A leather steering wheel is not just a functional component of your car; it’s also a luxurious one that adds to your vehicle’s overall look and feels. However, constant use can make your leather steering wheel dirty, grimy, and discoloured.
That’s why cleaning your leather steering wheel is essential to keep it looking and feeling great, but you must do it properly to avoid damaging the leather.
So, whether you’re a car enthusiast or just looking to maintain your vehicle, this guide is surely for you. Here we will discuss the easy steps for cleaning the leather steering wheel to keep it looking and feeling new. Have a look!
Why is Regular Cleaning of the Leather Steering Wheel Essential?
Regular cleaning of your steering wheel is crucial for maintaining its appearance, lifespan, and overall health benefits.
Here are some key reasons why you should clean your steering wheel regularly:
- Prevents buildup of oils and contaminants
- Protects against germs and bacteria
- Extends lifespan
- Improves driving experience
How To Clean Your Leather Steering Wheel?
There are many methods to clean steering wheels using home-based products to Specialized steering wheel cleaners from top-notch brands, and the process requires some precautions to avoid damaging them. Here is how to do it:
1. Genuine Leather Steering Wheel: How to Clean and Protect it?
The genuine leather steering wheel is a luxurious and stylish feature that can add a touch of elegance to any car interior. However, maintaining its beauty and durability requires special care and attention.
Here’s how to clean and protect your genuine leather steering wheel:
- Step 1: Choose the suitable cleaner Spray a proper leather cleaning brush with a high-quality leather cleaner. Ensure the cleaner is designed for use on genuine leather and avoid harsh chemicals that can cause damage.
- Step 2: Scrub gently Scrub the leather with the brush, using circular motions to remove dirt and grime. Avoid excessive force or pressing too hard, as this can damage the leather. Be sure to clean the entire surface of the steering wheel, including the spokes.
- Step 3: Wipe away excess cleaner. Once you have thoroughly scrubbed the leather, wipe away any excess cleaner with a clean, dry microfiber towel. This will help remove any remaining dirt and prevent the cleaner from drying out the leather.
- Step 4: Apply leather conditioner or UV protectant. After cleaning the leather, applying a leather conditioner or UV protectant is essential to keep the leather soft and supple. Choose a high-quality product that is specifically designed for use on genuine leather.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your genuine leather steering wheel looking like new for years to come. So, go ahead and pamper your car with the care it deserves!
2. Faux Leather Steering Wheel: The Safe and Easy Way to Keep it Clean
Faux leather steering wheels are popular for many car owners because they are affordable, easy to maintain, and give a car a stylish look. However, cleaning faux leather can be a bit tricky, as using the wrong products can damage the finish.
Here’s how to clean your faux leather steering wheel safely and effectively:
- Step 1: To clean your faux leather steering wheel, avoid using soap or detergents that can leave stains or damage the finish. Instead, use a high-quality Interior Detail spray specially designed to clean and protect faux leather.
- Step 2: Apply the cleaner Spray the Interior Detail spray directly onto a clean microfiber cloth and not on the surface of the steering wheel. This will prevent the cleaner from getting onto other parts of your car, making cleaning more efficient.
- Step 3: Clean the steering wheel Using gentle circular motions, rub the microfiber cloth over the entire surface of the steering wheel, including the centre and any buttons.
- Step 4:Using a second clean microfiber cloth, wipe away any remaining residue to ensure your faux leather steering wheel is completely clean.
- Step 5: It may be tempting to apply additional products to your faux leather steering wheel, such as protectants, but it is not recommended as they could make the surface slippery, posing a safety risk while driving.
With these simple steps, you can keep your faux leather steering wheel looking new and enjoy a comfortable grip whenever you get behind the wheel.
3. Synthetic Resin Steering Wheel: Easy and Effective Cleaning Tips
Synthetic resin steering wheels might seem like plastic at first glance, but it’s a special type of plastic material. Unlike other steering wheel materials, synthetic resin is one of the easiest to clean and maintain.
Here’s how to clean your synthetic resin steering wheel and make it look as good as new!
- Step 1: Use the Right Product To get started, it’s essential to use the right cleaning product. Spray some APC – All-Purpose Cleaner on your microfiber car cloth. Do not spray the cleaner directly onto the steering wheel; it can get onto your dashboard and shorten the cleaning process.
- Step 2: Wipe with Care Place your microfiber car cloth on the steering wheel and gently wipe to clean the front, top, and back. You don’t need to be too gentle, but clean the centre of the steering wheel where the vehicle logo is located.
- Step 3: Remove Residue Ensure that all leftover residue is removed by using a second cloth and applying a final wipe to the steering wheel.
- Step 4: If your synthetic resin steering wheel is foul, you may need to scrub it with a scouring pad or brush. However, it’s crucial to test a small spot first and be careful not to damage the surface.
- Step 5: When cleaning the plastic surfaces of your steering wheel, avoid using additional products that could make it slippery and unsafe for driving.
Now that you know how to clean your synthetic resin steering wheel, you can keep it looking great and enjoy a comfortable driving experience whenever you get behind the wheel.
How Often Should You Clean Your Leather Steering Wheel?
Cleaning your leather steering wheel every few months is necessary, but if you drive in areas with excess moisture or high temperatures, you may need to clean it more frequently.
Moisture and sweat from your hands can contribute to dirt and oil buildup on your steering wheel, making it important to clean it immediately when you notice any buildup.
Regular cleaning keeps your steering wheel looking great and helps extend its lifespan. So, make sure to give your leather steering wheel the attention it deserves to keep it looking and feeling like new.
FAQS
Can I put sanitiser on the leather?
It is not recommended to put sanitiser on leather as it may cause damage to the leather. Sanitizer contains alcohol which can dry out the leather and cause it to crack or fade. Instead, using a proper leather cleaner or conditioner to clean and maintain leather products is best.
What is the best homemade leather cleaner?
Create a cleaning spray by mixing 1/2 cup olive oil with 1/4 cup vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply it to the stain, wait for five minutes, and gently wipe it away. It’s the perfect natural solution to keep your leather items looking their best. Avoid harsh chemical-based cleaners such as bleach or ammonia, as they can damage the leather surface.
Should You Clean A Damaged Leather Steering Wheel?
Yes, cleaning a damaged leather steering wheel is important, as dirt and debris can further damage the material. However, be gentle when cleaning and avoid harsh chemicals or excessive rubbing, as these can worsen the damage.
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, cleaning the leather steering wheel is crucial to maintaining the car’s overall appearance and ensuring that it lasts for years and years. The above-outlined steps can help you guarantee the safe and effective cleaning of the steering wheel without damaging the leather.
You can enjoy a pristine and luxurious driving experience every time you get behind the wheel if you make leather steering wheel cleaning a regular part of your car maintenance routine.
So, take care of your leather steering wheel, and it will take care of you. Happy cleaning!
