Unless you’re opting for a comprehensive detailing, cleaning your car’s interior is a pretty straightforward task: vacuum the seats and floors, wipe the glass, and clean the surfaces like the dashboard, doors, center console, shift knob, parking brake, and steering wheel. Some people use a soft microfiber cloth, while others use a rag or cloth with anything from a household cleaner to Armor-All sprayed on it.
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However, here’s the catch: only one of those surfaces is likely to make constant contact with your bare skin – the steering wheel. Hands are always on the wheel, which means dirt, grime, flaking skin, skin oils, and bacteria accumulate there. A quick wipe-down won’t suffice; what we need is a thorough cleaning.
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Best Steering Wheel Cleaners For 2023
We’ve compiled a list of five highly-rated steering wheel cleaners that can handle the various types of steering wheels (wood, vinyl, plastic, Alcantara, leather) found in all vehicles.
One common issue with these five products is that customers often complain about bottles leaking during shipping. Some even reported receiving only half a bottle. It may be worth purchasing the product in person at your local store to avoid this issue.
1. CarGuys Super Cleaner Price: $16.97
CarGuys Super Cleaner is a versatile interior cleaner that can effectively clean your steering wheel, regardless of the material it’s made of, be it plastic, wood or leather. Additionally, it’s an all-around cleaner that can be used for various surfaces, making it a cost-effective and space-saving choice. Customers have praised its ability to remove deep stains and dirt with ease.
Pros and Cons
- A versatile interior cleaner suitable for various surfaces
- Easy to use
- Effectively removes deep stains and dirt
- Some users have complained about its scent
- Can be messy if accidentally sprayed onto glass surfaces
- A few buyers have reported package leakage upon delivery.
2. Chemical Guys SPI-22016 Price: $10.97
Chemical Guys SPI-22016 is another interior cleaner that has satisfied customers. They appreciate its affordability and lack of artificial shine on interior surfaces. However, some customers have reported discoloration of surfaces after use.
Pros and Cons
- An all-purpose interior cleaner
- Does not leave an artificial shine
- Affordable price
- Some reports of discoloration on certain surfaces
- A few users have complained about its scent
- Can be messy if accidentally sprayed onto glass or clear plastic gauge covers
3. Adam’s Leather Care Kit
Leather steering wheels require special care, and a product specially formulated for leather is the best solution. The Adam’s Leather Care Kit not only includes a leather cleaner but also a leather conditioner that keeps the wheel soft and supple while preventing cracks and tears. The conditioner also provides UV protection, which is crucial since the steering wheel receives direct sunlight through the windshield and driver’s door window. Users have also reported that the product has a pleasant scent, like high-quality leather itself.
Pros and Cons
- Includes leather conditioner
- Conditioner contains UV protection
- Users have reported a pleasant scent similar to quality leather
- Some reports of discoloration
- The scent may be too strong for some users
- Reports of leaky bottles during delivery
4. Carfidant Ultimate Leather Cleaner Sale: $24.99
The Carfidant Ultimate Leather Cleaner is an environmentally friendly product that is water-based, non-toxic, and biodegradable. Users report that it effectively removes deep dirt and stains and has almost no odor. It also comes with a microfiber cloth. However, it lacks a leather conditioner, which puts it at a disadvantage compared to the Adam’s Leather Care Kit in terms of pricing.
Pros and Cons
- Environmentally friendly
- Users say it removes deep dirt and stains effectively
- Almost odorless
- Comes with a microfiber cloth
- No leather conditioner included
- Some reports of discoloration
- Reports of leaky bottles during delivery
5. Sonax Upholstery and Alcantara Cleaner
Why We Picked It: Alcantara is an artificial suede-like material that requires a specific cleaner to maintain its texture and appearance. The Sonax Upholstery and Alcantara cleaner is specially formulated for this premium material and is designed to not only clean but also restore its original texture, which can become matted over time. Users have praised its ability to clean without leaving any residue.
Pros & Cons:
- Specially formulated for Alcantara
- Restores color and texture
- Leaves no residue
- Some users complain about the product’s smell
- Reports of leaky bottles on arrival
- Expensive considering the size of the bottle
Is vinegar safe for leather steering wheels?
If you prefer a DIY approach, vinegar is safe to use as a cleaning agent for leather steering wheels. However, one thing to keep in mind is the strong smell of vinegar that may become more noticeable when the sun shines through the windshield onto the steering wheel.
Can you use rubbing alcohol to clean a steering wheel?
Rubbing alcohol should not be used to clean a steering wheel as it can be a drying agent and damage the material. It’s not recommended for any type of steering wheel, especially leather. There are better options available for cleaning a steering wheel.
Can you use sanitizing wipes on a steering wheel?
Sanitizing wipes can be used on a steering wheel, but it’s important to check the ingredients first. Some sanitizing wipes may contain bleach or other harsh chemicals that can damage or discolor the steering wheel’s surface. Additionally, leather or Alcantara steering wheels should not be cleaned with sanitizing wipes, as they may dry out or damage the material. It’s best to use a cleaner that is specifically designed for the type of steering wheel material.
How do you clean a leather steering wheel?
When cleaning a leather steering wheel, it’s important to use the right cleaner to avoid damaging or discoloring the leather and causing premature aging. Avoid using general-purpose household cleaners and instead use a special leather cleaner along with a microfiber cloth. After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft, supple, and to protect against cracking.
