How to Clean a Steering Wheel
It is no surprise a steering wheel can become very dirty. Many of us use our cars every day and dirt can quickly collect on something which we touch with our hands. Especially if we have to eat in the car or we carry out manual work, some steering wheels can be a magnet for grime. Different types of steering wheel can also collect dirt more than others. For example, plastic can wipe clean, but steering wheels with leather can absorb dirt more easily. For these reasons, oneHOWTO explains how to clean a steering wheel to make it look like new. If you have a sticky steering wheel, we provide the tips to restore it back to factory settings.
Leather steering wheel cleaner
Cleaning leather to keep it in good condition can be tricky, but there are special cleaning agents used for this material. These special leather cleaners are sold by brands such as Weiman, Lexol and even Fiebing's Saddle Soap. This last is a well-respected brand that uses beeswax to seal the leather while cleaning. There are even leather wipes which can be used for quick cleans when on the move.
Some options you may already have at home include a gentle soap with water. Ensure it is diluted according to instruction. This can help clean sticky stains without damaging the leather, but you can to make sure you don't soak it. If this happens, it can warp when it dries. Gentle castile soap is a good option. Always use microfiber cloths as they won't damage the leather and avoid using any harsh chemicals such as ammonia or bleach.
Check our related article to learn how to repair a faux leather jacket.
Leather steering wheel conditioner
This type of product is important because it nourishes the leather and keeps it in good condition. Leather conditioner also protects the material from UV rays. It is a conditioner that you can also apply to upholstered parts or seats made of this material. Apart from leaving the leather shiny, it also leaves it soft in texture. It is important to read and follow the instructions and warnings. Each type or brand of conditioner may have a different application.
You can purchase some leather conditioning wipes using the link below:
Car interior cleaner
There are products on the market that work to clean all areas of the car's interior equally, including the steering wheel. They are also useful for cleaning the seats, control area and dashboard, among others. This may be your most economical option or best investment since you can clean everything with the same product. However, this will not work for some materials, such as the aforementioned leather.
This type of product for vehicle interiors usually leaves the steering wheel spotless and removes any stickiness. It can be used on seats, even if they are made of fabric. it works on doors, plastics, mats and any other area. It nourishes the materials that cover each part of the car and protects it from sun exposure. In addition, these products generally have antibacterial action and a nice scent. Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
Moisturizer and repairer for the steering wheel
In addition to the products mentioned above, there are also other products on the market that perform the function of moisturizing and repairing the plastic steering wheel. These allow it to have a shine and not lose its original color. It can be applied to any plastic area inside the car and performs the function of conditioning it. It can be used on vinyl, plastic and even rubber. Some brands include Lexol, Chemical Guys and Armor.
Use the link below to purchase and option by 3D:
Soapy water to remove dirt from the steering wheel
This option is a home remedy that does not contain any chemicals beyond those contained in the soap. It is a quick solution to clean the car steering wheel. It is prepared at home with a small amount of soap and water. Use a microfiber cloth and dampen it with the solution, not using too much. Use it to clean the steering wheel carefully. Although it is not an abrasive mixture, it can take longer to clean than the other options described here.
Generic steering wheel cleaners
We have mentioned several types of cleaners, but there are others on the market that can be used. The best way is to take a cloth and spray it with some of these cleaning products and apply it to the areas where the steering wheel is the shiniest. This is where there is the most accumulation of bacteria because they are the areas that we touch the most. It can easily become sticky, especially if it is hot or we eat while we drive.
These products are not specifically designed for cleaning parts of cars. As long as they are suitable for the materials on the steering wheel, they should work fine. For example, don't use one on a leather steering wheel if it doesn't specifically say you can. As a general rule, minimize the amount of water you use. Not only is it not good for the material, but you can drip water into internal mechanisms which cause damage.
If there is any product left on the steering wheel after cleaning, you should remove the excess with a cloth dampened with water. To make it look better, you can then continue applying the steering wheel conditioner.
Wet wipes
These wet wipes are the emergency solution for some drivers, as sometimes there is a lot of shine on the steering wheel, especially where the hands are placed. These parts can be more dirty, although it is also possibly due to wearing down the material with the hands. This is why it is so important to keep the material cleaned and conditioned.
Wet wipes should not be used for a proper cleaning, but they can be used when we spill or transfer dirt to the steering wheel. Keep a pack in the glove box and use them until a better solution can be found.
Note on handcream for car steering wheels
While you shouldn't use hand cream to clean or condition a steering wheel, you should use suitable ones when driving. Since we are often exposed to the cold when driving, it is common to keep hand cream in your car. If you use it regularly, it can easily transfer to the steering wheel. Make sure you only use a suitable one and clean more often during periods when you use hand cream more.
These are some of the best options for cleaning the steering wheel of the car and leaving it shiny. It is up to the driver to choose the option that best suits them. In our case, we would prefer to recommend the specific options that are made by brands which are designed specially for the material of which your steering wheel is made.
Now that you know some tips for cleaning your car steering wheel, we also recommend that you learn how to clean a car's air conditioning system and how to clean a car engine safely.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Clean a Steering Wheel, we recommend you visit our Car Maintenance and Repair category.