How to Clean a Steering Wheel

Do you know that your steering wheel is dirtier than the toilet seats? Yikes! A study from Aston University found steering wheels harbor up to 700 types of bacteria, compared to just 60 on a toilet seat. And the steering wheel being one of the most touched parts of your car every time you hit the road, it’s your responsibility to keep it clean and grime-free. 

Sweat, grease from fast-food runs, and other various factors make the steering wheel a breeding ground for bacteria. Here’s a detailed guide on cleaning the steering wheel at home with some expert advice! 

Essential Tools for Steering Wheel Cleaning

Gather the right tools to make cleaning your steering wheel quick and effective. A 300GSM microfiber towel offers just enough friction to lift dirt without scratching. Pair it with a mild interior cleaner, like GLOVEBOXRx Interior Cleaner, and a soft detailing brush for stubborn spots. Avoid abrasive sponges or household cleaners, which can harm delicate surfaces like Alcantara or leather.

Stick to gentle soaps designed for car interiors. For leather steering wheels, a conditioner like Lithium Leather Love restores softness. 

Avoid undiluted all-purpose cleaners, as they can strip natural oils from leather or fade plastic’s matte finish.

How to Clean Your Steering Wheel: Step-by-Step Guide

Before you start cleaning, figure out what your steering wheel is made of, as each material needs a specific approach. A leather steering wheel in a luxury sedan, like a BMW 5 Series, needs gentler care than the sturdy plastic steering wheel in a pickup truck. Using the wrong cleaner can damage the surface or leave it slick, compromising the control.

Common Steering Wheel Materials

• Genuine leather: Found in high-end cars, it’s durable but prone to cracking without conditioning.
• Faux leather: Common in electric vehicles like Tesla’s Model S yoke, it stains easily but resists harsh chemicals.
• Plastic or resin: Typical in older or budget vehicles, it handles stronger cleaners well.
• Wood: Seen in vintage cars, it requires delicate wiping to avoid cracks.
• Alcantara: A suede-like material in sports cars like the Porsche 911, it needs minimal moisture.
• Metal: Used in custom or muscle cars, it shines with polish but scratches easily.

Related Article: How to Detail a Tesla

Cleaning Genuine Leather Steering Wheels

1. Spray a mild leather cleaner onto a 300GSM microfiber towel. Wipe the steering wheel gently to lift dirt.
2. Use a soft detailing brush to scrub seams and stitching. Focus on the 10 and 2 o’clock positions where hands rest.
3. Apply a dime-sized amount of leather conditioner with your fingers. Let it soak for 30 minutes, then wipe off excess.

Cleaning Faux Leather Steering Wheels

1. Dampen a microfiber towel with a mild interior cleaner. Wipe the entire steering wheel, including the center logo.
2. Lightly scrub stains with a soft brush, especially on white vegan leather like Tesla’s yoke. Avoid soaking the surface.
3. Dry with a clean microfiber towel to prevent streaks. Apply a UV protectant to maintain the finish.

Cleaning Plastic or Resin Steering Wheels

1. Spray a diluted all-purpose cleaner onto a microfiber towel. Wipe the steering wheel’s front, back, and center.
2. Scrub textured areas with a detailing brush to remove caked-on dirt. Increase pressure slightly for stubborn spots.
3. Wipe clean with a damp towel. Dry thoroughly for a uniform matte look that hides wear.

Cleaning Wood Steering Wheels

1. Wipe the steering wheel with a dry microfiber towel. Remove dust without water to protect the wood’s finish.
2. Apply a small amount of wood polish, like Meguiar’s, with a cotton cloth. Buff gently for a subtle shine.
3. Dry immediately with a clean cloth. Avoid soap or water, which can crack maple or walnut surfaces.

Cleaning Alcantara Steering Wheels

1. Lightly mist the steering wheel with distilled water. Use a spray bottle to avoid over-wetting.
2. Dab gently with a microfiber towel to lift dirt. Work in small sections for even cleaning.
3. Let the steering wheel air dry completely. Brush softly with a fine-bristled brush to restore the velvety texture.

Cleaning Metal Steering Wheels

1. Wipe the steering wheel with a damp microfiber towel. Remove surface dirt without scratching.
2. Apply a metal polish, like Wizards Metal Polish, with a soft cloth. Buff in circular motions for a mirror-like shine.
3. Seal with a paint sealant to prevent fingerprints. Dry thoroughly to avoid water spots.

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Tackling Stubborn Stains and Hard Gunk form Steering Wheel

Sometimes, your steering wheel needs extra attention for tough stains or hard gunk. For sticky soda residue, mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar, soak for a minute, then scrub with a soft brush. Ink stains on leather respond well to 70% isopropyl alcohol applied with a cotton swab, followed by a quick wipe with a damp cloth. Always test cleaners on a small, hidden spot first.

Removing Common Stains

• Grease: Common at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions from fast-food hands, it lifts with a cloth dampened in diluted interior cleaner.
• Ink: Use alcohol sparingly on leather or plastic, then rinse thoroughly to avoid fading.
• Soda: Soak with the vinegar-water mix, scrub lightly, and wipe clean to remove sticky patches.

Dealing with Heavy Grime

For textured stitching or caked-on dirt, a soft toothbrush works wonders. Spray a mild cleaner onto the brush and scrub in small circles. A scrub pad, like the AutoFiber Scrub Ninja, tackles heavy grime on plastic steering wheels but should be avoided on leather or Alcantara.

Routine Maintenance of Steering Wheels

A quick wipe every two weeks keeps your steering wheel free of oily buildup. After a long drive, use a microfiber towel sprayed with a quick detailer to remove sweat or clammy residue. Apply a UV protectant to leather or faux leather steering wheels to shield against sun damage, especially in sunny regions.

Quick Cleaning Habits

Wipe your steering wheel after grocery runs or road trips to catch dirt early. Keep a microfiber towel in your glovebox for convenience. 

Wash your hands before driving to reduce oil transfer.

Prevent Buildup

Park in shaded areas or use a sun shield to minimize dust and UV damage. 

For cars parked outside, a weekly dusting with a dry cloth prevents gritty buildup. Avoid protectants that leave a slippery residue, as they can reduce grip.

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning

Using the wrong products or techniques can harm your steering wheel. 

• Alcohol on a leather steering wheel strips its oils, leaving a chalky texture. 
• Over-wetting Alcantara, common in luxury sports cars, ruins its soft, velvety feel.
• Spraying cleaner directly onto the steering wheel risks seeping into buttons or dripping onto the dashboard, causing damage.

Choosing the Wrong Products

Household cleaners or undiluted all-purpose cleaners can fade plastic or dry out leather. Stick to automotive-specific products designed for car interiors. For Alcantara, avoid soap entirely and use water sparingly.

Over-Scrubbing or Over-Wetting

Aggressive scrubbing can mar plastic surfaces or fade leather dye. Use light pressure and dry surfaces quickly to prevent watermarks. On wood steering wheels, even a drop of water can cause cracks over time.

When to Seek Professional Detailing

Some issues, like cracked leather steering wheels or mold from humid climates, are best left to professional car detailing services. Some stubborn stains that resist DIY methods, such as deep grease in stitching, may require specialized tools like steam cleaners, which are recommended to be used by professionals. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thing to clean a steering wheel with?

A mild interior cleaner, like GLOVEBOXRx Interior Cleaner, paired with a microfiber towel, works best for most steering wheel materials. For leather, add a conditioner to keep it soft. Always test products on a small area first.

How often should I clean my steering wheel?

Clean your steering wheel every two weeks with a quick wipe to prevent buildup. For deeper cleaning, aim for once a month or after 10 hours of driving, as recommended for Tesla vehicles. Regular maintenance keeps the steering wheel hygienic and grippy.

Can I use disinfectant wipes on my steering wheel?

Disinfectant wipes can dry out leather or leave a sticky residue on plastic. Use a mild interior cleaner instead, or a steam cleaner with distilled water for natural disinfection. Avoid wipes with alcohol on sensitive materials.

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