December 2023
The Best Way To Clean A Nasty Steering Wheel.
Why Should You Keep Your Steering Wheel Clean?
The steering wheel of your car is one of the most frequently touched parts of the vehicle. It is important to keep it clean to ensure good hygiene and prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. A clean steering wheel not only improves the appearance of your car but also enhances your driving experience by providing a better grip. Here are some tips on how to clean your car's steering wheel.
"It is important to keep it clean to ensure good hygiene and prevent the spread of germs and bacteria."
Types of Steering Wheel Materials
Steering wheels come in various materials, each offering a unique blend of comfort, style, and durability. Leather, a classic choice, exudes luxury and provides a comfortable grip. Suede is the under-side of animal skin. It is very soft, and similar in cost to leather. Alcantara (brand name), a suede-like synthetic material, is lighter and lasts longer than suede. For those who appreciate a more modern touch, carbon fiber steering wheels are both lightweight and visually striking. Wood-trimmed steering wheels add a touch of timeless elegance. Our products are designed to enhance and protect the beauty of every steering wheel.
What is the best cleaner for steering wheels?
Our favorite steering wheel cleaner: Hyper Cleanse, an all purpose cleaner that was originally formulated as a leather cleaner. The cleaning power was so great that it became our go-to APC.
Our favorite steering wheel protector: Inner Space, an interior detailer that hydrates and protects. It also smells AMAZING!
Our favorite conditioner for leather steering wheels: Hyde rehab, a lotion-like product that will transform dry or cracked leather. If you need a stronger conditioner try Leather Love.
How To Clean Your Steering Wheel
1) Gather Supplies
Gather Supplies: Before starting the cleaning process, gather all the necessary supplies such as a microfiber cloth, a bowl of warm water + mild detergent OR an APC like Hyper Cleanse, and a leather cleaner or conditioner (if your steering wheel is made of leather).
2) Remove Debris
Remove Debris: Use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to remove any debris or dust from the steering wheel. Make sure to clean the areas around the buttons, knobs, and crevices, as these areas tend to accumulate dirt and grime.
3) Prepare Cleaning Solution
Prepare Cleaning Solution: In a bowl of warm water, add a small amount of mild detergent or soap. Mix the solution well to create a soapy mixture. You could also use an all purpose cleaner like Hyper Cleanse, which is specifically designed to clean effectively without stripping away too much.
4) Clean The Steering Wheel
Clean the Steering Wheel: Dip the microfiber cloth in the cleaning solution and wring out excess water. Use the damp cloth to clean the entire steering wheel, starting from the top and working your way down. Apply gentle pressure to remove any dirt or grime from the surface of the wheel. If your steering wheel is made of leather, use a leather cleaner or conditioner to clean it.
If you are using an all purpose cleaner to clean your steering wheel, simply spray the APC onto a soft bristled detailing brush, and begin to gently scrub it all around.
5) Rinse And Dry
Rinse and Dry: After cleaning the steering wheel, use a clean, damp cloth to rinse off any soap residue. Make sure to wipe the entire steering wheel thoroughly. Finally, use a dry microfiber cloth to dry the steering wheel completely.
6) Apply Protectant (Optional)
Apply Protectant (Optional): If you want to protect your steering wheel from future dirt and grime, you can apply a protectant or a conditioner. This will help to keep the leather moisturized and prevent it from cracking. An interior detailer such as Inner Space is designed to hydrate and protect. If you have a leather steering wheel, you might want to use a leather conditioner like Hyde Rehab that will penetrate and rehydrate your leather.
7) Clean Your Hands
Clean Your Hands: After cleaning your steering wheel, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the transfer of dirt and bacteria to other surfaces.
How Often Should You Clean Your Steering Wheel?
We recommend cleaning the steering wheel regularly, ideally at least once a week, to remove accumulated dirt, oils, and grime. However, this frequency may vary based on individual usage and environmental factors. Cleaning a steering wheel prevents it from getting sticky, having irreversible damage from debris, or becoming a place for germs to grow. It doesn’t take very long (maybe 10-15 minutes), and can improve the life of your steering wheel. Using our premium car detailing products not only ensures a hygienic driving environment but also preserves the luxurious feel of materials like leather, suede, or Alcantara.
Written by William Crawley
