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Has it ever happened to you that you touched the steering wheel of your car and you felt it sticky or grimy? Or, have you noticed the change in the feel of your steering wheel? We know most of you must have, for sure. Because that’s what usually happens, that no one gives enough attention to the steering wheel of the car and it ends up being dirty.
No matter how much of a car enthusiast you are and how many times you wash your car, steering wheels are mostly ignored by everyone. Even sparkly and shiny cars from the outside consist of grimy steering wheels from the inside.
And this is not right. Cleaning the steering wheel is as essential as the routine detailing of cars which shouldn’t be missed at any cost. With the steering wheel, the consistently touched part of your car is a ground for many bacteria which requires extra attention and care.
What Happens To The Steering Wheel If It Is Not Cleaned?
The steering wheel is an essential part of your car that you need to touch either by hook or by crook. So no matter how sweaty your hands are, or how oily your hands are at the moment, if you are to drive a car then you have to touch it eventually. So, leaving it out of the car detailing can cost you because of the following reasons:
- A steering wheel consisting of a lot of accumulated dirt would be consisting of several germs and bacteria that could be risky for your health or your family’s health.
- The sticky and oily steering wheel would make it all rough under your hands which could also cost you while driving.
- The constant use of the steering wheel along with no cleaning could result in the dullness of its appearance.
- And last but not the least, with no maintenance, it would tear away in very less time and would not serve its desired time.
How To Clean A Steering Wheel?
Now, it depends on the type of steering wheel of your vehicle. There comes leather, synthetic, metal, and wooden steering wheel, all of which require different cleaning patterns and cleaners.
Some people use soap and detergent to clean their steering wheels which don’t work on all types of steering wheels. So, it’s better you know the type of your vehicle’s steering wheel so you could choose the right cleaner to clean it accordingly.
Although cleaning different types of steering wheels requires some varying steps, the generic way to clean a steering wheel is to apply/spray some cleaner on a microfiber towel and then place it on the steering wheel.
Rub the steering wheel with the towel by applying very little pressure. Work around the whole steering wheel carefully. Then once you have cleaned the steering wheel with the cleaner then dry it off with the second towel, wiping down all the remnants that were left behind.
For detailed cleaning, you can also use a detailing brush and work on the crevices of the steering wheel to get rid of all the accumulated dirt and grime. Make sure you don’t apply the cleaner directly on the steering wheel as it could be sprayed everywhere, which would require extra cleaning and more time.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Cleaner for Different Steering Wheel Materials
Different materials respond uniquely to cleaning agents. For instance, leather steering wheels require conditioners to maintain softness and prevent cracking, while synthetic wheels need a gentler approach to avoid fading or material breakdown. For Alcantara, a specialized fabric cleaner is essential, as traditional soaps can cause the material to harden or discolor. Matching the cleaner to your steering wheel’s material will ensure a lasting, fresh look without causing unintended damage.
The Overall Best Steering Wheel Cleaner
Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner and Protectant
- The all rounder, all in one product that could be used in all types of vehicles.
- Best to keep your interior clean and fresh without damaging or risking anything.
- Also works as a protectant that would save your vehicle from sunlight, cracking and aging.
- Professional, easy to use formula that could keep your steering wheel clean for a long time.
10 Best Steering Wheel Cleaners
There are a number of tips to clean a sticky steering wheel but none of it would be effective without a good cleaner in your hand. To make your work easier, we have shortlisted some of the best steering wheel cleaners for you guys to select the best-fitting cleaner for your car as per your budget.
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Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic Cleaner Options
For those looking to minimize their environmental impact, several steering wheel cleaners are now available in eco-friendly and non-toxic formulations. These options use natural ingredients and are biodegradable, making them safer for both your car and the planet. Cleaners like TriNova Natural All-Purpose Cleaner and Meguiar’s Natural Shine Protectant are popular choices for eco-friendly detailing.
1. Pinnacle Black Label Suede- Soft Alcantara Cleaner
This cleaner by Pinnacle Black is an all-rounder with remarkable cleaning features and versatility that can be used on many surfaces. It’s the best for the Alacantara and microsuede surfaces, which can also work effectively on carpets and textiles present in the interior of your vehicle or your home.
If you have got an Alcantara steering wheel on your vehicle then this is the best option for you. Bring this cleaner home and wipe your steering wheel with this cleaner to get rid of all the light stains and bad odor with its amazing fresh scent.
It is easy to use and any of you can use it to give your steering wheel a new shine. For better outcomes, use a microfiber towel to apply to the steering wheel.
Pros
- Versatile
- Best alcantara cleaner
- Easy to use
Cons
- Costly
2. Nextzett Cockpit Premium Interior and Dashboard Cleaner
If you are a car enthusiast who prefers your vehicle clean at all times then this premium quality cleaner is the right choice for you. It is perfect for all the interior cleaning including the dashboard, steering wheel, floor mats, shift knob, navigation screen, audio, etc.
It not just removes dirt and dust to give it a factory -finishing cleaning but also provides you with a long-lasting finish that repulses dust for a long time.
It works best on leather surfaces without giving them a smeary finish so if you have got a leather steering wheel then this would work best for you. Get your hands on this amazing cleaner and enjoy the all-in-one advantage that comes with it.
Pros
- Protects from UV rays.
- Works best on the car interiors.
- Shine-free finishing.
- Non-slip finish
Cons
- You might find its scent horrendous
3. Cardifant Ultimate Leather Cleaner
Maintenance of leather isn’t a piece of cake. It requires extra care and attention. If you have got leather seats or a leather steering wheel in your vehicle then you must know what we are talking about. One wrong move and say goodbye to your leather forever.
This ultimate cleaner especially for real leather, durable, vinyl, and other similar surfaces works best to clear out all the dust and dirt. This professional grade cleaner made up of premium chemicals is not just fragrance-free but is super easy to use which will provide you the best leather cleaning results without any harm.
You can also use it on your sofas, furniture, purses, or any other thing made up of leather or vinyl and get the best quality outcomes.
Pros
- Restore your leather
- Certified formula for best results
- Cleans with ease
Cons
- Costly
4. 3M Leather and Vinyl Restorer
The products of 3M have been leading the car detailing industry due to their amazing results and features. This cleaner from 3M is no exception with its dual-purpose features that clean and condition the interior of your car all at a time.
Use this cleaner and give your leather car interior a new shiny and clean look, that too with the all-time special lemon scent. Whether it be the armrests, steering wheel, or car seats, it will wipe off all the dirt providing a new look in the process.
The deep cleaning action along with the conditioner effects brings back the lustrous feel of your leather car interior.
Pros
- Effective leather and vinyl cleaner
- 2 in 1 benefits
- Amazon’s choice
Cons
- Might not work that efficiently on every leather.
5. Sonax Upholstery and Alcantara Cleaner
Sonax is also one of the leading brands in the industry with its premium quality car detailing products. The upholstery cleaner from Sonax, made specifically for vehicles, is perfect to rejuvenate your car’s interior with ease.
Clean your Alcantara interior of the vehicle with this amazing cleaner and get rid of all the grime and dirt accumulated anywhere in your car. It revives the color of your interior without leaving any marks whilst eradicating bad odors in the process.
For better results, spray it on the sponge and clean your steering wheel, car seats, or armlets with it. Wipe away the residue with a microfiber towel and boom, you are all set to go.
Pros
- Non-flammable
- Easy to use
- Works best
Cons
- Odor is unpleasant
6. Chemical Guys InnerClean Interior Quick Detailer and Protectant
Being a car enthusiast, we can’t believe that you have never heard of Chemical Guys. This is the all-time favorite brand of car detailing experts all around the world. This cleaner works best on the interior of vehicles eliminating all forms of dirt, dust, and grime.
Effectively clean the whole interior of your car quickly and easily due to its unique formula. It not just keeps the leather of your car soft but also prevents cracks and gives it a new look.
And not just that, it also protects the interior of your car from harmful UV rays which is another main reason behind the dullness of the interior.
Pros
- Best choice
- Provides with matte finish
- Amazing smell
- Pocket-friendly
Cons
- Nil
7. Original Protectant Wipes by Armor All
This protectant wipes from Armor All are a lifesaver with their remarkable and easy-to-use features. Clean the interior of your car with these convenient and easy-to-use wipes anywhere you want. Take these along with you and maintain your vehicle even during on and off-road trips.
It can wipe away all the dust and dirt from your plastic steering wheel, armrest, dashboard, or center console. These wipes work wonders even on rubber and vinyl interiors and eradicate all the dust and dirt accumulated in your car.
It not just adds shine to the interior of your car but also protects it from solar UV rays preventing fading and cracking in the process.
Pros
- No need of extra towels
- Requires less effort
- Easy to use and carry around
- Lint free clean
- 30 wipes in a pack
Cons
- The wipes might not be as moist as required to effectively clean the interior.
8. Mothers 05324 Protectant
Maintaining the interior along with the exterior of your car is very essential. With this cleaner around, you can clean the interior of your car easily in no time. It works best on plastic, vinyl, rubber, and fiberglass, so if your car’s interior is made up of any of these materials then this is good to go with.
It not only removes the dirt and oil from the upholstery, steering wheel, or dashboard but also provides a long-lasting effect to repel the accumulation of any type of dirt.
The main feature of this protectant is to protect the interior of your car from smog and ozone, which makes it more captivating for your vehicles.
Pros
- Long lasting
- Amazing results
- Best odor
Cons
- Costly
9. Chemical Guys Total Interior Cleaner and Protectant
When we say Chemical Guys are ruling, we mean it. This 2-in-1 cleaner and protector is the evidence of it. Simplify your interior cleaning arsenal with this all-rounder cleaner that works on all types of interior surfaces.
Whether it is plastic, leather, rubber, or vinyl, this do-it-all product can clean anything, so bring this amazing product to your home and clean all your cars with ease. Clean your steering wheels, armrest, seats, dashboard, or any other interior part with this cleaner and get professional-grade, factory-quality results.
This cleaner cum protectant is long lasting which also protects the interior of your car from UV rays and other environmental effects.
Pros
- Works best on all the different vehicles
- Perfect for detailed interior cleaning
- Impressive shiny results
Cons
- Might not remove tough stains.
10. WTFK All Purpose Foam Cleaner
Sometimes you need a simple and direct solution to your problems. If your problem is the dirty interior of your car then this is the most convenient and easy solution, capable enough to get rid of all the stains.
It nourishes the appearance of your overall car interior by removing all the stains and grime. Moreover, it also provides the ultimate protection from UV rays, cracking, and aging.
Pros
- Best cleaning supply
- Remarkable results
Cons
- Costly
Conclusion
Maintenance of a vehicle is a prerequisite for its better performance and not just exterior maintenance but also interior maintenance. Now, many people mistake interior cleaning for just upholstery and the dashboard which is not all.
The steering wheel, which is the most crucial interior part of any vehicle, is something that everyone usually misses in their car detailing. The dirt, sweat, and oil stains on the steering wheel make it sticky and rough, hence cleaning a steering wheel is as essential as cleaning a car. Check out some tips to clean a sticky steering wheel.
There are several cleaners in the market, using which you can get the lost shine of your steering wheel back in no time. Skim through the above-mentioned cleaners and find the best pick for your vehicle. You can also check out this video to find the other top 5 car cleaning products.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can we clean our steering wheels by using any of the aforementioned cleaners by ourselves?
Yes, you can clean your steering wheels by yourselves. Just make sure you read the instructions on the bottle to avoid any damage to your steering wheel. But, If you have got a new car and you are new to all this then we would suggest you consult an expert car detailer or you could mess up the interior of your car.
How often is it required to clean the steering wheel?
Since the steering wheel is the most touched part in the car so it is best if you clean it more often like at least twice a week, only then you can avoid all sorts of bacteria and germs.
Is there anything essential that one must keep in mind while cleaning the steering wheel?
Never pour a cleaner directly on the steering wheel for it could spill everywhere which would require extra effort or it could disturb the wiring of the steering which would make it worse, costing you more than you can think.
Can you clean the steering wheel of your car with soap or liquid?
Although it depends on the material of your vehicle, mostly it is not preferred by professionals around the world as it damages the material affecting its design life.
Can I use household cleaning products on my steering wheel?
While it may be tempting, using household cleaners like bleach or glass cleaners on your steering wheel can damage sensitive materials, especially leather and synthetic types. These products often contain harsh chemicals that strip away protective layers or lead to cracking. It’s best to stick with car-specific interior cleaners formulated for use on automotive materials.
How can I keep my steering wheel cleaner for longer?
To prolong the cleanliness of your steering wheel, consider using a steering wheel cover to shield it from sweat and oils from your hands. Regularly wipe down the wheel with a microfiber cloth between deep cleans, and always wash your hands before driving to reduce grime buildup. For added protection, choose a cleaner with UV blockers to prevent material degradation from sunlight.
What type of cloth is best for cleaning a steering wheel?
A microfiber cloth is the best choice for cleaning steering wheels. It is soft enough to prevent scratches, absorbs moisture efficiently, and traps dirt within the fibers rather than spreading it around. Avoid abrasive materials like paper towels or old rags, which may leave scratches, especially on leather and Alcantara surfaces.