bad for the rubber. Taught to me by an old timer when I was a sprout and I'm about to turn 68 so it's been a long time!

[nikwho]

I was considering trying Barkeepers Friend. That stuff is pretty amazing. I buy the powder cans, that look like a can of Comet. BUT, I haven't tried it on my white walls, yet.

[_Ogre]

turn the white walls to the inside

[Kansas T]

I've always used Comet.

[nikwho]

I used Barkeepers Friend today. Very similar to Comet. About 30 minutes total time invested, had all five of mine looking way better! A before and after shot. I know the lighting is different in each picture, but it brightened them up with minimal effort.

[G&R's57GMC]

Anyone try the Magic Eraser ?