Deep Cleaning and Restoring Steering Wheels (Jan 2026)

Never clean a steering wheel that is hot to the touch. In Australian summer, park the vehicle in a shaded garage or under a carport for at least 2 hours. If the surface is too hot, the cleaning chemicals will evaporate instantly, potentially causing chemical staining or uneven cleaning. Aim for a surface temperature below 30°C.

Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove loose red dust, sand, or grit from the stitching and the junction where the wheel meets the steering column. Removing dry abrasives first prevents them from turning into a 'muddy' paste once liquids are introduced.

If using a concentrate, dilute according to the manufacturer's 'heavy soil' instructions. Test the cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area (usually the back of a steering wheel spoke) to ensure no dye transfer occurs. Wipe with a white cloth; if the cloth shows the colour of the leather, stop immediately.

Modern steering wheels are packed with sensitive electronics. Use low-tack painter's tape to cover open ports (like headphone jacks or USBs on some models) or wide gaps around multi-function buttons to prevent liquid ingress.

Spray your chosen cleaner onto the horsehair brush, not directly onto the steering wheel. This prevents the liquid from running into the airbag clock-spring or behind the buttons. Apply enough product to the brush to create a light foam during agitation.

Work in small sections (e.g., 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock). Use light, circular motions with the horsehair brush. Do not apply heavy pressure; let the chemical and the bristles lift the oils. You will likely see the foam turn a brownish or grey colour as it pulls out sweat and dust.

Use a smaller detailing brush or a soft toothbrush to focus specifically on the stitching. In Australia, red dust often gets trapped deep within the thread. Gently agitate along the line of the thread to lift these particles without fraying the nylon or silk stitching.

Before the cleaner dries, use a clean, damp microfibre towel to 'roll' the dirt off the surface. Do not scrub harshly. Use a fresh side of the towel for every section. The goal is to transfer the emulsified oils from the wheel to the cloth.

If the wheel remains shiny after the first pass, it still contains sebum. Repeat the agitation process. A truly clean steering wheel should have a flat, matte appearance, similar to how it looked in the showroom.

Wipe the entire wheel with a microfibre towel lightly dampened with distilled water. This removes any surfactant residue left by the cleaner, which can otherwise attract more dust or feel sticky in high humidity.

Use a dry microfibre towel to buff the wheel. Ensure no moisture remains in the stitching or around button crevices. If you have access to compressed air or a car dryer, use it to blow out any trapped moisture from the switchgear.

If your wheel is Alcantara (suede-like), use a dedicated Alcantara cleaner. After cleaning, use a dry upholstery brush to 'reset the nap' (brush the fibres in one direction) while the material is still slightly damp to prevent it from drying 'crunchy'.

Apply a dedicated interior UV sealant. For Australian conditions, look for products with high UV inhibitors. Apply to an applicator pad first, wipe on evenly, and let it bond for 5-10 minutes before buffing off any excess. This creates a barrier against the sun and hand oils.

Turn the wheel 180 degrees to check for any missed spots at the bottom or back of the rim. Ensure all buttons function correctly and no residue is left in the seams.