Cleaning Tan Sidewall Tyres

shockedsoshocked

Running some Vittoria Corsa G+ clinchers with a tan sidewall, which I'm sure you will all agree, are a lovely pair of tyres, but need advice on how to clean the sidewalls up a bit.

Anything that gets the dirt out that isn't too abrasive?

lincolndave

I use a soft nylon brush ( I bought it was with the car cleaning products from Halfords)and car shampoo, they get a quick scrub everytime I get back from a ride

milemuncher1

Green fairy liquid and a sponge works well.

Bobbinogs

I think you may have to accept that if the wheels get mucky then you will never really get them pristine again. The construction means that the walls are very thin and based on a fabric base so the grime is going to get embedded and removing it is only going to threaten the overall integrity of the sidewalls. I just use MucOff to clean the tyres but lowered my expectations a long time ago. Shame because they look lovely when mint but there is a kind of old school charm in something that looks like it has been used rather kept on display. Part of the reason why many retro-rides struggle with numbers is that many owners get too wrapped up in the look of an old bike, overlooking the key feature is that the beauty of a bike is that looks good both on and off the road!

fat daddy

this is what I do with white walled tyres

(1) wipe with a baby wipe .... this doesn't seem to do much so then I
(2) spray degreaser on them ... which doesn't do anything
(3) whilst in the chemical box try the white spirit, brake cleaner, muc off bike cleaner .... still look terrible
(4) very hot soapy water a sponge and fairy - no
(5) very hot soapy water a nail brush and fairy - still not white
(6) go up the road, buy white wall tyre cleaner - does nothing
(7) research on the internet and use baking soda and a scrubber AND loads of elbow grease - slightly better
(8) more research - try tooth paste - nothing, but in rubbing the wheel I have smudged the grease back on the bit that was cleaner from the baking soda
(9) Give up, let them be dirty and question your wisdom for buying white wall tyres to go on the winter/wet weather bike

shockedsoshocked

Bah, it's my girlfriends fault, I told her there were chance of showers but she wouldn't listen, now they're ruined, RUINED!!

Thanks for the advice though, might just try the soapy water method, maybe a bit of muc off and see how much comes out.

rolf_f

Some tanwall tyres are reasonably recoverable due to the tan being rubber rather than fabric - eg Panaracer Pasela. But it is still hard work. I never managed to get the fabric walled ones clean once dirty.

You'd probably do better trying to dye them black!

Bobbinogs

The Corsas are, IIRC, fabric with a very thin rubber coating. This makes them wonderfully supple but prone to staining when standing water is also mucky. Hence, one doesn't want to rub too hard or use anything abrasive or risk removing the rubber coating as that at least gives some protection against further staining.

step83

Im getting this with my front wheel taking it on an off for for the roof rack I have a collection of brake block marks I cant shift, just given up an try to make sure the logo is where the brake blocks are now.