clean/detail a steering wheel?

If it is leather or vinyl, I would first clean with whatever you use on interior vinyl/plastic e.g. APC 10:1, Woolite 6:1, etc.



Then lightly dress with something non-greasy, non-slippery. Let penetrate a few minutes. Fully buff with clean MF to remove any excess.
 
There was research study conducted and the results published here in the press recently about the amount of bacteria that can be found on Steering Wheels. The results were alarming (but I must admit I cannot remember the figures) and from memory were higher than an average toilet seat, yuck. Office desks were bad too.
 
I use a MF towel with Woolite/Water mixture. Scrub until new looking then apply conditioner. On really grimy ones I have used my Meguiar's interior brush gently.
 
Hemi57 said:
There was research study conducted and the results published here in the press recently about the amount of bacteria that can be found on Steering Wheels. The results were alarming (but I must admit I cannot remember the figures) and from memory were higher than an average toilet seat, yuck. Office desks were bad too.
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In a diagnostic bacteriology class I took I did a bacterial swab and culture of my steering wheel and nothing significant grew. But... I guess it depends on how gross you are as a person regarding hygiene, hand washing, if you eat while driving, etc. And almost everything has more bacteria than a toilet seat does ;) I'd be more worried about any surface a human hand touches versus a toilet seat anyday.



Anyway, I just cleaned my leather steering wheel the other day. I used Meguiar's One Step Leather Care and a microfiber towel. It did a great job at removing a lot of crud, and also conditioned the leather and made it look new again. Took all of 5 minutes to do.
 
Just used Megs #40 on a vinyl steering wheel. Took a lot of crud off the wheel without breaking a sweat and left a nice satin finish that wasn't too slick.
 
I like to wipe it down with my steamer and microfiber attachment. I'll use the steam wand to blow guck out of any crevices and to remove built up grime on the levels and where the lever meets the column, around the horn buttons, etc.



If you don't have a steamer then APC is the way to go. Microfiber is good to rub any build up off the surface.





If it's alcantara like in the newer BMWs avoid using any APC, just water should be fine. And don't protect it with anything as far as I know.
 
so a steam cleaner would be good? doesn't that risk melting it if its vinyl?



i've considered breaking out my little Black & Decker Scumbuster to try...
 
not really a risk of meting vinyl on the wheel, but there is a huge chance of screwing up the electronics in the wheel if too much steam/water is shoved into it!!!!
 
Like the rest of the vinyl and plastic in the interior, I've been cleaning with a woolite/water mix. Then I use 303 Aerospace Protectant. If the wheel feels too slick (usually not a problem) I would wipe with a moist towel.



For grungy steering wheels, I think I might use a clorox wipe.
 
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