Having a clean leather steering wheel not only enhances the look of your car’s interior, it also extends the life of your steering wheel. Over time, dirt, oil, and grime can build up, making the leather look dull and even cracking.
Choosing the right leather steering wheel cleaner can be tricky with so many options on the market. But don’t worry! After trying several popular products, I’ve found the top 5 leather steering wheel cleaners that stand out. In this article, I’ll walk you through the features, pros, and cons of these cleaners, so you can choose the best one for your car.
Why Clean Your Leather Steering Wheel?
Before we get into cleaners, let’s quickly understand why it’s important to maintain your leather steering wheel. Leather is a durable material, but it requires proper care to keep it looking good and working well.
Over time, oil, dirt, and even food particles can build up from your hands, making the leather look worn. Without proper cleaning, leather can crack and lose its shine. Regular cleaning with the right products can help prevent this and keep your steering wheel looking as good as new.
Best Leather Steering Wheel Cleaners: My Top 5 Picks
After testing several products, here are my top 5 picks for leather steering wheel cleaners that I would recommend. Each of these cleaners has unique features that make it stand out, and they’re all easy to use. Let’s go through them!
1. Meguiar’s Gold Class Leather Cleaner & Conditioner
Meguiar’s Gold Class Leather Cleaner & Conditioner is a two-in-one product that works wonders on leather steering wheels. It cleans and conditions the leather at the same time, which means you’re giving your steering wheel the care it needs in one simple step.
Why I Recommend It
I love this product because it’s gentle on the leather but tough on dirt and grime. It doesn’t leave any greasy residue behind, making the steering wheel feel smooth and soft. Plus, it has a pleasant leather scent that makes your car feel fresh.
Pros
- Cleans and conditions in one go
- Leaves no greasy residue
- Pleasant scent
- Safe for all leather surfaces
- Easy to use with a spray bottle
Cons
- It might take a few applications for heavily soiled leather
- A bit pricey compared to some other cleaners
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2. Lexol Leather Cleaner
Lexol Leather Cleaner is a trusted name in leather care. It’s a pH-balanced formula that gently removes dirt, oils, and grime from leather surfaces without damaging the material.
Why I Recommend It
I was impressed with how effectively it cleans without drying out the leather. It’s a go-to for leather professionals and car enthusiasts because it maintains the natural beauty of the leather. It’s also easy to apply with a sponge or microfiber cloth.
Pros
- pH-balanced and safe for leather
- Gently removes dirt and oils
- Doesn’t dry out the leather
- Affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t include a conditioner (you’ll need to buy one separately)
- Has a strong smell that may not appeal to everyone
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3. Chemical Guys Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
Chemical Guys is another leading brand in car care, and their Leather Cleaner and Conditioner is no exception. It’s designed to clean, condition, and protect your leather surfaces, all while giving your steering wheel a luxurious feel.
Why I Recommend It
What stands out with this cleaner is how effective it is at restoring the softness and shine to the leather. It’s a bit of a splurge, but the results speak for themselves. Plus, it has a fresh, pleasant scent.
Pros
- Cleans and conditions in one product
- Restores leather’s softness and shine
- Pleasant scent
- Great for all types of leather
Cons
- More expensive than other cleaners
- May need to be applied multiple times for deep cleaning
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4. CarGuys Super Cleaner
CarGuys Super Cleaner is a versatile product that can be used on leather, vinyl, plastic, and other surfaces in your car. It’s a non-toxic, all-purpose cleaner that gets rid of grime and dirt without any harsh chemicals.
Why I Recommend It
I like this product because it’s an all-in-one solution. It’s safe to use on leather steering wheels and other parts of your car, making it a great choice for anyone who wants a cleaner that works on multiple surfaces. It’s effective at removing dirt without harming the leather or causing any fading.
Pros
- Safe for all surfaces, including leather
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly
- Effective at removing dirt and stains
- Works well on both light and heavy grime
Cons
- Doesn’t condition the leather (you’ll need a separate conditioner)
- Can be a little runny, so be careful when applying
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5. Astonish Leather Cleaner
Astonish Leather Cleaner is a budget-friendly cleaner that does a fantastic job of cleaning leather steering wheels. It’s designed to remove dirt, stains, and grime while also helping to prevent leather from cracking.
Why I Recommend It
This product delivers excellent value for the price. It’s effective at cleaning and refreshing leather without any fancy frills. If you’re looking for a simple, affordable solution, this is a great choice. It also has anti-aging properties that help preserve the leather.
Pros
- Affordable
- Prevents cracking and fading
- Safe for use on leather upholstery
- Great value for money
Cons
- Doesn’t have a conditioner (you might need to buy one separately)
- The scent is a bit strong at first but fades away quickly
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How to Clean Your Leather Steering Wheel: Simple Steps
Now that you know which leather steering wheel cleaners to choose from, let’s go over how to properly clean your steering wheel. It’s a simple process, and with the right products, it’ll be done in no time!
Prepare Your Cleaning Supplies
Gather your chosen cleaner, a microfiber cloth or sponge, and a soft brush (if needed).
Spray the Cleaner
Lightly spray the leather cleaner onto the steering wheel. If you’re using a cleaner that requires a separate conditioner, you’ll need to clean first and then condition.
Wipe with a Cloth
Using a microfiber cloth, gently wipe down the steering wheel. Focus on areas where dirt and oils tend to build up, such as the top and sides of the wheel.
Use a Soft Brush for Stubborn Areas
If you notice any stubborn dirt or grime, use a soft brush to scrub those areas lightly.
Buff and Let Dry
After cleaning, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the leather and remove any excess cleaner. Let the steering wheel dry naturally.
Condition the Leather (Optional)
If your cleaner doesn’t include conditioning, apply a separate leather conditioner to restore moisture and keep the leather supple.
Conclusion
Taking care of your leather steering wheel is an important part of maintaining your car’s interior. Choosing the right cleaner can make all the difference in preserving the look and feel of your leather for years to come. Based on my experience, Meguiar’s Gold Class Leather Cleaner & Conditioner stands out as the best option due to its combination of cleaning and conditioning. However, each of the products on this list has its own unique strengths, so feel free to pick the one that best suits your needs.
Thanks for reading! I hope this article helped you find the perfect leather steering wheel cleaner. If you’re interested in more car care tips, check out our other recommended articles below.