Steering Wheel Cleaner (Which To Use)

Regardless of what type of steering wheel you have, we always recommend using a steering wheel cleaner instead of regular cleaning agents to make your steering clean and free from germs!

If you clean your car’s steering wheel, it won’t accumulate germs or dirt! It’ll also make your driving experience more enjoyable by enabling a better grip and making the wheel much easier to spin.

In this article, we will guide you through choosing the right steering wheel cleaner based on what material your vehicle’s sterling is made of.

We also provide you with step-by-step information on properly cleaning your steering wheel to get the best results.

How to Select the Best Steering Wheel Cleaner

Cleaning the steering wheel is important because it not just makes the car look beautiful but also makes the grip tight for the driver.

This lets the driver control the car properly, and that is why it is important to select the best steering wheel cleaner.

Be sure to select the best cleaner because so many products are available in the market. Some of them are safe for the wheels, while others are not.

Select a steering wheel cleaner that does not only cleans the wheels but also protects them from scratches.

Besides having clean steering wheels, it is important to ensure that the steering wheel cleaner used in cleaning the steering wheel won’t leave behind any kind of residue that could make the steering wheels slippery.

Before you invest in any car cleaning product, sample it first – if it doesn’t dissolve a tough stain that your steering wheels have accumulated over time, then you shouldn’t consider buying it.

There are also products available specifically for black steering wheels and spray-on waxes, which might be better suited for dark surfaces or have more protective qualities than traditional steering wheel cleaners.

After a few trials, you can find the best steering wheel cleaner. Some manufacturers may offer bargain deals that offer only cheaper variants of their products but don’t trust every brand without further inspection.

Ensure you’re aware of the type of material used in your car’s steering wheel before purchasing to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle. Also, make sure to check out different brands and compare prices between them to pinpoint which one offers the deal that will work for you!

After choosing the best steering wheel cleaner for your vehicle, the next thing to know is the best way to clean your steering wheel with it. Here is a guide on how to clean your steering wheel to get the best results

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How to Clean a Steering Wheel

Here are the steps on how to clean a steering wheel

1. Use the right cleaning solution for your steering wheel.
2. Use a microfiber towel to spray your cleaning solution.
3. To clean the wheel, wrap the towel around it.
4. Use a damp cloth to clean the cleaner.
5. Use a microfiber towel to dry the steering wheel.

1. Determine the Type of Material Used for Your Steering Wheel

Faux leather is one of the most common materials used for car steering wheels, but you can find steering wheels made with different materials such as plastic wood and leather materials.

Check your owner’s manual to learn about the specific material of your steering wheel as well as recommendations for cleaning it.

2. Spray the Steering Wheel Cleaner Onto a Microfiber Towel

If your cleaner isn’t in a spray can place it inside of one. Spray the cleaner onto the rag and not directly on the steering wheel or various other parts of your car. That could cause problems for you later on if those substances get stuck behind your dashboard.

3. Wrap the Towel Around the Steering Wheel and Scrub It

To clean your wheel’s front, top and back, apply a circular motion turning the towel around the steering wheel. Workaround the entire perimeter of the wheel, cleaning it thoroughly and carefully making sure no area goes uncleaned.

You may have to apply some pressure while you’re cleaning but make sure not to rub too heavily, or else you could end up removing some of the material’s color in the process.

It’s very important that you also clean all over your wheel’s center since that part is often more neglected than others.

4. Use a Damp Cloth to Clean Wipe the Cleaner off the Steering Wheel

Use another towel soaked in water to wipe the wheel to remove any excess steering cleaner from the steering wheel. This will also help you wipe off any dirt or grime that might be left.

If all you have is paper towels, you can use that too. Make sure you go over the entire wheel to avoid prolonged contact with abrasive cleansing chemicals that might be in the steering wheel cleaner once you re-start your driving again.

5. Use Another Microfiber Towel to Dry the Steering Wheel

To get any excess water off of your steering wheel, make sure to slowly wipe it off with a handful of paper towels.

After that, pull out your trusty microfiber towel and completely dry the steering wheel – it should look shiny, free of dirt, and new once it is dried.

Here is a video guide to direct you on how to clean your steering wheel

How to Clean a Steering Wheel Made With Different Materials

Steering wheels can be cleaned with several different products, depending on the materials they are made out of.

Here is a step-by-step guide to clean different steering wheel materials to get the best results.

How to Clean a Leather Steering Wheel

Leather steering wheels are easy to clean.

1. Use a dry cloth to wipe the surface of your steering wheel to remove dirt.
2. Spray a leather steering wheel cleaner on a microfiber towel
3. Use the towel to gently wipe the steering wheel. Wipe every area, including the center.
4. Use a damp towel or cloth soaked in clean water to wipe off the leather steering wheel cleaner from the steering.
5. Put a little leather conditioner on the steering wheel using your hands.

How to Clean a Hard Rubber Steering Wheel

A hard rubber steering wheel can be cleaned easily using a hard rubber steering wheel cleaner. However, if you can get a hold of this, you can use mild soap or detergent. Here are the steps!

1. Make water and hard rubber cleaner, soap, or detergent solution.
2. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
3. Spray the mixture onto a microfiber towel or cloth, and use it to wipe the hard rubber steering wheel clean. Be sure not to miss any spots.
4. Dry up the steering wheel with a paper towel or dry cloth

How to Clean the Alcantara Steering Wheel

Have a look at these steps!

1. Firstly, Wipe any dirt or dust in the steering using a microfiber cloth.
2. Mix an Alcantara steering wheel cleaner and water in a bowl and pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
3. Spray the steering wheel cleaner and water mixture onto a towel and use it to gently clean the steering wheel.
4. After cleaning thoroughly, wipe off the steering wheel with a dry towel.
5. Allow the steering wheel couple of minutes to dry.

How to Clean Vinyl Steering Wheel

Cleaning vinyl steering wheels can be very easy if you know how to do it. Here are the steps on how to clean a vinyl steering wheel.

1. Make a mixture of water and vinyl steering wheel cleaner and pour it into a spray bottle.
2. Shake the spray bottle well to combine the ingredients.
3. Spray the mixture over the vinyl steering wheel. Cover the vinyl steering wheel with the liquid as completely as possible.
4. Allow the mixture to sit for a while to dissolve any sticky dirt.
5. Use a damp cloth to wipe off the mixture from the steering wheel.
6. Dry the wheel with a dry cloth or paper towel

How to Clean the Rubber Steering Wheel

Follow these steps to know how to clean rubber steering wheels.

1. Firstly make a solution of an equal amount of rubber steering wheel cleaner and water.
2. Pour the solution into an empty spray container.
3. Spray the solution onto a towel or microfiber cloth. Do not spray it directly into your steering wheel.
4. Use the towel to thoroughly clean the steering wheel.
5. Use a dry cloth to dry the steering wheel.

The steering wheel needs to be dried because it can become slippery and make driving more difficult.

How to Clean the Suede Steering Wheel

You can easily clean the suede steering wheel by following a few steps below.

1. Use a suede steering wheel cleaner to clean your wheel at least once every week.
2. Make sure the cleaner and suede brush are in your glove compartment. By using this, you will remember to clean your steering wheel whenever you open it.
3. Make a mixture of steering wheel cleaner and water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
4. Spraying the mixture you just made on the steering wheel directly is not a good idea as you might overspray it on the steering. Instead, spray the mixture on a clean brush.
5. Use the brush to rub against the suede steering wheel to remove any dirt or grime.
6. After brushing and thoroughly cleaning the steering wheel, Place a dry towel on it to help it dry.

How to Clean the Upholstery Steering Wheel

You can use an upholstery wheel cleaner to clean your upholstery steering wheel. Many are available on the market. Here are the steps!

1. You should first clean the dirt using a microfiber cloth.
2. Make a mixture of the upholstery cleaner and water.
3. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
4. Spray the cleaner and water mixture onto a cloth and use it to thoroughly clean the steering wheel.
5. After cleaning, dry the steering wheel with a dry towel. Leave it to dry for a few minutes before you hit the road.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Steering Wheel Cleaner

Conclusion

Cleaning your steering wheel from time to time is a good way to restore its natural look. This can also help make it feel more comfortable and improve your driving!

There are many ways to clean a car’s steering wheel, and the most direct route involves using a special cleaner designed for the task.

Still, in some cases, you may be better off skipping those expensive ‘car-specific’ products and simply reaching for the soap you already have in your home or apartment.

By cleaning the steering wheel regularly, you will drive safer, steer the wheel more accurately and keep the steering wheel in good condition.