Steering wheels can harbor dirt, oil, and bacteria if you don’t regularly maintain them. If you overlook cleaning them for too long, the wheel may get slippery from the buildup. Luckily, steering wheels are easy to clean with a few simple supplies. Whether you’re performing regular maintenance or cleaning the wheel more thoroughly, you can make your steering wheel shine!
Choose a cleaning solution meant for your type of steering wheel.
Steering wheels are made of multiple different materials depending on your car. While faux leather is the most common material, it’s possible to have a plastic, wooden, or genuine leather steering wheel. When in doubt, check your owner’s manual to find the material and the best practices for cleaning them.[2]
- Make a mixture of 3 parts all-purpose disinfectant and 1 part water if your steering wheel is made of plastic or faux leather.
- Use wood polish if you have a steering wheel made of natural wood. Look for a wood grain texture on the wheel.
- Work with a leather cleaner or conditioner if your steering wheel is made from genuine leather. Faux leather and genuine leather are difficult to differentiate, so check your owner’s manual to be sure.
Spray your cleaning solution on a microfiber towel.
Put your cleaner in a spray bottle if it’s not already in one. Squirt the cleaner into the center of the towel until it’s damp to the touch.
- Do not spray the cleaner directly onto the steering wheel or else it could get trapped behind the dashboard.
Twist the towel around the wheel to scrub it clean.
Place the towel on top of the wheel and place your hand on top of it. Turn the towel around the wheel to clean the front, top, and back. Work around the entire circumference of the wheel and wherever you notice built-up dirt and grime.[5]
- Don’t apply too much pressure while you’re cleaning or else it may lift some of the color from the material.[6]
- Make sure to clean the center of the wheel as well
Wipe the cleaner off with a damp cloth.
Wet a clean washcloth and wring out the excess water. Go over all the areas you’ve cleaned to pick up any excess dirt or cleaner. This way, you avoid any prolonged contact with any chemical cleaners when you start driving again.
- Use paper towels if you don’t have an extra cleaning cloth.
Dry the steering wheel off with another microfiber towel.
Immediately after wiping the steering wheel with water, use a dry microfiber towel to remove any water. Once the steering wheel is dry, it should look shiny and new.