Every single part of your favorite car begins to show signs that it needs cleaning, except for the tires. Tires come coated with a dressing that makes them look, depending on your preference, either shiny or matte. However, this dressing does not last forever, especially if you don’t clean the tires regularly. This is one of the main reasons why all car lovers spend a lot of time cleaning their tires. Further, clean tires last longer as the process of cleaning helps one get rid of contaminants capable of damaging tires. Tires can be cleaned using different products. However, a lot of people prefer to use vinegar for several different reasons.
Why Should You Use Vinegar to Clean Tires?
Other than the simple fact that every home has a bottle of vinegar lying uselessly in the kitchen, there are several other reasons car lovers choose to use vinegar to clean tires. Not only is Vinegar natural, but it is also non-toxic in nature. It means you won’t be worried about accidentally damaging parts of your car or even your own hands or skin while using vinegar to clean your tires. Vinegar is also perhaps the most affordable car cleaner currently available in the market — a 30 oz bottle of distilled white vinegar costs only around ten bucks.
Acetic Acid is the primary constituent in vinegar and is responsible for its acidic nature. Vinegar has a pH of 2.4, which makes it acidic enough to be used as a powerful cleaning agent while also being safe for human use. It is this acidic nature of vinegar, which makes it a great tire cleaning agent. The vinegar reacts with the contaminants on the surface of the tire and effectively dissolves them, leaving your tires shining as new.
Vinegar Recipes for Homemade Tire Cleaners
Though vinegar is a powerful tire cleaner, some caution must be exercised while using it to clean tires. Here are a few recipes that you can use to make your vinegar-based tire cleaner.
Vinegar and Water Based Tire Cleaner
This is the most straightforward tire cleaner to make and perhaps also the vinegar-based tire cleaner that every other person uses. Since vinegar is acidic, its acidity must be diluted with water before it can be safely used on tires. The ratio of vinegar to water is critical here. Mix half a cup of white vinegar to a gallon of water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and spritz it all over the tire. Use a cloth or a toothbrush to wipe off the dirt.
Vinegar and Baking Soda Based Tire Cleaner
If you are dealing with stubborn contaminants, you will need something stronger than a solution of vinegar and water. To make your vinegar and baking soda based tire cleaner, mix three cups of baking soda with half a cup of water and another half cup of white vinegar. Mix the ingredients to form a uniform paste. Next, using a sponge, apply the paste to the tires and let it sit for five to ten minutes. Scrub off the paste using a toothbrush and wash the tires with clean water.
Vinegar and Tartar Based Cleaner for Rims and Alloys
Rims and alloys are an integral part of tires and must not be ignored. To make a vinegar-based cleaner for tire rims and alloys, add two tablespoons of cream of tartar and half a cup of white vinegar to about a liter of boiling water. Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes and then let it cool down. Once the mixture has reached room temperature, add it to a spray bottle and use it clean rims and alloys. Here’s a tip: always wash the rims and alloys with clean water first. Next, apply the mixture and let it sit for two minutes. Scrub it off using a soft cloth.
The Final Word
It is expensive to replace tires — you may suddenly feel your bank account feeling a lot lighter. It is, thus, essential to care for your tires and clean them from time to time. Cleaning your tires does not mean you necessarily have to invest in an expensive commercial tire cleaner. We hope after reading this article, you will be able to make your own powerful vinegar-based homemade tire cleaner.
