If not maintained regularly, your car’s steering wheel will harbor dirt and become a breeding ground for bacteria. If you just use it without cleaning it, the steering wheel will become sticky over time. Fortunately, the steering wheel is not difficult to clean and the cleaning supplies required are simple. Whether it’s routine maintenance or a deep cleaning, you can keep your steering wheel looking like new.
Removes Daily Dirt Buildup
Choose a cleaner suitable for the material your steering wheel is made of. Car steering wheels can be made from a variety of materials. While faux leather is the most common material for steering wheel exteriors, it’s not uncommon to find steering wheels made of plastic, wood, or leather. If you’re not sure what your steering wheel is made of, check your owner’s manual. The instructions will indicate the material of the steering wheel and the most appropriate cleaning method.
- Mix a 3:1 mixture of multipurpose disinfectant and water to clean plastic or leatherette steering wheels.
- If the steering wheel is made of natural wood, choose wood guard oil. Wooden steering wheels should have wood grain on them.
- If the steering wheel is made of leather, use leather cleaner and lotion. It’s hard to tell the difference between artificial leather and real leather, so it’s best to check the owner’s manual to find out what the material is.
Spray the cleaner onto a microfiber cloth. Pour the detergent into the spray bottle and spray the center of the rag until it is moist.
- Do not spray cleaner directly on the steering wheel as it may get inside the dashboard.
Wrap a towel around the steering wheel and wipe it by turning it back and forth. Place a towel on top of the steering wheel and hold it with your hands. Then wipe the front, top, and back of the steering wheel back and forth. Wipe around the steering wheel, focusing on the areas where dirt has accumulated.
- Don’t rub too hard or the steering wheel will lose its color.
- Don’t forget to wipe the center of the steering wheel.
Wipe off the cleaner with a damp towel. Soak a clean towel and wring out excess water. Wipe the entire steering wheel again to remove any remaining dirt and detergent. When you start driving again, you won’t have to worry about prolonged contact with chemical cleaners on your skin.
- If you don’t have a clean towel, use a kitchen towel instead.
Use another microfiber cloth to dry the steering wheel. After wiping the steering wheel with water, immediately wipe away any remaining water with a dry microfiber cloth. The steering wheel now looks as smooth as new.
Clean Your Steering Wheel More Thoroughly
Use a soft-bristled car upholstery brush or toothbrush to remove dirt accumulated in the seams. Spray or soak the brush with detergent first, then rub the steering wheel in small circles. Cleanser will cause bubbles when brushed into the seams of the steering wheel. Focus on brushing accumulated dirt and seams. After brushing, wipe the cleaner off the steering wheel with a damp cloth.
- Don’t use too much force when brushing, otherwise the surface material of the steering wheel will be damaged.
- If you don’t have a soft-bristle brush, use an upholstery cleaning sponge instead.
Use a steam cleaner to disinfect the steering wheel. Fill the steam cleaner with distilled water and turn the machine on. Use a single-hole nozzle to spray steam onto the surface of the steering wheel. While you spray, wipe away the dirt with a microfiber cloth. Spray around the entire steering wheel to completely kill bacteria and break up dirt everywhere. Finally, dry the steering wheel with a clean microfiber cloth.
- You can purchase a steam cleaner at a home improvement store or online.
Let the professional car washers take care of you. Find a car wash that can provide cleaning services for both the inside and outside of your car, drive your car there, and let the workers wash it for you. After washing, the entire car will be glowing and smelling fresh, and the steering wheel will be polished as clean as new.
Tips
- Choose a cleaner suitable for the material your steering wheel is made of.
- Wear gloves when cleaning to prevent oils from your hands from getting on the steering wheel and to protect your skin from chemical cleaners.
- The steering wheel should be cleaned at least once a month.