with out making them to slick to ride on, is it safe to just clean the side walls?
If the tires are very dirty or the white lettering discolored, use something like a Brillo pad (steel wool) and a cleanser like Comet.
Wash them with the same soap and water you'd wash you're bike with. just wait 'til their dry to ride on them
Soap and water. Wash rinse and let dry. Don't use anything like Armor All on them, even the sidewalls, as the centrifugal force from the wheels turning can spread the ArmorAll to the treads, making the tires slick and dangerous.And even if it doesn't go to the treads, one good turn (leaning) on the slick part will wipe you out. Good luck.
