Top Steering Wheel Cleaner Tips for a Spotless Finish

The steering wheel is the most frequently touched part of your vehicle, which results in a buildup of dirt, dust, and hundreds of different microbes on the car steering wheels. The secretion of natural oil from your skin also gets transferred to the steering wheel, contributing to the steering wheel’s grime and oiliness. All of this dirt, dust, and oils accumulate to create a sticky residue that needs to be cleaned frequently for the optimal functioning of the steering wheel. A steering wheel cleaner to properly clean the steering wheel is essential for your safety as it allows you to have maximum control of the vehicle.

Section	Details
Importance of Cleaning	– Promotes hygiene – Enhances aesthetics – Preserves material – Increases resale value
Types of Cleaners	– All-Purpose Cleaners: Versatile for various surfaces – Leather Cleaners: Safe for leather – Vinyl & Plastic Cleaners: Restores shine – Detailing Wipes: Convenient for quick clean-ups – Foam Cleaners: Effective for stains – Disinfectants: Kills germs
Choosing the Right Cleaner	– Material Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with wheel material – Cleaning Power: Choose based on dirt level – Finish: Decide on gloss or matte – Safety: Opt for natural ingredients – Ease of Use: Select preferred application method – Fragrance: Choose based on preference
Recommended Products	– Leather: Meguiar’s Gold Class, Leather Honey – Vinyl/Plastic: 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner, Chemical Guys InnerClean – Alcantara: Aston Martin Alcantara Cleaner, Sonax Upholstery Cleaner – All-Purpose: Griot’s Garage, Simple Green – Detailing Wipes: Meguiar’s Quick Wipes, Armour All Wipes
Preparation Before Cleaning	– Gather tools: cleaner, microfiber cloth, soft brush, cotton swabs – Safety: Work in a ventilated area, test cleaner on a small area, keep products away from kids and pets
Cleaning Steps	For Leather: Dust, apply cleaner, clean in circular motions, detail seams, wipe excess, condition. For Alcantara: Follow same steps, skip conditioning.
DIY vs. Commercial Cleaners	– DIY Pros: Cost-effective, customizable, eco-friendly – DIY Cons: May be less effective, time-consuming – Commercial: Best for tough stains and specialized materials
Common Mistakes to Avoid	– Use of abrasive materials, harsh chemicals, excessive water, neglecting dirt removal
Post-Cleaning Maintenance	– Regularly wipe with a microfiber cloth, avoid spills, use a steering wheel cover
Troubleshooting Cleaning Issues	– If ineffective, check material compatibility, try a stronger cleaner, or use baking soda paste on tough stains

So, to ensure the safety and optimal functioning of the wheel for years to come, it needs proper cleaning and disinfecting. In this article, we are going to give a complete guide on how to clean the steering wheel to give it a new and alluring look. We will also walk through some best cleaners for steering wheels to clean leather and sticky steering wheels.

Table of Contents

What is the Importance of Keeping Your Steering Wheel Clean

The appearance and lifespan of the steering wheel increase by choosing a good wheel cleaner to enhance your driving experience. Besides safety and a better grip, there are various other benefits of keeping your steering wheel clean, which are:

Promotes Hygiene: Steering wheels harbor dirt, dust, grime, and bacteria from the environment and your hands, so regular cleaning and disinfecting of the steering wheel reduces the chances of spreading diseases and promotes your physical health.
Increases Aesthetics: A clean steering wheel enhances the aesthetic look of your vehicle’s interior; hence, a pleasant atmosphere is created inside.
Preserve the Material: The frequent cleaning prevents the daily wear and tear of the vehicle and preserves its original material.
Increases Resale Value: A well-maintained steering wheel increases the resale value of the car, as buyers are more attracted to buy the original factory material. The clean steering wheel also shows the care that has been taken for the vehicle.

What are the Different Types of Steering Wheel Cleaners?

There are different types of steering wheel cleaners which are mentioned below:

All-Purpose Cleaners: These products can be applied to nearly all surfaces including the steering wheel. They work well to remove dirt and grease but should be trialed and tested on small areas first.
Leather Cleaners: These are exclusively made for leather steering wheels and neutralize all the grime without aggravating leather and more deterioration.
Vinyl and Plastic Cleaners: These are specifically made for synthetic fabrics, these cleaners are great for removing oils and dirt while also restoring the material’s shine without causing harm to it.
Detailing Wipes: Convenient and easy-to-use detailing wipes are pre-moistened wipes. They are made of cleaning solutions that are ideal for fast clean-ups.
Foam Cleaners: They eliminate stains and effectively clear dirt on the surface.
Disinfectants: People of the present generation are concerned about their health and fitness due to ever new pandemics; hence, using disinfectant sprays or wipes through the steering wheel helps to kill bacteria and viruses on the wheel.

How to Choose the Right Steering Wheel Cleaner?

Choosing a proper cleaner for the steering wheel plays a significant role in its appearance and durability. Here are some key factors to consider:

What You Should Know Before Choosing a Wheel Cleaner?

Material Compatibility: Every steering wheel is built from different materials such as leather, vinyl, plastic, and Alcantara. Knowing material compatibility can help you choose a cleaner that is suitable for your car’s steering wheel to get the best results.
Cleaning Power: The steering wheels become dirty if a lot of dirt and grime accumulates. Hence, it is necessary to go for a stronger cleaner, while in other instances, just a light cleaner can be sufficient.
Residue and Shine: Some cleaners give a glossy finish while others dry matte surfaces. So, decide what kind of finish you want to complete your job and then go for a particular product.
Safety and Ingredients: Source products that have been processed using natural or organic ingredients, especially if you are sensitive to chemicals. Stay away from products that contain strong solvents as they can damage the wheel.
Ease of Use: The choice of steering cleaner also depends on the application method. The steering cleaner can be in the form of spray, wipes, or foam. Some people prefer wipes, while others require some spray solutions for deep cleansing.
Fragrance: Cleaners also use strong smelling endurance which gives an acute smell in the closed car space. Hence, always select a product with a fragrance you like or one containing no fragrance at all.

Some Recommended Products for Different Materials of Steering Wheel

Here are some recommended top steering wheel cleaners for car steering wheels:

Leather Steering Wheels:

Meguiar’s Gold Class Leather Cleaner: It is one of the top rated wheel cleaners that removes dirt and grease without leaving any chemical or synthetic film on the work surface.
Leather Honey Leather Cleaner: A mild cleaner that conditions the leather without any chemicals.

Vinyl and Plastic Steering Wheels

303 Multi-Surface Cleaner: This multi-purpose cleaner quickly and easily removes away dirt and grease and is suitable for vinyl and plastic.
Chemical Guys InnerClean: An effective cleaning agent for vinyl surfaces with a non-glossy, dry finish that is perfect for use in commercial vehicles.

Alcantara Steering Wheels

Aston Martin Alcantara Cleaner: It is Alcantara-specific and does not harm the luxurious material while removing stains from it.
Sonax Upholstery Cleaner: It is quite effective on Alcantara and other soft, and delicate materials to remove dirty particles without strong rubbing.

All-Purpose Cleaners

Griot’s Garage Interior Cleaner: This cleaner removes dirt without leaving a film on furniture surfaces and is suitable for all internal zones,
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner: A highly flexible product that can safely be used on a wide range of materials and is ideal for steering wheels.

Detailing Wipes

Meguiar’s Detailer Series Quick Wipes: Ideal for spot removal while you are extremely busy.
Armour All Cleaning Wipes: These wipes are inexpensive, have no complicated usage process, and work well on Vinyl and Plastic.

Preparation Before Cleaning Your Steering Wheel

Before starting the cleaning process, it is important to be prepared for it. You require some tools and need to follow safety precautions, which are given below:

Tools and Materials Needed

Cleaning Solution (leather, vinyl, Alcantara, etc.).
Microfiber cloth, such as soft and lint-free
A soft brush or, ideally, toothbrush for removing dirt
Cotton swabs for delicate materials
Detailing wipes for quick clean-ups
A small bucket of water
Gloves to protect your hands from chemicals

Safety Precautions to Take

Always work in a well-ventilated area, so open the windows to avoid inhaling of fumes.
Test the cleaner on a small area of the wheel first
Use damp clothes to avoid excess moisture
Follow the product instructions
Consult a professional if the steering wheel has severe damage
Keep the cleaning products away from the reach of children and pets.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Steering Wheel

The step-by-step guide to how to clean a sticky steering wheel is:

How to Clean Leather Steering Wheel?

Dust the Wheel: To clean the surface, use a soft microfiber cloth to remove dust and other particles.
Apply Leather Steering Wheel Cleaner: Wipe the wheel leather using the cleaner without wetting the wheel excessively.
Clean in Circular Motions: Clean the leather in a soft circular motion, as harp and random motions can scratch the steering wheel, and clean the edges and seams.
Detail with a Brush: Use a soft brush to clean the seams and textured areas.
Wipe Away Excess Cleaner: Wipe the surface of the steering wheel and remove the remaining cleaner and water.
Condition the Leather: In the end, apply a leather conditioner to increase the softness of the leather and reduce cracking. Use a separate cloth for its application.

Cleaning Techniques for Alcantara Steering Wheels

For the Alcantara steering wheel cleaning, all the processes are the same as leather steering wheel cleaning except for the cleaner. Also, do not use the leather conditioner.

DIY vs. Commercial Steering Wheel Cleaners

You always come up with two options for cleaning your steering wheel such as DIY solutions and commercial cleaners. They come up with their advantages and disadvantages, such as:

Pros and Cons of DIY Solutions

Pros

They are cost effective
You can change it in whichever way you like best.
It is safer to use natural ingredients.
They are eco-friendly
The good part is, that they are easy to make, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already.

Cons

They can not be as effective as commercial cleaners, because the former are not designed for every kind of steering wheel.
You may not get the desired results.
They are time-consuming.

When to Use Commercial Steering Wheel Cleaners?

It is good to use commercial wheel cleaners when dealing with specialized materials with stubborn stains and grime buildup. A commercial cleaner will never disappoint you in giving you a professional finish and peace of mind after seeing its effectiveness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Steering Wheel

When it comes to cleaning the steering wheel, people end up making certain mistakes that can damage the wheel. Since the interiors of automobiles are used daily, a common mistake is using strong detergents or chemicals that should not be used on auto interiors. These products can take off the protective coatings. Moreover, failure to remove the dirt from the surface before applying cleaners can cause scratches. It is also not permissible to use excessively much water as it can percolate into electric gadgets and cause the formation of mold in the future.

Mistakes That Can Damage Your Steering Wheel

Use of abrasive materials
Application of high-pressure
Ignoring care instructions
Use of harsh chemicals and cleaners
Leaving the steering wheel wet
Using more water than required
Rubbing over the dirt instead of removing it
Failing to apply the suitable conditioner

Best Practices for Safe and Effective Cleaning

When cleaning your steering wheel, ensure that you are using a cleaner appropriate for the material, and use a small soft fiber cloth. Always remove the dirt first with the barest form of a wipe, apply the cleaner, and let it work for a while before rinsing. Then apply conditioner for leather and make sure that the wheel is completely dry after the process.

How to Maintain Your Steering Wheel Post-Cleaning?

After a proper clean-up, wipe it down, often using a microfiber cloth to get rid of dirt and oils. Also, be careful with spilling any liquids easily as they can cause stiff stains if not cleaned regularly.

Tips for Keeping Your Steering Wheel Clean Longer

If you want to make the steering wheel stay cleaner for a longer period, you should use a steering wheel cover as a protective barrier. Avoid starting the car when your hands are dirty, and park the car under shades to prevent the effects of the sun, such as fading and cracking in the steering wheel.

Recommended Maintenance Products

To clean the leather steering wheel, it is preferable to use a pH-balanced leather cleaner and, simultaneously, a conditioner. It is recommended to clean the delicate surfaces using microfiber cloths and keep a UV protectant spray to avoid sun damage.

How to Troubleshoot Cleaning Issues

Here is how you can troubleshoot the cleaning issues:

What to Do If Your Steering Wheel Cleaner Isn’t Working?

If the cleaner is not working properly, make sure you are using the right product according to the material of the steering. Using a stronger cleaner for tough stains can help. Moreover, try reapplying a cleaner and leave it for some time to digest the dirt. Also, using a brush or soft cloth can help. If the issue persists, try using a mixture of baking soda and water after testing on a small area first.

If your cleaner is not working effectively then check whether you are using the correct cleaner for the material of the steering. When there are tough stains, you can use a stronger cleaner and that will work. Also, try using a cleaner and then washing it again after some time so that the cleaner can be allowed to penetrate deep to eliminate the gunk. Washing wheel with a brush or a soft piece of fabric may be useful too. Otherwise, use a paste of baking soda and water on the case, but first, you should try it on a small area.

Tips for Stubborn Stains and Grime

If you have been neglecting the cleaning of the steering wheel, it would result in stubborn stains which are usually not easy to remove. For them, use a mixture of vinegar with water and scrub the steering wheel with the microfiber cloth after applying the mixture. This process will wipe off all the dirt from crevices without any damage. You can also try rubbing alcohol on a cloth for sticky residues.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning and immediate action towards visible stains will save your steering wheel from damage. Hence, understand the material of your steering wheel, select a suitable cleaner, use a microfiber cloth, and gently remove all the dirt and grime from the steering wheel. It is advised to thoroughly clean the steering wheel after 1-month to maintain the aesthetics, longevity, and prime condition of the vehicle.