Need To Clean Steering Wheel


KJRGT

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
May 4, 2006
2,840
SoCal
After four years and 17,000 incredible miles I want to clean up and service the leather on my steering wheel. It's a little slippery.

My thought was to use a mild liquid soap and warm water solution, soak a wash cloth with it, wring it out, then wrap it around the wheel, squeeze it and twist it around. Next follow it up with a light application of Lexol conditioner.

Questions: Does someone have their favored method that has worked and not had any adverse after effects? Also, I wonder if I should pass on the Lexol since the natural oils from hands and constant contact might make it too slippery.

Thanks fellas.
 

Kayvan

GT Owner
Jul 13, 2006
4,782
I would suggest dab of saddle soap in above routine. Most shoe/leather stores carry a tin...its made in UK with horse on front.

I think Lexol would be greasy; think Ford recommends a product in Owners Manual.

I know our leather is certain type that is sealed and just needs a damp cloth.
 

DanQ

GT Owner
Aug 18, 2005
336
Lake Zurich, IL
I've used leatherique (rejuvinator oil and pristine clean) and a soft toothbrush on a really dirty M3 steering wheel with great success.
I thought I'd have to replace the wheel before I gave this a try. It turned out great, even the red and purple threads holding on the leather got their color back. It took a couple of applications. if wheel is sticky you didn't get it clean enough.

http://www.leatherique.com/picture-ro-and-pc-instructi/
 

STORMCAT

GT
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
May 25, 2006
7,586
Ft. Lauderdale
Lexol makes a leather cleaner also. It comes in an Orange spray bottle vs the Brown bottle for the leather treatment.
 

fjpikul

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Jan 4, 2006
11,741
Belleville, IL
KJR, there is long, old thread here about the leather in our cars and the recommendation for them. I believe simple water was the best solution. In any event, I've used Lexol cleaner and polish (?) on mine twice without ill effect. You might start driving in gloves if you sweat that much.
 

KJRGT

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
May 4, 2006
2,840
SoCal
Thanks Guys. :thumbsup

I'll look for that thread, consider Lexol cleaner and saddle soap.

I've used the Lexol conditioner on the seats a few times and really like it. Some dirt lifts off onto the terry cloth pad. I just don't want to use something that might leave the wheel slippery. I use driving gloves on the track, but normal driving sure leaves dirt and oils over time and the wheel gets a bit of a sheen.
 
Last edited:

paul b

GT Owner
Nov 2, 2006
810
Thanks Guys. :thumbsup

I'll look for that thread, consider Lexol cleaner and saddle soap.

I've used the Lexol conditioner on the seats a few times and really like it. Some dirt lifts off onto the terry cloth pad. I just don't want to use something that might leave the wheel slippery. I use driving gloves on the track, but normal driving sure leaves dirt and oils over time and the wheel gets a bit of a sheen.

I got used to driving with gloves all the time, now I can't drive the car without them.