You want to use something that doesn't leave a petroleum residue, mineral spirits will, so will paint thinner though little, naptha even less. Best to use alcohol, acetone, or lacquer thinner. The latter will evaporate quickly and not leave any petroleum residue. Before I use these, I spray on a degreaser such as 401 or Fantastik to clean the wheels and remove any roads oils, then I use the lacquer thinner to again remove any road oils, and then I use fine steel wool to clean the brake residue off. I remove the wheels and use a fine to medium file to remove dirt, grease, road oils.