First a good spray with the hose, and then wash with a sponge and car wash liquid. A nice coat of wax/sealant and I usually call it a day. This is on painted alloy or steel wheels. That's usually all that's needed unless they have brake dust burned in, in the past I've used some all wheel cleaner to loosen that up, but apparently it's not really good for wheels so I'm thinking of trying a clay bar next time. On chrome and bare aluminum I've always used mother's mag polish by hand. I think the next time I buy wheels I'll just get something with a grey/black center, so i can krylon them if they get nasty