What You'll Learn
Aussie Conditions
Look, we've all been there, you're driving along in the mid-arvo sun and realize your steering wheel feels a bit tacky or looks suspiciously shiny. That's not 'patina', mate, it's a buildup of dead skin, sunscreen, and whatever meat pie you had for lunch. This guide is for anyone who wants to get their interior back to mint condition, whether you're dealing with a leather-wrapped luxury wheel or a rugged 4x4 rim covered in outback dust. I'll walk you through the gear you need and the exact steps I use in my detailing shop to get them looking like new again.
The Dirtiest Part of Your Car
What You'll Need
What You'll Need
While you're here...
Preparation
Park in the Shade
Never clean your interior when the car is piping hot. The cleaner will just flash off (evaporate) before it can actually break down the oils. If you've been parked at the beach, let the aircon run for 5 minutes first to cool the cabin down.
Chuck a towel over the instrument cluster and the steering column. You're going to be agitating cleaner into a lather, and you don't want those little droplets spotting your clear plastic gauges. Learned that lesson the expensive way on a brand new Prado.
Quick Vacuum
Use a soft brush attachment to get the loose red dust and crumbs out of the stitching and around the horn pad buttons.
The Deep Clean Process
Test an Inconspicuous Area
Apply a bit of cleaner to the back of the wheel first. Make sure no colour is coming off onto your cloth. It's rare on modern cars, but better safe than sorry.
Apply Cleaner to the Brush
Don't spray the cleaner directly onto the wheel. It'll get behind the buttons and can cause electrical dramas. Spray it onto your soft brush or scrub pad first.
Work in Sections
I usually divide the wheel into quarters. Start at the top (12 o'clock) and work your way down one side.
Gentle Agitation
Use circular motions with your brush. You'll see the foam start to turn a nasty brown colour. That's the good stuff, it means the cleaner is lifting the oils out of the grain.
Focus on the Stitching
This is where the real DNA lives. Use the bristles to really get into those threads. If you've got white or red stitching, this part is incredibly satisfying.
Wipe Away the Slurry
Before the foam dries, take a clean microfibre and wipe it off. Use a 'flipping' motion to lift the dirt away rather than just rubbing it back in.
Check Your Progress
A clean leather wheel should look matte and feel slightly 'grippy'. If it's still shiny or feels slick, go again. A customer once brought in a Hilux that took three passes before the leather finally stopped looking like plastic.
Clean the Buttons
For the volume controls and cruise control buttons, use a damp (not dripping) cloth. Don't use a brush here as you don't want liquid seeping into the electronics.
The Back of the Wheel
Don't forget the back where your fingers rest. People always miss this bit, and it's usually the grossest part.
Final Damp Wipe
Wipe the whole thing down with a microfibre slightly dampened with distilled water. This removes any leftover chemical residue.
Dry Thoroughly
Use a fresh, dry microfibre to get every last bit of moisture off.
Watch Out
The Red Dust Secret
Watch Out
Protecting Your Hard Work
Common Questions
How often should I clean my steering wheel?
My wheel is peeling, can I clean it?
Can I use baby wipes?
What about hand sanitiser?
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