Deep Cleaning and Restoring Automotive Steering Wheels (Jan 2026)

Ensure the vehicle is parked in a shaded area and the interior has cooled down. Cleaning a steering wheel that is 50°C+ will cause your chemicals to flash (evaporate) instantly, potentially leaving permanent chemical spotting or streaks. Open the doors to allow airflow.

Determine if your wheel is Genuine Leather, Vegan/Synthetic Leather, Alcantara/Suede, or Plastic/Urethane. Genuine leather requires more hydration; Alcantara requires specific 'dry' cleaning methods to prevent matting of the fibres. This guide focuses primarily on leather and synthetic surfaces.

Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove loose red dust and grit from the stitching and the gap between the airbag cover and the rim. Removing dry grit now prevents you from creating a 'mud' slurry once liquid cleaners are applied.

If using a concentrate, dilute your cleaner to the manufacturer's 'Interior' ratio (typically 1:10 or 1:20). In summer, a slightly weaker dilution is safer as the heat increases chemical activity. Fill a foaming pump bottle if available to minimise liquid saturation.

Apply your pH-neutral cleaner to the horsehair brush rather than spraying directly onto the wheel. This prevents overspray from hitting the instrument cluster or electronics. If using a foaming bottle, apply a golf-ball-sized amount of foam to the bristles. Foam allows the chemistry to dwell on the surface without soaking into the stitching.

Work in small sections, roughly 10cm at a time (e.g., 12 o'clock to 2 o'clock). Use light, circular motions with the brush. You are looking for the foam to turn from white to a greyish-brown colour. This indicates the emulsification of body oils and dirt. Do not scrub hard; let the bristles and the chemical do the work.

Pay special attention to the stitching, which acts as a wick for sweat. Use a soft toothbrush in a back-and-forth motion along the seam. If the stitching is white and has turned black, this may require a second pass. Be gentle to avoid fraying the nylon threads.

Immediately after agitating a section, use a clean, dry microfibre towel to 'pull' the dirt away. Use a gripping motion and twist the towel. Do not let the cleaner dry on the surface. If the towel comes away dark, repeat the agitation on that section.

Drivers often forget the back of the steering wheel rim where fingers rest. Rotate the wheel 180 degrees to access the rear comfortably. This area often has the highest concentration of oil buildup.

For multi-function buttons, use a 'dry' damp microfibre. Never spray liquid into electronics. Use a detailing swab or a toothpick wrapped in a thin microfibre to clean the crevices around volume and cruise control toggles where dust and skin cells accumulate.

If the wheel remains shiny/greasy, wrap a microfibre towel tightly around the head of a steam cleaner. Pass it over the leather for no more than 2 seconds at a time. The heat and moisture will liquefy stubborn oils which the towel then absorbs. Warning: Excessive heat can melt leather glue.

Once the entire wheel is cleaned, take a fresh microfibre dampened slightly with distilled water and wipe the entire rim. This removes any remaining surfactant (soap) residue which, if left behind, can attract more dirt or feel 'sticky' in high humidity.

Allow the wheel to air dry naturally for 10-15 minutes. It should look dull and uniform. If any shiny patches remain, those are spots of remaining oil and require re-cleaning.

Apply a pea-sized amount of leather protectant to a microfibre applicator pad. Wipe it evenly over the wheel. Choose a product that offers UV40 protection to combat the Australian sun. Ensure the product is 'dry to the touch' and matte; glossy protectants are dangerous as they make the wheel slippery.

After 5 minutes of dwell time for the protectant, perform a final wipe with a clean microfibre towel. This ensures no excess product remains that could transfer to your hands while driving.