Is Iron Fallout Remover a Wheel Cleaner?
NO! Well, yes it can be, but it’s not really. So that’s settled then!! Okay, so whilst an iron fallout remover would most likely be used on your precious alloy wheels more often than anywhere else, it is in fact a decontamination product that can and should be used periodically on most surfaces of your pride and joy. Some fallout removers do make effective wheel cleaners, as with Reaper Detailing’s ‘BLEED’, which is a uniquely gel based formula which aids in the dwelling process, and with added surfactants, when agitated does have a nice amount of foamy cleaning power. But typically, fallout removers are not dedicated wheel cleaners.
So, If It’s Not a Wheel Cleaner Where Should I use It?
The simple answer is anywhere that there is a build-up of iron deposits on your wheels and bodywork. Sometimes they may be so tiny that you can’t even see them. If running your hand over the surface of the bodywork reveals a rough feel, you most likely have those nasty iron particles bonded to your paintwork. And ideally you want to remove them in a touchless way to avoid marring your paint, enter an Iron Fallout Remover! Most of the iron deposits come from your and other road user’s brake dust that become airborne and attached themselves to your vehicles surfaces. The most common areas that are affected are wheels, wheel arches, front and rear of the vehicle. However, all surfaces do become affected over time, the stuff gets everywhere!
When should I use it?
How often you use an iron fallout remover can depend on a number of things, for example, the mileage you cover or the environment you drive in. As a general rule 2-3 times a year is normal. Regular cleaning and good protection levels on your paint and wheels will hugely cut down on the amount of iron particles that will bond to your surfaces.
Why Should I Use It?
The concept behind chemical decontamination processes (fallout remover, tar remover, etc…) is to remove as much of the bonded contaminates on your paintwork as much as possible. This way you avoid dragging them over the surface potentially causing sever swirls and marring in the paint when carrying out your contact cleaning, clay baring and polishing. As part of your vehicles maintenance, it’s important to carry out periodic decontamination, as if not removed, iron particles can cause corrosion and pitting in the paint surface.
How Does It Work?
Iron fallout remover is sprayed onto the surface. The active ingredients cause a chemical reaction with any iron deposits. This causes the metal particles to turn red (hence the effect of ‘bleeding’) and loosen its bond to the surface enough that they can be rinsed away without any contact. There may be some occasions where multiple applications may be required to remove all of the iron deposits from the paint surface.
Anything else I need to know?
Yeah, fallout removers stink, but that’s normal! As part of the formula that makes up a fallout remover is something called Thioglycolic Acid, this is what reacts and causes the red bleeding effect, but also what gives of that pungent odour! At Reaper Detailing, we have helped alleviate this nasty stench by adding a sweet cherry fragrance to ‘BLEED’, which helps make the use of the fallout remover more user friendly.
It is also worth noting that fallout removers are not safe on all parts! The chemical reaction that causes bonded iron particles to loosen can also accelerate corrosion on bare metal surfaces. So some care does need to be observed on certain areas.
BLEED is available on the website HERE. And it's now available in 500ml or 5Ltrs!