sticky steering wheel

neworleans · Post by **neworleans** » 02 May 2011, 21:17

even though i cleaned the steering wheel very well, it is still sticky, and i don't want to put a cover on it, is there anything else i can get rid of this?

Post by **jt74** » 03 May 2011, 00:42

What did you use to clean it with?

mhn · Post by **mhn** » 08 May 2011, 03:10

neworleans wrote:even though i cleaned the steering wheel very well, it is still sticky, and i don't want to put a cover on it, is there anything else i can get rid of this?

Mine was unbelievably gummy, even after the first time around with glass cleaner, to the point where I really was afraid I'd melted the plastic somehow. I had to hit it with alcohol and more glass cleaner and a battery-powered detail brush before there was any real difference, but it finally all came off with no harm done. Took some weeks to get the nerve and the spare time to tackle it correctly.

Post by **vjaneczko** » 08 May 2011, 20:07

Over the years, dirt & oil can build-up a lot so it takes extra effort to clean it good. I recently used an ammonia-based cleaner and rubbed it down a few times, each time with new paper towels.

Once that's clean, it may be a little dull so you may choose to apply a 50/50 mix of Armor All and water. Yes, they say not to spray it on your steering wheel, but if you cut the solution and wipe it on, it can look good without being too slippery. Of course, if you go with that plan, be very careful as you drive. Make sure your hands are clean since the A.A. can make your hands slippery, too.

And because we live in a litigious society; I did NOT tell you to apply A.A. to your steerling wheel – I just mentioned something that I do.

mhn · Post by **mhn** » 09 May 2011, 01:46

What's weird is that it happens in cars that have obviously been well-maintained otherwise. I guess people just don't notice their own gunge, somehow -- and as much as I loathe Armor All, I have to admit that it works wonders sometimes if used sparingly.

Just keep on rubbin' that same old thing, OP. It'll come off eventually.

You might try switching back and forth between ammonia-based cleaner and mild dish soap in hot water. A scrubby thing that's guaranteed not to scratch can be a big help too if you're careful. Have a rag handy to wipe up any splatters.