We’ve all had to go through a time when we looked at our steering wheels and realized how dirty they really are. Steering wheels not only accumulate dirt on them but also be a place where bacteria can reside. The good thing is, steering wheels can be cleaned with not too much effort and you can make them shine in no time.
There are a number of ways to clean your steering wheel. But first, let’s take a look at the reasons why steering wheels get dirty. if you want to skip straight to the solution, you can use the table of contents below to jump to it.
How Do Steering Wheels Get Dirty?
There are a few ways that steering wheels can become dirty. The most common way is simply from the driver’s hands. Over time, the natural oils and sweat from our hands can build up on the steering wheel and leave behind a residue. This can happen even if we wash our hands regularly. Another way steering wheels can become dirty is if we eat or drink in the car. Crumbs and spills can quickly make a steering wheel look dirty and can be difficult to clean. Finally, if we don’t clean our car regularly, the steering wheel can become covered in dust and dirt from the rest of the interior.
Some other common reasons why steering wheels get dirty are –
- Driving in dirty or dusty conditions
- Failing to clean the steering wheel regularly
- Smoking while driving
Why You Should Keep Your Steering Wheel Clean
There are a few different reasons why you should keep your steering wheel clean. First, it’s a safety issue. If your steering wheel is dirty, it can be harder to grip, which can make it difficult to control the car in an emergency. Second, a dirty steering wheel can be a breeding ground for bacteria. And finally, a neat and clean steering wheel not only looks better but also helps in improving your mood and also gives off a good impression to others in your car.
In summary, there are three main reasons why you should keep your steering wheel clean: safety, sanitation, and aesthetics.
Now that we have talked about how a steering wheel gets dirty and why you should keep it clean, let us explore the different ways we can keep it clean or clean it if it’s dirty. One of the best ways to keep your steering wheel clean would be to use a steering wheel cover. This will protect the steering wheel from dirt, oil, and other contaminants. But what do you do if your steering wheel is already dirty? This is where a steering wheel cleaner comes to the rescue.
The Benefits of a Steering Wheel Cleaner
A steering wheel cleaner can help to remove dirt, grime, and oil from your steering wheel, making it easier to grip and improving your visibility while driving. In addition to that, it can also help to remove any build-up of bacteria or germs that may be present on your steering wheel, which can cause illness if transferred to your hands.
There are a number of steering wheel cleaners available on the market, and it is important to choose one that is suitable for your car’s steering wheel material. Some steering wheel cleaners are more abrasive than others, so it is important to read the labels carefully before purchasing. Once you have chosen a steering wheel cleaner, follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid damaging your steering wheel.
For your general information, I will also give you some headers on how to use these cleaners, but it is always advised to read the instructions on the label or consult an expert.
3 Simple Steps to Clean Your Steering Wheel
- The first step is to gather your supplies. You will need:
- A microfiber cloth
- A small brush (optional)
- A cleaner that is safe for your steering wheel’s material
- Next, you will want to start by dusting off your steering wheel. A microfiber cloth will do the trick or you can use a small brush to get into all the nooks and crannies. If there is any built-up grime, you can use your cleaner and the microfiber cloth to gently scrub it away. Be sure to read the labels on your cleaner to make sure it is safe for your steering wheel’s material.
- Once you have removed all the dirt and grime, you can use a clean microfiber cloth to buff your steering wheel until it shines.
Here are a few extra tips to help you clean your steering wheel –
- If your steering wheel is leather, you can use a leather cleaner and conditioner to keep it looking its best.
- To prevent your steering wheel from getting dirty in the first place, you can use a steering wheel cover.
- If you eat in your car, be sure to clean up any crumbs or spills immediately to prevent them from hardening and becoming difficult to remove.
The Different Types of Steering Wheel Cleaners
When it comes to keeping your steering wheel clean, there are a few different options to choose from. You can either use a steering wheel cleaner that is specifically designed for the job, or you can opt for a more general-purpose cleaner. There are also a few other things to consider, such as whether you want a foaming steering wheel cleaner or one that is non-foaming.
One of the most popular steering wheel cleaners on the market is the Griot’s Garage’s Wheel Cleaning Kit. This kit is designed to quickly and easily remove dirt, grime, and brake dust from your steering wheel. It is also safe to use on all types of steering wheels, including those with leather covers.
If you are looking for a more general-purpose cleaner, you can opt for a product like Meguiar’s All-Purpose Cleaner. This cleaner can be used on a variety of surfaces, including your steering wheel. It is important to note, however, that you should avoid using this cleaner on surfaces that are delicate or porous, as it could damage them.
When it comes to choosing a steering wheel cleaner, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. First, consider what type of steering wheel you have and what surfaces it is made of. This will help you narrow down your options and choose a cleaner that is specifically designed for your steering wheel.
Next, think about the level of cleaning power you need. If you just need to remove light dirt and grime, a general-purpose cleaner should suffice. However, if you have a steering wheel that is covered in heavy dirt and grime, you will need a stronger cleaner.
Finally, consider the price of the cleaner. Steering wheel cleaners can range in price from a few dollars to over $100. If you are only going to use the cleaner occasionally, you may not need to spend a lot of money on it. However, if you plan on using it regularly, you may want to invest in a higher-quality cleaner.
The Pros and Cons of Steering Wheel Cleaner
A good steering wheel cleaner will make your car look and feel great. But, like all products, there are some pros and cons to consider before you buy.
Pros
- A good steering wheel cleaner will help to remove dirt, grime, and grease, making it look new again.
- Steering wheel cleaners can also help to protect your wheel from future dirt and grime build-up, keeping it looking cleaner for longer.
- Many steering wheel cleaners on the market today also contain conditioners that help to keep your steering wheel looking new by replenishing its natural oils.
- Steering wheel cleaners are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, so they are a great way to keep your car looking its best without spending a lot of money or time.
Cons
- Some steering wheel cleaners can be harsh and may damage the finish of your steering wheel if not used properly.
- Steering wheel cleaners can also be messy, so it is important to read the instructions carefully and be prepared to clean up any spills quickly.
- If you are not careful, a steering wheel cleaner can get on your clothes or upholstery, so it is important to use it in a well-ventilated area and to be careful not to get it on anything else.
- Steering wheel cleaners can be dangerous if swallowed, so it is important to keep them out of reach of children and pets.
- Some steering wheel cleaners contain chemicals that may be harmful to the environment, so it is important to choose a cleaner that is biodegradable and does not contain any harmful chemicals.
What’s the Best Steering Wheel Cleaner for Suede and How To Use It?
Suede steering wheels can be difficult to clean especially if you don’t have any prior cleaning experience. You may be tired of hearing this already but make sure that you use a suede cleaner for your suede steering wheel as any other cleaner could damage your wheel. Suede cleaners are available at most auto stores and they come in a spray bottle and are easy to use.
To use a suede cleaner, first ensure that the fabric is clean. If the surface is heavily soiled, then it will require more than one cleaning attempt to achieve satisfactory results. Once the surface is free of dirt and debris, apply the cleaner in a liberal amount to a clean cloth. Gently work the cleaner into the fabric, using a circular or back-and-forth motion. Be sure to work the cleaner into the fabric as well as the surface.
Once the cleaner has been applied, wait 10 to 15 minutes for it to work its magic. Once the cleaning has been completed, rinse the fabric in warm water and dry it off. Be sure to use a suede cleaner sparingly, as overuse could damage the fabric.
Be careful not to get the cleaner on the paint or the chrome around the wheel. It can damage the paint or chrome if it is not washed off right away.
There are also some home remedies that can be used to clean suede. A mixture of vinegar and water can be sprayed on the suede and then wiped off with a clean cloth. Another home remedy is to use a toothbrush to scrub the suede. However, we would recommend against these and would prefer going to a professional or use a proper suede cleaner from the market.
Whichever method is used, be sure to test it on a small area first to make sure it does not damage the suede.
What’s the Best Steering Wheel Cleaner for Leather and How To Use It?
There are a few different types of cleaners that can be used on leather steering wheels, but the best one to use is a leather cleaner and conditioner. This type of cleaner will not only clean the steering wheel, but it will also help to protect the leather from drying out and cracking.
To use a leather cleaner and conditioner, simply apply it to a clean cloth and wipe the steering wheel down. Once the steering wheel is clean, apply a small amount of the conditioner to a clean cloth and rub it into the leather. Allow the conditioner to soak in for a few minutes before wiping it off.
What’s the Best Steering Wheel Cleaner for Alcantara and How To Use It?
There are a few different ways to clean Alcantara, and the best way may depend on the severity of the stains. For light cleaning, a simple Alcantara brush can be used. For more stubborn stains, a cleaner specifically designed for Alcantara may be needed.
To use an Alcantara brush, first wet the brush with water. Then, gently brush the Alcantara in a circular motion. Be sure to use a light touch, as scrubbing too hard can damage the Alcantara. Once the area is clean, use a microfiber cloth to dry it off.
If a cleaner is needed, there are a few different options available. One is to use a diluted solution of dish soap and water. Another is to use a cleaner specifically designed for Alcantara. Whichever cleaner is used, it should be applied to a microfiber cloth, not directly to the Alcantara. Gently rub the stained area with the cloth until the stain is removed. Once the area is clean, use a different microfiber cloth to dry it off.
To Conclude
We hope that you now have a much better understanding after reading through this article of how steering wheels get dirty, why is it essential to keep them clean, and how to clean them. And once again, go visit a professional if you are not confident, neither we nor you will be happy if you ruined that steering wheel trying to get it clean.
