Buzz
If not regularly cleaned, your car's steering wheel can accumulate dust, sweat, and bacteria. If it has been a while since your last cleaning, the steering wheel may become slippery due to the buildup. Fortunately, this task is simple to complete with just a few basic tools. Whether performing routine maintenance or a deep clean, restoring your steering wheel to its original shine is not difficult.
Steps
Daily Cleaning
Select a cleaning solution appropriate for your steering wheel material. Steering wheels are made from various materials. Synthetic leather is the most common, but there are also plastic, wood, or real leather options. If unsure, check the owner's manual to determine the material type and the best cleaning method for your steering wheel.
- Mix 3 parts of a multi-purpose disinfectant with 1 part water if the steering wheel is made of plastic or synthetic leather.
- Use wood polish if the steering wheel is made of natural wood. You may notice wood grain on the steering wheel.
- For leather products, use a leather cleaner or conditioner. It can be difficult to distinguish between synthetic and real leather, so refer to the user manual for proper identification.
Angel Ricardo
Owner of Ricardos Mobile Auto Detail
Owner of Ricardos Mobile Auto Detail
If you're unsure about which cleaning solution to use, opt for a leather cleaner. Leather cleaners are gentle and safe for various surfaces without causing damage. You can even use this solution to clean the entire interior of your car.
Spray the cleaning solution onto a microfiber cloth. If necessary, pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the middle of the cloth until it’s adequately damp.
- Avoid spraying the solution directly onto the steering wheel; otherwise, it might get onto the dashboard.
Wipe the steering wheel with the cloth. Lay the cloth over the steering wheel and place your hand on top. Wipe around to clean the front, top, and back of the wheel. Clean the entire steering wheel and any areas where dust and dirt have accumulated.
- Be gentle while wiping; excessive pressure might cause some areas to discolor.
- Don't forget to clean the center of the steering wheel.
Wipe off the cleaning solution with a damp cloth. Dampen a clean cloth with water and wring out the excess. Wipe down all surfaces where the cleaning solution was used to remove any leftover dirt or product. This step helps prevent your leather from being exposed to harsh chemicals during driving.
- If you don’t have a cloth, you can use paper towels instead.
Dry the steering wheel with a clean microfiber cloth. After cleaning the steering wheel with a damp cloth, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe it down immediately. This will leave the steering wheel looking fresh and shiny again.
Deep Cleaning
Use a car interior brush or a toothbrush to remove dirt from the stitching. Spray or dip the brush into a cleaner, then gently scrub the steering wheel in small circular motions. The cleaner will start to foam as you scrub. Focus on areas where dirt accumulates and around the stitching. After scrubbing, wipe the steering wheel with a damp cloth to remove any leftover product.
- Avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent damaging the steering wheel.
- If you don’t have a brush, you can use a car cleaning sponge instead.
Disinfect the steering wheel using a steam cleaner (if available). Fill the machine with distilled water and turn it on. Use the steam nozzle to spray hot steam onto the steering wheel while wiping away dirt with a microfiber cloth. Clean the entire steering wheel to eliminate bacteria and residue. Once finished, dry the steering wheel with a microfiber cloth.
- Steam cleaners can be purchased at hardware or appliance stores, or online.
Opt for professional car cleaning services. Look for car washes that offer interior and exterior cleaning services and bring your vehicle in for the professionals to clean. The steering wheel will be properly sanitized, and your car will also be fresh and spotless.
Tips
- Use a cleaner suitable for the material of your steering wheel.
- Wear gloves while cleaning to avoid transferring sweat to the steering wheel and to minimize contact with chemicals.
- Try to clean your steering wheel at least once a month.
Warnings
- Use just enough cleaner to dampen the steering wheel, avoiding drips.
- Gently wipe the steering wheel to prevent scratches or fading.
Things You’ll Need
Daily Cleaning
- All-purpose cleaner
- Wood polish
- Leather cleaner
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber cloth
- Cleaning rag
Deep Cleaning
- All-purpose cleaner
- Car interior brush or toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
