cleaning a grimy steering wheel

[BigBiscuit]

can anyone recommend a good cleaner to get rid of the accumulated and sticky grime on my steering wheel? this may be a lame question, but the car is actually my father in law's and i don't want to put some abrasive cleaner on it that might stain or scratch it.

any suggestions would be much appreciated. also, i'd like to avoid using a cover or wrap.

thanks.

[86VickyLX]

water? Maybe windex. But don't go with windex unless someone else confirms it. We don't want to chance anything.

[351wcrayz]

I found some stuff at wal-mart that is called Blink!, I used it to get DRIED KETCHUP off a velour seat in the vic, is great for getting grease/oil, grime etc off the interior and doesnt fade it out, it is in the auto section for like $5....Good luck....

[mrltd]

I use fast orange pumice hand cleaner... works great. Only thing I've found so far that works.

I take some, rub it around some and then wipe it off with a wet towel.

[torquelover]

Castrol Super Clean and a rag worked well. The steering wheel was tacky for a while, though.

[BigBiscuit]

thanks for the suggestions, guys.

[Grand Marquis GT]

We had this red super strength degreaser when I worked at a stealership that worked.

[86GmLsCoupe]

For the a polyurethane steering wheel, you can use lysol antibacterial cleaner (diluted in warm water) and one of those microfiber rags BJ's sells. A toothbrush will help you get into tight spots in need be. The Lysol is gentle and didn't even remove the silver lines or lettering from my trim pieces. For leather I'd only recommend using Lexol, or Blackfire Interior Cleaner and follow up with their protectant. Many also swear by 303 products though I haven't personally used them. You should always start with the gentlest method and work up as you need to get results.

[gadget73]

I'll have to try the fast orange thing. I've gotten mine clean with Windex, but it gets sticky and nasty within a couple days. I've also tried simple green, 409, armor-all cleaner cloths, and probably other things. They all get it clean but it gets nasty again. I put one of those stupid cover things on it because I got tired of having to get out of the car and wash my hands from whatever was oozing out of the plastic.

[86GmLsCoupe]

Mine just rubs off blue on my hands, pant legs when the weather is soupy, and rainy.

[BigBiscuit]

yes, mine is bad when the weather is humid, too. there's not a lot of buildup on it, at least that a pic would show, it's just sticky and annoying and does rub off on my pantleg. i like my steering wheel clean and dry.

i'm going to try the orange pumice since i have a bunch already.

[86GmLsCoupe]

So then you have the leather? I'm afraid the leather will just further be damaged by the pumice and I'm sure it's no good for the polyurethane wheel either because it has petroleum distillates which are just drying. I need to just stop being lazy and order my Wheelskins cover so I can let you know how they are.

[interceptor1985]

baby wipes.
No shit really I have used them lots of times on the wheel it gets rid of the greasy shit on there and the dirt...and plus there is no nasty chemicals or raunchy smells...and if its got vitamin E its good on your hand too...lol


but no...really baby wipes. and they are cheap and ready to use just wipe it down toss in garbage and reapeat.

Treat your baby like a baby

[Tiggie]

I used degreaser on my leather seats in my Ranger, followed by Meguiar's Gold Class Leather Conditioner. Worked good on seats, may not be ideal for a steering wheel.

[interceptor1985]

Oh and the baby wipes wont make the wheel all slippery neather