Buying guide: Which product is right for which situation?
For regular cleaning, a pH-neutral leather cleaner combined with a leather cleaning brush or microfibre cloth is usually sufficient. This removes dirt and residues from the leather pores without attacking the surface. For heavier soiling or greasy areas on the grip, use a soft cleaning brush in circular movements. On heavily greased steering wheels, we also use Grease Absorber Paste. It reliably draws grease and perspiration residues out of the leather before any further treatment is worthwhile.
If the colour on the steering wheel is already visibly damaged, colour restoration with Leather Fresh in the appropriate colour is the best solution. This is one of the most common treatments for heavily worn leather steering wheels. Thorough cleaning and degreasing is always essential beforehand; otherwise, the new colour coating will not adhere properly to the material. First smooth small scratches, for example those caused by a ring, using a fine Sanding Pad, then fill them with Fluid Leather, applied using an applicator or a soft cloth.
Every thorough cleaning removes the natural oils from the leather, so a leather sealant must be applied afterwards. It protects the surface and noticeably reduces future abrasion caused by skin oils. Very dry, older leather also benefits from a replenishing care product afterwards, providing greater suppleness and reducing moisture loss.
Important: Realistically, a colour restoration treatment is not a substitute for complete recolouring. The result is an authentic, well-cared-for appearance. For severely damaged areas or deep scratches, we recommend professional reconditioning rather than another attempt at home.
Applications
Not every sports steering wheel is made from genuine leather: Alcantara steering wheels look similar to suede but are made from synthetic-fibre fabric and require different products from conventional leather cleaners or leather care products. Combinations of wood and leather are also common. In this case, treat only the leather component with our products; the wood requires its own care.
Gear levers and door handles are subjected to similarly heavy use as the steering wheel, so the same cleaning routine is worthwhile there. You will find suitable products for the vehicle’s remaining leather interior, such as seats or the dashboard, in our Car category.
Cleaning and caring for a leather steering wheel: the most important steps
- Clean: Apply leather cleaner to a microfibre cloth or soft brush, never directly to the leather, and work it in using circular movements.
- Degrease if necessary: For heavy grease deposits or before restoring the colour, also treat the leather with Grease Absorber Paste or degreaser.
- Care and seal: Once dry, apply a leather sealant. On older, dry leather, also use a replenishing product.
A suitable care interval for leather steering wheels is every 1 to 2 months, considerably more often than for the rest of the car’s leather interior, because hardly any other area in the vehicle is subjected to such heavy use. You will find detailed background information on cleaning and caring for car leather in our general guides about cars.
Frequently asked questions about leather steering wheels
How often should I care for my leather steering wheel?
Considerably more often than the rest of the leather interior: an interval of 1 to 2 months is advisable because hardly any other surface in the vehicle is subjected to such heavy use.
Why does my steering wheel develop a greasy sheen so quickly?
Perspiration and skin oils penetrate the pores during every journey and attack the colour coating. This is not a quality defect but normal wear caused by UV radiation, heat and constant contact with the hands.
Can I clean my leather steering wheel with household products?
We advise against this. Glass cleaner, alcohol-based wet wipes and other household cleaners dry out the leather and attack the colour coating, often producing the opposite result: the leather becomes even stickier rather than cleaner.
Is my steering wheel made from genuine leather or Alcantara?
Touching it is usually enough to provide an indication: Alcantara feels velvety and textile-like, whereas leather feels smoother and more supple. If in doubt, consult the vehicle manual or ask us.
Is colour restoration worthwhile, or is the leather workshop the better option?
For visible colour wear and small scratches, cleaning and restoring the colour yourself is worthwhile. For deep scratches, heavy grease deposits or more extensive damage, an assessment by our leather workshop is the more honest recommendation.