Stained aluminum and black rims!

[thorboy190]

I used zep purple degreaser while washing my bike and it stained my aluminum swingarm and my black excel rims. Any recommendations on how to make it look like it used to?

[drumiv]

Some of the cleaners out there "etch" aluminum. I used to use Holeshot, but noticed it was staining the frame/swing arm. I've tried, but have never been able to restore it. I now use Shout. Works like a charm, and does not etch or stain.

[maverick302]

Degreasers are caustic and will etch the aluminum. They are usually ok to use if they are diluted well and you don't let it sit, but as drumiv mentioned, shout is a great alternative. Works great and won't harm the surface of anything on your bike. As for restoring the swingarm, you may get lucky with a scotch brite and a lot of elbow grease, or try using acid (carefully) to bring back a uniform finish. Not sure what to recommend for the black wheels - maybe a light chrome or aluminum polish?

Edited April 26, 2017 by maverick302

[bigdave_185]

There are some harsher acids you can get and it will strip your swingarm back to raw aluminum. There might also be a clearcoat on it as well.

[yellow_busa]

4 hours ago, drumiv said:

Some of the cleaners out there "etch" aluminum. I used to use Holeshot , but noticed it was staining the frame/swing arm. I've tried, but have never been able to restore it. I now use Shout. Works like a charm, and does not etch or stain.

What kind of Shout are you using?

[drumiv]

1 hour ago, yellow_busa said:

What kind of Shout are you using?

The regular, laundry, spray bottle stuff. I "barrowed" it from the little lady.

[yellow_busa]

21 hours ago, drumiv said:

The regular, laundry, spray bottle stuff. I "barrowed" it from the little lady.

Thanks. I will steal the little woman's also! Lol