Sticky steering wheel

**pwcheenie** · 02-23-2011, 10:06 PM

Purchased a used truck that has a leather wrapped steering wheel. Noticed the steering wheel is sticky where I put my hands on the top. I'm sure they get that way from oils on your hands and putting dressings on the leather. My question is what cleaner will work to remove this mess without damaging the leather?

**Setec Astronomy** · 02-23-2011, 10:16 PM

I have used 10:1 water:Woolite for that on a MF.

**David Fermani** · 02-23-2011, 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by pwcheenie

Purchased a used truck that has a leather wrapped steering wheel. Noticed the steering wheel is sticky where I put my hands on the top. I'm sure they get that way from oils on your hands and putting dressings on the leather. My question is what cleaner will work to remove this mess without damaging the leather?

Optimum Power Clean and/or LeatherMaster Strong Cleaner.

**CrownKote** · 06-15-2011, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by David Fermani

LeatherMaster Strong Cleaner.

I will second this! or Leatherique!

Btw OP is the Vette in your avatar an 82' by chance?

Mike Phillips · 06-15-2011, 12:28 PM

You could also try just some soapy water, even hand soap. Mix up some soap water in a sink and then get a wash cloth and get it wet with the soapy water and rub down the steering wheel cover really well and then use a dry towel to dry it.

Had a phone call from guy about this same problem.

Might work, might not work but it's a simple approach.

**pwcheenie** · 06-23-2011, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by Mike.Phillips@Autogeek

You could also try just some soapy water, even hand soap. Mix up some soap water in a sink and then get a wash cloth and get it wet with the soapy water and rub down the steering wheel cover really well and then use a dry towel to dry it.

Had a phone call from guy about this same problem.

Might work, might not work but it's a simple approach.

Used dish soap and water to wipe down my steering wheel. This worked well to get rid of the stickey surface.

Thank's for your the suggestion Mike.

**judyb** · 06-23-2011, 12:52 PM

Good to hear that this was successful. You may now need to consider using a good quality leather protector on the wheel to stop body oils from damaging the finish on the leather, this is a common problem with leather steering wheels and can be a problem if the finish becomes damaged.
Hope this helps
Judyb

**Dr Oldz** · 06-23-2011, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by Mike.Phillips@Autogeek

You could also try just some soapy water, even hand soap. Mix up some soap water in a sink and then get a wash cloth and get it wet with the soapy water and rub down the steering wheel cover really well and then use a dry towel to dry it.

Had a phone call from guy about this same problem.

Might work, might not work but it's a simple approach.

U actually suggested this to me also via PM.

I just picked up an older car that was sticky inside also. I tried every cleaner and APC with no success. The stickiness would return a day or two later. Then after asking Mike for some advice, decided to try hot as I can stand soapy water. Used a terrycloth towel and this method worked well. Sometimes a simple approach is the answer.

BTW thanks Mike!

**Twister** · 07-01-2011, 02:01 PM

Originally Posted by Dr Oldz

U actually suggested this to me also via PM.

I just picked up an older car that was sticky inside also. I tried every cleaner and APC with no success. The stickiness would return a day or two later. Then after asking Mike for some advice, decided to try hot as I can stand soapy water. Used a terrycloth towel and this method worked well. Sometimes a simple approach is the answer.

BTW thanks Mike!

My 442 has this same problem with the steering wheel but its a rubbery material so I think it just the material breaking down. I'll have to give the soapy water a shot. Nothing else has worked up to this point

Mike Phillips · 07-01-2011, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by pwcheenie

Used dish soap and water to wipe down my steering wheel. This worked well to get rid of the sticky surface.

Thanks for your the suggestion Mike.

Originally Posted by Dr Oldz

U actually suggested this to me also via PM.

I just picked up an older car that was sticky inside also. I tried every cleaner and APC with no success. The stickiness would return a day or two later. Then after asking Mike for some advice, decided to try hot as I can stand soapy water. Used a terrycloth towel and this method worked well. Sometimes a simple approach is the answer.

BTW thanks Mike!

Glad to hear the solution, (no pun intended), worked...

Sometimes simple works...

KISS = Keep it Simple Simon