How to Clean Your Car’s Steering Wheel (Updated)

Editor’s note: This post was originally published on 8/25/16 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehension.

Oh, the yuck!

Every time you drive your car, your hands manipulate the steering wheel.

That means dirt, grime, and oils from your hands touch it – pretty much every day.

That can leave behind a lot of potentially dangerous germs AND gross stuff that can damage your steering wheel, too.

Here’s how to clean your steering wheel to protect it – and keep the germs at bay – no matter what stage of dirty you’re at.

Stage 1: Dirty

You’ll need a cleaner that’s safe to use on your car’s interior and a microfiber cloth.

Spray the cloth with the cleaner. (Don’t spray the steering wheel, as this may cause cleaner to get on other components, and you may not be able to remove it.)

Then, wipe the steering wheel down, using a back and forth motion around the steering wheel’s sides (or moving left to right).

Then, move onto the next section of wheel.

Stage 2: Even dirtier

If you’ve neglected the steering wheel, use a soft brush instead of a microfiber towel.

Spray the brush with the cleaner and go to work.

You’ll want to basically “agitate” the steering wheel in order to create a lather.

Work your way around the steering wheel, following up with a dry microfiber cloth.

Stage 3: The dirtiest

For a very dirty steering wheel, use an interior scrub pad with light pressure, at first.

If dirt remains, apply a little more pressure, being careful not to damage the wheel.

Stage 4: Red Alert! Just plain gross

Use a steam machine, which will have antibacterial capabilities, if you have one.

Choose the single-nozzle attachment and set it to “medium.”

Work your way around the steering wheel slowly, and wipe the wheel frequently to remove the moisture.

If you don’t want to use harsh chemical cleaners, you can create a mixture of 3-parts water to 1-part all purpose cleaning solution in any of these steps.

Keep the steering wheel at the top of your list

Every time you clean your car inside and out, don’t forget to take care of the steering wheel, too.

If you’d like to know more about the proper care and cleaning of your Serra Acura vehicle, just give us a call today or stop in and have a chat with one of our friendly staff!