Proper care and cleaning of the steering wheel. Steering wheel: how to properly care for and clean How to wash a leather car steering wheel

It is no secret that any car needs not only regular technical inspection, but also timely washing of the body and its elements, as well as cleaning the interior and its components. It is noteworthy that, to some extent, the owners of private cars are helped by traffic police officers to monitor the cleanliness of the body, who can issue a fine, say, for dirty numbers, then car owners have to monitor the cleanliness of the interior on their own. Some motorists are distinguished by accuracy and cleanliness, while others from time to time may be interested in answers to such, one might say elementary questions, regarding, for example, cleaning the steering wheel.

How often should you wash your steering wheel?

How to clean the steering wheel?

The steering wheel is the subject of the cabin, on which the driver's hands are constantly, of course, this leads to its pollution. The easiest way is to put the steering wheel in perfect order without a braid, plastic, as you know, is perfectly washed with a sponge dipped in the most common soap and water solution, after which it is wiped dry with a special cloth or rag. Things are a little more complicated with cleaning the steering wheel, covered with natural or artificial leather. Since the leather braid is increasingly beginning to be found in factory-equipped cars, and is also popular with drivers, it is worth talking about how to clean the “leather” steering wheel separately and in a little more detail.

What tools to use when cleaning the steering wheel

The subtleties of cleaning the steering wheel with leather braid

Of course, a leather steering wheel requires a more careful approach to personal care and cleaning, the best solution to this problem can be special detergents and cleaners for leather, which are used by car washes and car services specialists in their work. Such tools cause no harm to either the steering wheel or its leather sheath, and will perfectly cope with the task, and not only rid the steering wheel of various kinds of pollution, but also from harmful bacteria, which naturally accumulate over time on a leather steering wheel.

How to care for and clean your steering wheel

You can buy such special cleaning products at any automotive store, and on the packaging of such products you can find out exactly how to use them in order to properly clean the surface of the leather steering wheel and not harm the leather braid itself.

How often should you clean your steering wheel?

Regular cleaning of the steering wheel should become a useful habit for every car owner, since driving a car with a frankly dirty steering wheel is clearly not the most pleasant experience. In addition, a dirty, sticky or oily steering wheel can cause dangerous situations while driving on the road. If it is desirable to wipe the plastic steering wheel every time the car body is washed, then it is recommended to clean the leather steering wheel at least once a year. Finding out when the leather steering wheel needs cleaning is quite simple, at the moment when the driver’s hands felt that the leather braid has become stiff and unpleasant to hold hands on it, although the leather steering wheel is clearly not worth running to such a state.

Each driver spends a lot of time behind the wheel of his car. And let's hope that your hands are in more contact with it, and not with internal parts. After all, this may mean that you are engaged in deep repairs.

So, the steering wheel of a vehicle is exposed to as much pollution, if not more, than the wheel. It can collect bacteria, sweat, various hand oils or creams you use, and more. Therefore, taking care of the steering wheel is no less important than taking care of other parts of the car. If neglected properly, your shiny steering wheel will turn into a piece of a round worn wheel.

Most often, drivers are faced with the fact that the steering wheel of the car begins to peel off, crack and lose its smoothness and elasticity. This may be due to improper care or lack thereof. Be sure to check your car's manual because the steering wheel can be made from a variety of materials, each of which needs special tools.

Now we will consider the rules for caring for a leather steering wheel of a car, because this material is more common than others.

Step 1

The leather steering wheel is quite easy to use. But there are a few basic rules for caring for this part of the car. So the first thing to do is:

• Remove all dust and dirt from the surface.
• Take a damp cotton rag and apply leather cleaner on it. Even special shoe creams are suitable, because they are in good contact with natural leather and moisturize it.
• Then gently wash the surface of the steering wheel. Do it carefully! You do not need to rub the product, just lightly cover the surface with it and gently wipe it off.
• After the above procedure is completed, it will be enough to take the cotton rag again and moisten it with water. Carefully remove the remnants of the product not only from the steering wheel, but also from nearby instruments, levers and other places.
• After that, you need to use a soft dry towel and wipe the steering wheel.

Step 2

The second step is aimed at the prevention of the steering wheel. This will help you increase its service life and make the surface pleasant both to look at and to touch.

So, the second step consists of only one item. You need to saturate the steering wheel with oil, because its effect moisturizes and protects the skin from damage. To do this, you use a special leather conditioner.

Now a little trick: the best tool for applying conditioner is your bare hands! Use about a tenth of the amount of conditioner in your palm and gently massage the steering wheel leather for a minute or two. In this way, you can moisten not only the steering wheel, but also your own hands! Then let the oils in the conditioner soak into the skin for about 30 minutes before wiping dry.

Plastic wheel care

To care for a fully or partially plastic steering wheel, you will need special cleaning products. Most often, they have a liquid form, and you can find them in any specialized store. Among the most sought-after brands are F21 tortoiseshell wax, Autoglym Super Sheen or Meguiar's Quick Interior Detailer.

If you do not want to spend a lot on such things, then it does not matter. All you have to do is make your own cleaner. To do this, you will need warm water and shampoo for daily care.

Try not to mix too much shampoo, because it can foam up a lot and make it difficult to dry the surface further. In addition, the steering wheel will be unnecessarily slippery or sticky.

Daily driving care

All of the above procedure is designed to provide a deep and long-term cleaning of your steering wheel. But this does not mean that daily care should be ignored, which can facilitate further procedures and significantly increase its lifespan. For these purposes, special wipes are perfect, which are impregnated with a special moisturizer and cleanser at the same time. They are convenient because you do not need to carry a cotton rag with conditioner with you all the time.

These wipes are quite compact and easy to store in any available compartment in the car. Moreover, they contain exactly the amount of substance needed for a one-time wipe of the steering wheel. So you do not have to calculate the required amount of cleaning agent and remove it from the surface.

As mentioned above, each material needs special care. One thing remains unchanged - you need to clean the steering wheel regularly and as carefully as possible. It doesn’t matter if it’s expensive leather, ordinary fabric covering or cheap synthetic material.

• Be sure to keep in mind that the steering wheel cover is very susceptible to sunlight and temperature changes. Certain types of contaminants are harder to remove due to these factors.
• Pay attention to the composition of the cleaning agent that you will use. Some types may contain additional moisturizing elements, they make the steering wheel a little slippery. The effect lasts for several hours, so try not to drive during this time to avoid dangerous situations. If you urgently need to leave, you can use a dry towel and polish the surface of the steering wheel.
• In the event that your steering wheel is made of textured plastic, you may encounter black dirt on a regular basis. The same applies to suede, synthetics and even natural leather coverings. The method of cleaning them is no different from the above methods, you just need to take into account the material itself.
• Some car owners try to use hand sanitizer to clean the steering wheel. This is an acceptable method, but not ideal. The steering wheel will still be smeared with sweat and hand grease. Because of this, dust settling on the surface will still often appear on the steering wheel.
• In order to better clean the steering wheel, take with you a toothbrush with not the most rigid bristles, a soft cloth and another piece of microfiber cloth (microfiber). This will allow you to better clean hard-to-reach places, narrow openings and other parts of your steering wheel.

At the end of the article, we recall once again that the durability of the steering wheel of your car depends not only on its quality, but also on what kind of care you provide to it. In any case, this applies not only to the main control element, but also to the rest of the vehicle. Not only the aesthetic component depends on this, but also the safety of driving, as well as your health! If you want you and your passengers to enjoy being in the car, try to keep the interior and, in fact, the steering wheel clean on a regular basis.

If a stain on a seat or door upholstery can still somehow be tolerated, then a sticky steering wheel can drive you crazy in a matter of minutes. Lovers of chewing on the go know this especially well: when your hand keeps reaching into a bag of chips, it is difficult for the steering wheel to remain unstained. And if you were fumbling under the hood without gloves, the chances of keeping the steering wheel clean are almost zero.

The usual wet cleaning here, unfortunately, "does not roll." No skin - from natural to leatherette - does not like water. If you want, for example, to spoil brand new gloves - play snowballs in them or roll up a snowman. It’s not worth the risk, especially since there are a lot of special cleaning compounds. For our test, we selected eight, including napkins for 25 rubles. The most expensive tool at the same time cost 390 rubles.

After treatment, the surface becomes slightly sticky, and this applies to all preparations without exception. Not a single one worked perfectly, - however, there are no frankly failed ones either. As for the podium, we divided all the participants into three conditional groups. The first included those who managed to remove all the pollution, the second coped only with the job easier, the third turned out to be others. Of course, the talents of the proven tools are not limited to the steering wheel: they are suitable for both leather upholstery and, say, for ladies' handbags.

IN PLACES

Skin cleaner

The foam composition is slow. We'll have to wait until it flares up and begins to act. It copes with light dirt, but not with old ones. The expiration date and release date are indicated on the package. The tool is unreasonably expensive.

6th–8th place

Tanner's Preserve,

Tanner's Preserve

220 rub., 221 ml The leather cleaner removes fresh light dirt, and gives in to old ones. Note the pungent odor that provokes sneezing. There is no instruction in Russian. Expiration date and release date not specified.

6th–8th place

Tanner's Preserve,

Tanner's Preserve

220 rub., 221 ml Cream-conditioner in its capabilities resembles a cleaner of the same company, differing in a less pungent odor. Removes fresh dirt, old ones are worse. There is no release date or expiration date. There is also no instruction in Russian.

3rd–5th placeGermany Skin care product

360 rubles, 250 ml It rubs well and does not leave streaks. It cleans light dirt, but it does not cope with old, stubborn dirt. Nice scent, easy to apply. Instructions are too small. According to the labeling, it is not clear when the composition was made.

3rd–5th place

Turtle Wax,

260 rubles, 500 ml Easy to apply. The smell is neutral. The tool copes well with fresh light dirt, which cannot be said about old, stubborn ones. Before rubbing, you need to wait a long time, it takes a lot of effort. The expiration date and release date are indicated on the package.

3rd–5th placeRussia Leather cleaner with conditioner

390 rubles, 500 g The foam composition is slow. We'll have to wait until it flares up and begins to act. It copes with light dirt, but not with old ones. The expiration date and release date are indicated on the package. The tool is unreasonably expensive.

Like many elements of the car interior, the steering wheel gets dirty over time, it can become more slippery or sticky, but not every driver knows how to care for the steering wheel and how to clean it properly, so in this article we will consider these issues in more detail, while for different types of car steering wheels.

Leather steering wheel cleaning

A leather steering wheel is more demanding for care and cleaning, so many car service specialists recommend using special cleaners and conditioners to clean a leather steering wheel, which are designed according to the recommendations and requirements of manufacturers and will not harm the skin.

When using various special products for cleaning leather steering wheels, first of all, carefully read the instructions on the package, as some products may have a different cleaning process and may have their own warnings.

Cleaning a leather steering wheel usually takes place in several stages:

1. Prepare soft clean rags, cleaning agent and special conditioner (if not included in the cleaning agent).
2. With a cloth moistened with a cleaning agent, gently clean the leather steering wheel from all sides. In places with seams, you can use a soft old toothbrush.
3. After cleaning the steering wheel, wipe it with a clean, dry cloth and apply a special conditioner, which will further protect the skin on the steering wheel from drying out and extend the life of the coating.

Many car owners often wash and clean the leather steering wheel with soapy water and a rag, or wet wipes, which at first glance do a good job of cleaning, but do not forget that over time, such cleanings will ruin the leather on the steering wheel and shorten its life.

Care and cleaning of the steering wheel made of artificial leather or plastic

Synthetic leather steering wheels and hard plastic steering wheels are often cleaned using plain soapy water and clean rags.

The process of cleaning the steering wheel in this case is simple and does not require special knowledge and special tools. With a clean cloth dipped in soapy water, carefully wipe the steering wheel and clean all dirt, then wipe the steering wheel with a dry cloth.

How often should you clean your steering wheel and how do you know when it's time to clean your steering wheel?

The steering wheel must be cleaned when you already clearly notice and feel that it has become dirty, sticky or slippery, a coating has appeared. It would seem elementary things, but often the driver simply does not pay attention to it.

A leather steering wheel can become dry to the touch over time, which indicates that the leather on the steering wheel needs to be moistened and treated with a special conditioner. This procedure is recommended to be carried out at least once a year.

In conclusion, it can be noted that proper care and cleaning of the steering wheel are simple but important car care procedures for every car owner. Not often, but there are situations when the steering wheel is not cleaned for a long time and it becomes slippery, which can lead to an accident if it slips out of your hands at the most inopportune moment. We leave our useful tips and reviews on how best to clean the steering wheel in a car in the comments to this article and share it on social networks if it was useful to you.

Many car owners mistakenly believe that the leather interior does not need care at all. Yes, these seats are made with an emphasis on quality. But that doesn't mean they can't be cleaned. Over time, such a coating begins to fade, cracks appear. Today we will look at what care products are for

What affects the condition of the skin?

This material is very demanding to use. When it comes to automotive leather, don't expose it to the sun. Also, the material is afraid of frost. In order to somehow smooth out these temperature fluctuations, it is necessary to use climate control. Even the condition of leather upholstery is negatively affected by human sweat. In the summer, such salons are especially prone to wear and tear. Do not be lazy to turn on the air conditioner.

If you think it uses a lot of fuel and puts a load on the engine, trust me, leather cleaning will be a lot of work. If you use car interior leather care products, you can maintain the original state of the skin for a long period of time. Usually such compositions are used in the period from spring to autumn. Experts recommend applying car interior leather care products at least once a month.

Black color features

Such leather is more prone to wear and tear. It is this color that is most often used on presentable cars. The older such material, the more often it needs care. The peculiarity of black leather is that it overheats faster in the heat. Also, traces of worn paint are clearly visible on it. It looks like this:

In order not to bring the interior to such a state, it is necessary to use car interior leather care products.

What else harms the skin?

The car owner, without noticing it, begins to harm his car. Often, after repair, you need to immediately start the engine. So, many people forget to put a pad on the driver's seat. As a result, the seat, steering wheel and gearshift knob get dirty. Also, the skin does not like greasy spots. This applies to those who like to eat on the go. Chips, hamburgers and other junk food adversely affect the condition of leather upholstery. The steering wheel is especially affected. After such exploitation, only expensive car interior skin care products can help.

Wet wipes

Often, drivers are limited only to wet cleaning, using alcohol-based wipes for this. But, as practice shows, they are not a means of care. Even expensive wipes will not save you from greasy oily stains. But what kind of car skin care product should you choose?

The drug test will tell you this.

Hi Gear

This is an American leather cleaner. Its cost is 800 rubles. This is an aerosol that is sold in a 500 ml can. It is a foam compound. It does not work as a cream conditioner. The instruction says that after application, you need to wait for a reaction.

As tests have shown, the "American" copes only with light pollution. If these are scuffs, they cannot be removed. Motorists say that the cost of this tool is not justified by the result.

Tanner's Preserve

Also an American product. Sold in a 200 ml bottle. Now it can be purchased for 440-500 rubles. The product does an excellent job with fresh dirt, but very poorly cleans stubborn old stains. Also, there is no instruction in Russian.

This manufacturer makes both cleaners and conditioner creams. Suitable not only for seats, but also door cards, as well as steering wheel trim. But there are no Russian instructions on any bottle.

"Liquid Moly Racing"

These are German car skin care products. Using them is very simple - they do not leave streaks and are well rubbed with microfiber. Liquid Moli has a pleasant smell. Sold in bottles of 250 milliliters. The price is slightly higher than that of the previous analogue - 700 rubles. But the result is worth it.

"Astro-chem"

This is a domestic skin cleaner with conditioner. It is a foam compound. Very slow response. These car skin care products are sold in 500 ml bottles. The cost is 800 rubles. Like previous products, it copes well with fresh stains and is practically powerless over old ones.

Turtle Wax

This is a product of British origin. It is a cleaner and conditioner. Sold in a 500 ml bottle. Reviews say that for a good result, you have to carefully rub the surface.

The composition is absorbed into the skin for a very long time. Difficult to remove old stains. There is an instruction in Russian. The cost of this tool is about 500 rubles.

"Doctor Wax"

This is an all purpose cleaner. It is suitable for both leather and plastic and even vinyl coatings. Works great on fresh and old stains. But for greater effect, you have to wait longer. Has no pungent smell. Reviews say that these car skin care products are great for dark interiors. The price is about 500 rubles. The bottle is enough to treat the entire salon. Motorists characterize it as one of the best means in the fight against stains. By the way, this is an American product.

How to use?

After you have chosen the best car leather care product, you must carefully degrease the surface.

Many products combine not only a stain remover, but also a cream conditioner. In order for the composition to be better absorbed into the skin and retain its appearance for a long time, it must be applied in two layers with a break of 30 minutes. Apply to small areas of the seat in small doses. If you overdo it, you can get spots instead of shiny skin.

old skin

If this is an 8-10 year old car, the choice of car leather care product should be taken seriously. Old upholstery needs creams with special oils. You can choose emollient pastes or creams with a gloss effect. When applying to the surface, do not rush - wait until the product is well absorbed into the skin. Otherwise, it will be sticky to the touch. When properly applied, a protective layer will remain that will prevent the material from stretching.

On some cars, the skin is additionally covered with a PVC film. Not all products are equally good for such upholstery. How to check if there is this film on the seat? It's very simple - you need to put a drop of water on it. If it is absorbed, then you have genuine leather without additional films. In this case, it is recommended to use vinyl care products (for example, "Doctor WAX").

How to properly treat the skin?

Leather, even with a PVC film, requires careful treatment. In order not to spoil its original appearance, you need to be careful when transporting bulky items in the cabin, especially piercing items. Do not be lazy to put a blanket or an old towel on the seat. Secure the load securely so that it does not damage the front seats or door cards the next time you turn the corner. If possible, use only the trunk. Pay attention to your clothes. Almost everyone wears jeans these days. If they have metal patches or sharp rivets, they can rub against the car's leather. Do not smoke in this salon. The skin absorbs the smell of tobacco well. In addition, it is not protected from hot ash. Holes form instantly on the upholstery. Next is dirt. Leather interior does not like dust. Once a month, use special care products.

This will not only protect the coating from wear, but also preserve its appearance. Wipe such compositions with a soft, dry cloth. It is desirable that it be microfiber.

Conclusion

So, we found out what effective car leather care products are and how to use them yourself. As you can see, such salons are even more whimsical to service than fabric and velor ones. By the way, whole sets of care products are now sold.

The first bottle is used to remove a layer of dirt and stains, and the second - softens the skin, making it more saturated and attractive. As a result, seat upholstery will be soft, clean and pleasant to the touch. Remember that genuine leather dries out over time and needs constant nourishment. For this, there are special creams and conditioners.