How to Clean a Steering Wheel

Get your steering wheel back into tiptop shape with these straightforward instructions

Co-authored by Angel Ricardo and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: February 22, 2023 References

Steering wheels can harbor dirt, oil, and bacteria if you don’t regularly maintain them.^{[1]
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Research source} If you overlook cleaning them for too long, the wheel may get slippery from the buildup. Luckily, steering wheels are easy to clean with a few simple supplies. Whether you’re performing regular maintenance or cleaning the wheel more thoroughly, you can make your steering wheel shine!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Washing off Daily Buildup

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Choose a cleaning solution meant for your type of steering wheel. Steering wheels are made of multiple different materials depending on your car. While faux leather is the most common material, it’s possible to have a plastic, wooden, or genuine leather steering wheel. When in doubt, check your owner’s manual to find the material and the best practices for cleaning them.^{[2]
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- Make a mixture of 3 parts all-purpose disinfectant and 1 part water if your steering wheel is made of plastic or faux leather.
- Use wood polish if you have a steering wheel made of natural wood. Look for a wood grain texture on the wheel.
- Work with a leather cleaner or conditioner if your steering wheel is made from genuine leather. Faux leather and genuine leather are difficult to differentiate, so check your owner’s manual to be sure.
EXPERT TIP

Angel Ricardo
Auto Technician
Angel Ricardo is the owner of Ricardo's Mobile Auto Detail headquartered in Venice, California. With over 10 years of experience in mobile detailing, Angel continues to attend auto detailing trainings to improve his customer service and auto detailing skills.

Angel Ricardo
Auto Technician

If you're not sure what to use, opt for leather cleaner. Leather cleaner is very gentle, and you can use it on a variety of different surfaces without damaging it. You can even use it to clean the entire interior of your vehicle.
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Spray your cleaning solution on a microfiber towel. Put your cleaner in a spray bottle if it’s not already in one. Squirt the cleaner into the center of the towel until it’s damp to the touch.^{[3]
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- Do not spray the cleaner directly onto the steering wheel or else it could get trapped behind the dashboard.^{[4]
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Twist the towel around the wheel to scrub it clean. Place the towel on top of the wheel and place your hand on top of it. Turn the towel around the wheel to clean the front, top, and back. Work around the entire circumference of the wheel and wherever you notice built-up dirt and grime.^{[5]
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- Don’t apply too much pressure while you’re cleaning or else it may lift some of the color from the material.^{[6]
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- Make sure to clean the center of the wheel as well.
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Wipe the cleaner off with a damp cloth. Wet a clean washcloth and wring out the excess water. Go over all the areas you’ve cleaned to pick up any excess dirt or cleaner. This way, you avoid any prolonged contact with any chemical cleaners when you start driving again.^{[7]
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- Use paper towels if you don’t have an extra cleaning cloth.
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Dry the steering wheel off with another microfiber towel. Immediately after wiping the steering wheel with water, use a dry microfiber towel to remove any water. Once the steering wheel is dry, it should look shiny and new.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Cleaning More Thoroughly

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Use a soft interior brush or toothbrush to clean ground-in dirt in the stitching. Spray or dip the end of the brush into the cleaner and scrub the steering wheel in small circles. The cleaner should start to bubble as you work it into the material. Focus on areas with built-up grime and stitching. After you clean, wipe the steering wheel with a damp cloth to remove the cleaner.^{[9]
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- Don’t apply too much pressure while you’re scrubbing or else you’ll damage the wheel.
- Use an interior scrub pad if you don’t have a brush.
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Disinfect the wheel with a steam machine if you have access to one. Fill the steam machine with distilled water and turn it on. Use the single-hole nozzle to spray the surface of your steering wheel, wiping off the dirt with a microfiber towel as you go. Work around the entire wheel to kill any bacteria and loosen the grime. Wipe the wheel dry with a microfiber towel once you’re finished.^{[10]
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- You can buy steam machines at home improvement stores or online.
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Have a professional service clean your car. Look around for a car wash near you that offers interior and exterior cleaning. Then, take your car in and let them do the work for you. The workers will make your car look and smell fresh as well as clean your steering wheel properly.

Warnings

Be gentle when scrubbing your steering wheel so you don’t scratch it or lift up any color.

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Use just enough cleaner to wet the wheel without it dripping.

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