Stop Driving with a Filthy Steering Wheel

The biggest mistake I see is people chucking leather conditioner straight onto a dirty wheel. All you're doing is sealing the dirt in and making it slipperier than a greased pig. You need to clean it first. Leather should be matte, not shiny. If your wheel is shiny, it's dirty. Use a dedicated interior cleaner like Bowden’s Own 'Leather Love' or even just a very mild dilution of an All-Purpose Cleaner (APC). Honestly, don't bother with those cheap 'all-in-one' wipes from the servo; they leave a nasty residue that attracts even more dust.

Don't just scrub away with a rag. You need a soft-bristled detailing brush (or even a soft toothbrush if you're in a pinch) to get into the grain and the stitching. Agitate the cleaner gently until it foams up slightly. This lifts the oils out of the pores. I learned this the hard way on my old black Commodore, I scrubbed too hard with a coarse microfibre and actually took some of the dye off. Gently does it, mate.

If you've got a wheel that's really caked in years of gunk, a handheld steamer is a game changer. The heat opens up the pores of the leather and melts the oils. Just don't hold it in one spot for more than a second or you'll cook the glue underneath. Wrap a microfibre cloth over the steamer nozzle and wipe as you go. It's incredibly satisfying watching the cloth turn brown from all the hidden dirt.

Living in Australia, we're always lathered in SPF 50+. That stuff is formulated to stay on skin, but it's incredibly abrasive to car interiors. If you've been at the beach, give your hands a quick wipe before driving, or at the very least, give the wheel a 'dry' wipe with a microfibre as soon as you get home. I've seen $100k Euro cars with the 'leather' literally melting off the wheel because of constant sun cream exposure.