How to Clean Dirt and Grease Off a Steering Wheel

PDF download Download Article
Get your steering wheel back into tiptop shape with these straightforward instructions
PDF download Download Article

Steering wheels can harbor dirt, oil, and bacteria if you don’t regularly maintain them. [1] 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

PDF download Download Article
  1. 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]
    • 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.

  2. 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]
    • Do not spray the cleaner directly onto the steering wheel or else it could get trapped behind the dashboard. [4]
    Advertisement
  3. 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]
    • Don’t apply too much pressure while you’re cleaning or else it may lift some of the color from the material. [6]
    • Make sure to clean the center of the wheel as well.
  4. 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]
    • Use paper towels if you don’t have an extra cleaning cloth.
  5. 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]
    6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Cleaning More Thoroughly

PDF download Download Article
  1. 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]
    • 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.
  2. 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]
    • You can buy steam machines at home improvement stores or online.
  3. 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.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      Things You’ll Need

      Washing off Daily Buildup

      • All-purpose cleaner
      • Wood polish
      • Leather cleaner
      • Spray bottle
      • Microfiber towels
      • Cloth

      Deep-Cleaning Your Steering Wheel

      • All-purpose cleaner
      • Interior brush or toothbrush
      • Microfiber towel

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Get Urine Out of a Car Seat
      How to
      Get the Gasoline Smell Out of a Car
      How to
      Clean a Car Ceiling
      How to
      Get the Smell of Spoiled Milk Out of Your Car Interior
      How to
      Fix Wrinkled Leather Car Seats
      How to
      Remove Odors from Your Car
      How to
      Remove Vomit From a Car Interior
      How to
      Get Throw Up Smell Out of Your Car
      How to
      Clean Car AC Vents
      How to
      Remove Soda Stains from a Car's Interior
      How to
      Make Your Car Smell Good
      How to
      Keep Car Mats in Place
      14 Easy Ways to Get Smoke Smell Out of Your Car Permanently
      How to
      Remove Grease and Oil From a Car's Interior
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/YJAQxQaTlgg
      2. ↑ https://www.autodeal.com.ph/articles/car-features/how-clean-different-types-steering-wheel
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/YJAQxQaTlgg?t=38s
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/YJAQxQaTlgg?t=54s
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/9YC9myVlEsY?t=36s
      6. ↑ https://www.autodeal.com.ph/articles/car-features/how-clean-different-types-steering-wheel
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/9YC9myVlEsY?t=50s
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/9YC9myVlEsY?t=1m
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/YJAQxQaTlgg?t=1m2s
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/YJAQxQaTlgg?t=2m

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make your own steering wheel cleaner, mix 3 parts all-purpose cleaner with 1 part water in a spray bottle. If your steering wheel is made of genuine leather, use a leather cleaner instead. Spray the cleaning solution on a microfiber towel and gently wipe down your steering wheel with it. Then, wipe off the excess cleaner with a damp cloth. For stubborn grime, use a clean toothbrush to gently scrub the steering wheel. Once your steering wheel is clean, dry it off using a clean microfiber towel. For more tips from our Mechanical co-author, including how to disinfect your steering wheel with a steam cleaner, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 149,996 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement