I use Spray Nine, a old name from before the time of brake dust. Pep Boys (that's Manny, Moe and Jack) carries it here in NJ.

I use paint thinner, then wax. Most gunk on wheels is petroleum based, and paint thinner will not damage paint like MOST wheel cleaners DO.

Really old stains will burn into the paint, this includes wheel covers also.

Try an old brush in your electric toothbrush. Works great for detailing too!

On our Argo wheels, which are miserable to clean, I apply a heavy coat of wax to the backs of the wheels and do not buff it off.
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'96 855R, '95, 855 base, '95 854 base, '64 544, 377,000 miles put on 8 bricks

I use Simple Green.

I use car wax and a soft rag to clean the rims. Works for me.

I usually use a toothbrush and mild soap to get those brown spots out. I read in a Volkswagen manual that brake dust, when left on aluminum wheel surfaces, can actually pit the finish of a wheel if left for a long time. That sounds reasonable to me. I'd like to see if anyone has good methods to get rid of caked brake dust on aluminum wheels.

Check your cv joint boots, normally if they leak you will get a glue like substance on your rims.