Sticky Steering Wheel (Cleaning Guide)
Is your steering wheel feeling all sticky and gross? Yeah, it happens.
But don’t stress – it’s actually super easy to clean up!
You don't need any fancy products or hours of scrubbing. A few simple steps, and your wheel will be smooth and fresh again. Seriously, it’s easier than it sounds.
In this post, I’ll show you how to clean a sticky steering wheel step by step.
Why Is My Steering Wheel Sticky?
A sticky steering wheel is usually the result of leftover product, dirt, and wear.
If you’ve ever used protectants like Armor All but didn’t wipe it off properly, that tacky residue can build up over time. All those layers start breaking down the rubber or leather.
And if you keep adding more product without cleaning it properly, the problem just gets worse.
Then, add in the oils and dirt from your hands (especially if you’ve just eaten or been working), and things get even worse.
On top of that, there’s the material itself. Rubber and plastic can start to break down after years of heat and sunlight beating down on it.
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How To Clean A Sticky Steering Wheel
Don't worry - getting your steering wheel clean again isn't as hard as you might think.
Let me walk you through every step:
Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you start, let's make sure you have everything you need. You’ll need:
Zep Fast 505D Degreaser
Non-scratch Scotch pads
Protective gloves
Several towels
The most important thing is Zep Fast 505D Degreaser - you can grab this at Home Depot. This stuff works really well at breaking down all that built-up gunk.
#1 Getting Ready
First things first - park your car somewhere with good airflow, and try to find a shady spot. You don't want the sun drying out your degreaser too fast.
Now, take those towels and put them around your steering column and dashboard.
This isn't just about catching drips - you also want to protect against any spray that might bounce off while you're cleaning. Put another towel on your lap too - trust me, you'll thank me later when the grime starts coming off.
Get those gloves on, but make sure you can still move your fingers easily.
#2 Remove The Steering Wheel Cover
Got a steering wheel cover? You'll need to take it off.
Be careful here - if it's been on for a while, it might be stuck to all that grime underneath. Take your time removing it, especially if you want to use it again later.
Think about disconnecting the horn wire if you can easily reach it. If you're not sure about messing with any electrical stuff, that's okay - just be careful not to press the horn while you're cleaning.
Put any parts you remove somewhere safe and away from your cleaning supplies.
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#3 Apply The Degreaser
Go outside the car to spray your Zep degreaser onto the cleaning pad. You don't want that stuff getting all over your car's interior. Get the pad nice and wet, but not dripping.
Now, work your way around the steering wheel, making sure you get degreaser everywhere.
Don't forget the back of the wheel and all those little grooves where your fingers go. The key is to get good coverage without making it too wet.
Now comes the waiting game - give it about 30 minutes to really break down all that old product.
#4 Scrub The Steering Wheel
Now we're getting to the part that needs some muscle. Take your non-scratch pad and start scrubbing in circles. Don't go crazy with the pressure - you want to be firm but not aggressive.
You'll start seeing black stuff coming off right away, and that's exactly what we want.
Focus extra attention on the spots where your hands usually go - you know, the "10 and 2" or "9 and 3" positions. These areas are usually the stickiest.
Keep working your way around the whole wheel, and make sure you switch to clean parts of your pad when it gets gunked up.
The pad and degreaser working together will get rid of all that built-up black sticky mess.
#5 Wipe Off Residue
As you clean, you'll need to keep wiping away all the gunk that's coming off. Keep rotating to clean parts of your towel or grab fresh paper towels.
Some spots might need you to go over them a few times - that's totally normal, especially in places that were super sticky. Keep checking with a clean gloved hand to feel for any spots you missed.
You want the whole wheel to feel the same all the way around.
Don't rush this part - getting it all off now means you won't have to do this again anytime soon.
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#6 Let It Dry
After all that scrubbing and cleaning, your steering wheel needs to dry completely - give it at least 15-20 minutes, but longer is better.
Use this time to look over your work. Good lighting helps you spot any areas you might have missed.
Some air flow will help it dry faster, but don't use a heat gun or compressed air - that could mess up your steering wheel material.
Make sure it feels completely dry when you touch it before moving on.
#7 Apply A Protectant (Optional)
If you want to add some protection back to your steering wheel, you can - but this time we'll do it right.
Get some Armor All Ultra Shine Protectant or something similar. The trick is to use way less than you think you need. Put it on with a clean, soft cloth, let it sit for just 2-3 minutes, then wipe off the extra with a clean microfiber towel.
You want just enough to protect the wheel, not enough to make it sticky again. Think of it like moisturizing your hands - a little goes a long way.
Tips For Cleaning Sticky Steering Wheels
You're working with chemicals near your car's electronics and airbag system, so you need to be careful. Here are some tips to stay safe and get the best results:
Never spray cleaners directly on the wheel or column
Keep your cleaning products away from any electrical parts and buttons
Get fresh cleaning pads when yours get too dirty
Really sticky steering wheels might need two cleaning sessions
Keep extra towels nearby - you'll probably need them
Make sure the wheel isn't hot when you start
Bottom Line
Cleaning a sticky steering wheel isn't as tough as you might have thought.
The whole thing usually takes about an hour, and it's definitely worth the time. You'll save the money you would have spent on a replacement, and your steering wheel will feel brand new again.
No more sticky hands, no more black marks - just a clean, comfortable steering wheel every time you drive!