How to Clean a Steering Wheel

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.