I have been using meguires spray detail to clean my wheels. I would spray it on a MF towel and just wipe the brake dust or dirt away. It seems like its pretty good. Is this a good idea?
If it works, then sure. But I would clean them thoroughly now and then seal them. That will make them very easy to clean in the future with a normal-strength car wash solution.
You would also benefit by giving them a coat of either carnauba or polymer wax about once a month. That will help to keep them clean and protected between your spray detailings.