tips for cleaning leather steering wheels and gear knobs

[pistonslap8814]

As the title states, im looking for tips on how to get these areas clean and remove (or reduce) the greasy appearance these areas typically take on with age and use.

[Marc08EX]

Re: tips for cleaning leather steering wheels and gear knobs

For these interior pieces and other interior textured plastic surfaces, I typically use APC+ diluted 10:1. I spray the surface lightly and use a tooth brush to agitate the surface. After I'm done, then I wipe the surface with a damp microfiber cloth then wipe dry.

[davey g-force]

Re: tips for cleaning leather steering wheels and gear knobs

I usually hit them with APC.

I spray it onto the cloth rather than directly on the steering wheel / gear knob (to save it from going everywhere) and rub really well.

[ethereal45]

Re: tips for cleaning leather steering wheels and gear knobs

I just wet a microfiber with APC+ and clean it that way. Usually takes several applications until the towel stops picking up dirt.

[andytsang]

Re: tips for cleaning leather steering wheels and gear knobs

I usually clean them with QID. Once in a while I would use APC+.

[jfelbab]

Re: tips for cleaning leather steering wheels and gear knobs

Keeping in mind that this leather is really just a painted urethane topcoat, I use products, applicators/toweling that won't damage, scratch or remove paint. Note that some cheap MFs can damage paint so I use foam applicators and cotton toweling.

I use Leather Master Leather Cleaner and a foam pad every 2-3 months. I agitate the area gently and let the foamy mix dwell for a minute or two then wipe it up with a white, 100% cotton towel. If the towel is picking up soil, I repeat the process. I don't over-wet or scrub the area but let the foam and detergent do the cleaning. The steering wheel gets a lot of wear. Hand oils and dirt will take its toll on the clear-coating there.

When clean, I remove any trace of the detergent with another wrung out white cotton towel and pay special attention to the stitching. I let he area dry and apply Leather Masters Protection Cream. I like this product as it is a water-based fluorocarbon that protects the leather from the oils and dirt. Kind of like a sealant for coated leather. If there is anyplace in the car where leather is prone to soil and wear it is the steering wheel. LM Protection cream dries silky smooth to the touch and is not oily or grabby like many conditioner products. This protection makes for easier subsequent cleaning with QID. I use QID weekly to remove any hand oil and dirt from the entire interior anyway.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: tips for cleaning leather steering wheels and gear knobs

Keeping in mind that this leather is really just a painted urethane topcoat, I use products, applicators/toweling that won't damage, scratch or remove paint. Note that some cheap MFs can damage paint so I use foam applicators and cotton toweling.

Excellent point, so it is critically important to not scrub vigorously or you can easily remove the coating and in some cases the dye itself. A cotton terry towel can be quite aggressive if used vigorously, but with some restraint it can be a big help in breaking down embedded dirt and grime and easily lift it away from the surface. Just don't go crazy with pressure or work time!

[pistonslap8814]

Thanks for all the advice here, excellent tips.
Im curious what causes leather/vinyl/leatherette to take on a shiny/greasy appearance. I know in many cases, it's due to soiling but I am also under the impression that many times this appearance may be due to wear and tear as a result of use/abrasion etc. My assumption is this "shiny/worn" appearance (if the result of wear) likely is unable to be repaired by the average user. Is my information here correct?

[jfelbab]

Re: tips for cleaning leather steering wheels and gear knobs

IME, this is true. Occasionally, that glossy sheen is due to wear. After a long time of neglect, the topcoat may be burnished to a shiny patina.

I would first diligently clean the leather in question to be sure that the sheen is coming from wear and not the build-up of oily or waxy conditioners as this also is often the cause. For this cleaning, I'd likely use an APC at 10:1 strength, with a soft nylon brush to work the APC into the pores of the leather topcoat. I wouldn't normally suggest an APC strength cleaner and a brush but if there is oil or wax present you need to remove it. I'd try not to over-wet the leather and I'd not scrub it. I'd work on small sections at a time, working the APC into a sudsy lather and let it dwell for a couple minutes. Let the APC do the cleaning not the abrasion of a pad, towel or brush. You might also try a 5% IPA solution to wipe the cleaned area as a final guarantee that any wax or oil is removed then proceed to wipe the area down with the wrung out cotton towel. When you have finished the cleaning, wipe up the leather with a clean wrung out cotton towel a couple times to insure complete removal of all traces of the APC and or IPA, paying particular attention to the stitching. Wipe with a dry cotton towel and let it air dry for a bout 20 minutes. If it is still shiny, you have leather whose topcoat has been burnished to a shiny patina. Unless you are prepared to have the leather professionally restored, I'd avoid the temptation to take the sheen down with an abrasive pad or Magic Eraser. IMO, this could be removing more of an already thin topcoat and may expose the underlying split-leather hide itself. This would be similar to wet-sanding through your clear coat.

[Wilhelm]

Re: tips for cleaning leather steering wheels and gear knobs

I tried a lot of different products both on real leather and on coated leather, mostly expensive stuff marketed as "real high end". Very little was downright disappointing, most stuff is merely "OK". For steering wheels and seats my favorite is Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Leather Cleaner and Conditioner. It has a combination of cleaning ability and surface finish (not too shiny, not slippery) that works just right for me. I don't particularly care for the cleaner stand alone product, nor the conditioner product, but very satisfied with the combination product.

Likewise, I don't like to use products that are too "all purpose" when I can have a product formulated for a specific purpose and doesn't involve me having to struggle to remember if I should dilute it a certain amount or should I use the one with IPA, or should I use something else after to give it a little sheen-- I like all that stuff figured out for me in advance.

[Murr1525]

Re: tips for cleaning leather steering wheels and gear knobs

I use APC @ ~8:1 for everything... but that is why there are lots of products for different people to enjoy.

[Tuck91]

Re: tips for cleaning leather steering wheels and gear knobs

Shiny leather is unhealthy leather.

Steering wheels are usually coated in all kinds of dirt and grime.

[TOGWT]

Re: tips for cleaning leather steering wheels and gear knobs

As stated finished leather steering wheel is protected with a urethane clear top coat. UV heat will allow any dirt / grease to become imbedded and a the surface becomes more soiled the abrasive dirt / grit produces a shine.

Most manufacturer’s advice against using oil-based conditioners on steering wheels as it makes the surface slippery and could be dangerous if you lose control of the vehicles steering

1. Clean the wheel’s leather surface with a leather cleaner (Leather Masters™ Strong Effect Cleaner ) or a Limonen (citrus) based de-greaser (P21S Total Auto Wash) diluted 5:1 with warm distilled water in a spray bottle; dependant upon type and extent of soil or stain
2. For oil or grease stains use Leather Masters™ Leather Degreaser (check for colour fastness) this aerosol product is ideal for cleaning this type of stain as it dissolves the oils and transforms them into a powder that is more absorbent than the leather.
This powder is what is wiped off, cleaning and degreasing the leather. Allow the white powder to dry fully. If the powder is drying to a yellow colour, it means that there are still a lot of oils in the leather.

Using a Medium / hard horse hair brush, or a soft sponge, spray and work the cleaner into a foam, lightly scrub surface and immediately wipe with a terry towel to remove excess moisture, especially around stitching (you may need to repeat this process).
3. Then use a compressed air nozzle to dry
4. Once wheel is thoroughly dry apply Leather Masters™ Leather Protection
Do not use an abrasive on the surface as you’ll remove the ultra violet protective topcoat

[pistonslap8814]

Thanks for all the info. This is some excellent information on this thread. So far I've tried Megs GC cleaner+conditioner and the leather / vinyl cleaner. They seem effective to a degree on most surfaces and conditions, but in instances I've experiences Ive had difficultly removing the greasy sheen present on many (even on newer cars) steering wheels. Im under the impression much of this is the result of wear and abrasion. Thanks everyone.