[jotoole]

I have spoke (not wire) wheels. About once a month I'd sit on an upside down water bucket, then spend an hour or more scrubbing the the damned things, spoke by spoke, never got them clean enough to suit me. Seriously considered having them repainted.
Then I discovered SONAX wheel cleaner. Spray it on, let it sit couple of minutes, then rinse with high pressure water stream, like those available at your local coin operated DIY car wash. Dust comes right off, also, really brightens the wheels, and this stuff seems to have a repellent effect.
Buy mine @ AMAZON.