Cleaning soft, non leather steering wheels

[rationull]

I'm not exactly sure what the steering wheel in my Civic is made of, but it's soft and it's not leather wrapped. I'm pretty sure it's some kind of medium density foam. I'm assuming it's probably a common material among cheaper cars.

Anyone have any idea how to clean this kind of wheel? I'd like to use some kind of soap or degreasing cleaner to get all the built up dirty hand gunk off it (I think it's starting to smell!) but I don't want to chance using anything that'll degrade the wheel itself.

 

[aquariuscsm]

I`d use a good leather cleaner. Leather cleaners are very gentle and imo would be the best thing.

 

[JHZR2]

the wife's integra was made of same. UV destroyed the top. Honda plastic/rubber parts are not good quality.

Id utilize the moisture in 303 protectant to act as a "solvent" to dissolve and keep the wheel clean. More importantly, it will give great UV protection.

 

[aquariuscsm]

I always use a leather cleaner and conditioner on mine,Armor All Leather Care.....cheap but very good stuff(my steering wheel`s real leather),and I also keep a large sunshade at all times in my car when it`s parked that completely covers the dash and steering wheel,to keep from getting the UV effects that JHZR2 mentioned. My 12 year old steering wheel still looks factory fresh.

 

[rationull]

Thanks for the suggestions .. UV protection is something I hadn't thought of but could be pretty important given the car's massive, raked windshield.

I assume you wouldn't have suggested it otherwise but is 303 generally OK to use on control surfaces? It won't make the wheel slippery or anything?

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Mix a little bit of Woolite with some water and you can clean all your plastic interior pieces with it. I find 303 can be kind of slippery if the excess isn't fully wiped off.