What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, the steering wheel is the one part of the car you're always touching, so it gets filthy fast. Between the Aussie sun baking the oils in and the salt air if you're near the coast, it can get pretty nasty. I've put this together so you can get it back to that factory matte finish without spending all day on it. Most people overthink this, but I reckon a simple, methodical approach is better every time.
The Gear You'll Need
What You'll Need
Before You Start
What You'll Need
While you're here...
The Step-by-Step Process
Dry Dust
Give the wheel a quick wipe with a dry microfibre to remove any loose grit or red dust. You don't want to be scrubbing sand into the leather.
Apply Cleaner to the Brush
Never spray cleaner directly onto the wheel. It'll get behind the buttons and can short out the electronics. Spray it onto your brush or cloth instead.
Agitate Gently
Work in small sections. Use circular motions with your brush. You'll see the foam turn brown or grey, that's years of skin cells and servo meat pies coming out.
Wipe and Buff
Wipe away the dirty foam immediately with a damp cloth, then follow up with a dry one. If the wheel still looks shiny, go again. Clean leather should be matte.
Clean the Stitching
Use the brush to really get into the seams. Sweat loves to hide in there and rot the thread over time. This is where most people get lazy.
Apply Protection
Chuck a bit of UV protectant on a cloth and wipe it over. Wait a minute, then buff it off so the wheel isn't slippery when you're driving.
Final Inspection
What You'll Need
Watch Out
Closing Thoughts
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