Koch Chemie Alkali Wheel Cleaner (AWH) is a professional-strength alkaline wheel cleaner that delivers the deep cleaning power of an acid-based product without the harshness or surface risks. The advanced alkaline formula rapidly breaks down brake dust, road grime, and heavy wheel contamination in a single application, cleaning right into the rim wells and hard-to-reach areas where buildup accumulates most.

Low-foaming and low-fogging formula provides excellent surface wetting and fast penetration on contact. Gentler on skin than acid alternatives, making it safer for professional detailers working with it daily. Safe on clear-coated, painted, and most alloy wheel finishes.

If you are searching for the best non-acid wheel cleaner for professional detailing that matches acid performance without the safety risks, Koch Chemie AWH Alkali Wheel Cleaner is a top-tier choice trusted by detailing professionals worldwide. Available in 1L and 5L.

Koch Chemie AWH Dilution & Usage

Alkali Wheel Cleaner (AWH) is Koch Chemie's professional-grade alkaline wheel and tire cleaner — built for heavy brake dust, road grime, and deep cleaning on painted and coated wheels.

• Light dirt / maintenance: 1:10 dilution
• Heavy brake dust: Straight (undiluted) — spray, dwell 2-3 minutes, agitate, rinse thoroughly
• Tires: 1:5 dilution works well as a tire cleaner before dressing

pH: Strongly alkaline. Not safe on: Anodized aluminum, raw polished aluminum, forged unfinished wheels, magnesium wheels — always test first. Safe on painted, coated, and factory-finish wheels at dilution with proper dwell and thorough rinse.

For iron-heavy contamination, pair AWH with an iron remover (Koch Chemie MWC) for a full decon. See the full Koch Chemie dilution chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Koch Chemie AWH safe on all wheels?

No — AWH is strongly alkaline and should not be used on anodized, raw polished aluminum, forged unfinished, or magnesium wheels without careful testing. It's safe on painted, clear-coated, and factory-finish wheels at proper dilution with adequate rinse.

How do I use Koch Chemie AWH on heavy brake dust?

For heavy buildup, spray AWH straight (undiluted) onto a cool wheel. Allow 2-3 minutes of dwell (don't let it dry), agitate with a wheel brush, then rinse thoroughly with high-pressure water. For routine maintenance cleaning, dilute 1:10.

Koch Chemie AWH vs Brake Buster — which is stronger?

Both are strong alkaline wheel cleaners. AWH is Koch Chemie's professional shop-grade formula with a slightly cleaner rinse and better dwell time. Brake Buster is more of a retail-grade product. For shop use, AWH is the more consistent choice.

Koch Chemie AWH vs MWC — which should I use?

AWH is alkaline — built for heavy brake dust and grime on most painted/coated wheels. MWC (Magic Wheel Cleaner) is pH-neutral and iron-reactive, safer on delicate finishes, and 'bleeds' purple as it reacts with brake dust. Use AWH for heavy cleaning on durable wheels; use MWC for maintenance and sensitive finishes.

What's the pH of Koch Chemie AWH?

Strongly alkaline (~pH 14). This is what gives it the aggressive cleaning power on brake dust and grime. Never let AWH dry on a wheel surface, and always rinse thoroughly after use.

Buying for a shop? See our Koch Chemie wholesale program for B2B pricing on Koch Chemie AWH (Alkali Wheel Cleaner) and the full Koch Chemie lineup.