My steering wheel has become shiny and I would like it to return to matt. Other than take it to a detailer, is there a simple and safe product that I can apply?


Many Thanks for your help.

 

I have had some success using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser with leather cleaner. Make sure to use it lightly and carefully - it's very abrasive despite the feeling of being a sponge.

 

As mentioned be careful with the magic eraser as it will abrade the coating pretty quickly. I personally wouldn't use it but it can work well if you are cautious.

To clean steering wheels I generally use a strong leather cleaner (Leathermasters has a good product as do others), deep plastic cleaner (Einnszett), or my favorite, diluted all-purpose cleaner (Optimum power-clean diluted 3:1). Saturate a towel with product and then work it into the rim of the steering wheel. Follow with clean water.

If it is really gunky, I like to use the above plus steam.

After, don't put anything on the leather. And make it a habit to wash your hands before driving -- the shine is from dirt/oils from you hands building up over time on the wheel.

 

Here is what I use;

http://www.leatherique.com/products.html

Go stuff!

 

I have the same. I have heard success with others in the BMW forums with mr. Eraser. Again, caution was key to success. I have tried using leather cleaners but none take off the shine.

I am going the Mr. Eraser route . Plan to wet it and lightly apply pressure Will report back.

 

I would caution you not to use the Mr Clean Magic Eraser sponge sas it is basically sanding your protective coating off the leather. You may get the look you want but the leather will wear faster if you punch through the factory coating.


I would stick with the MF towel and leather cleaner. There are a lot of good brands like leather masters, or if its really gunked up the Leatherique twins. Rejuvinator oil and pristine clean.


just my 2 cents.

 

Use a magic eraser but avoid putting too much pressure. It works great. If you put too much pressure, you will remove the leather protecting coat as well.

 

After seeing all the caution about using Magic erasers, I chickened out and used a pencil eraser. I used the white stadler 3/4 inch by 2 inch. I rubbed it firmly until eraser filings formed. I then followed up with Wolfgang citrus based leather cleaner and wiped firmly. Either some dye came off or there was dirt which was lifted.

Results? Not bad the heavy sheen is reduced to a dull sheen. So raid your kids school supplies and try it out.

 

This may work, but this would be the last thing I try right before replacing the part. It is VERY abrasive.

I would try HOT water+dishsoap first scrub with terrycloth towel, clean soap with clean water+towels and dry, then leather cleaner, then leather conditioner.

 

+1

Just bought some of this and it's AWESOME! I put it on the Turbo and my Jetta. Results are incredible. The trick it to put it on and leave the car out in the sun for the entire day. Send me your e-mail and I will show you before and after pics of the Jetta.

 

It does work! Again, you have to be very careful if you choose to do this.

I thought about this thread and I actually cleaned my steering wheel and a few other leather interior bits yesterday. It's amazing how much dirt gets on the wheel. I used Lexol cleaner and conditioner with a microfiber towel yesterday and it worked well.

 

Thanks chaps, will let you know how i get on