Cleaning A Suede Steering Wheel

Clean And Revive Your Suede Racing Wheel Like A Pro

When cleaning a suede steering wheel, the main issue is that suede tends to absorb dirt and sweat from your hands. Over time, this causes it to dry out and become dirty and matted. For professional teams in BTCC or WRC, it's no big deal—they simply swap out the old, worn wheel for a fresh one and toss the used one aside. But for the rest of us, who want to restore our well-loved racing wheel to its former glory, the solution is simple. Here’s how the pros do it…

The key to remember is that these wheels were originally designed for use with driving gloves, something most of us aren’t wearing during our daily drives.

Suede steering wheels, in particular, are notorious for collecting dirt during everyday use, and many are left wondering how to clean them effectively without damaging the sensitive material.

Originally designed for maximum grip on race cars, the classic aftermarket steering wheel has become just as popular on the streets as it is on the track.

What Is The Difference Between Alcantara & Suede?

Many people mistakenly confuse the suede found on most aftermarket racing wheels with Alcantara, especially the version used in high-end OEM steering wheels from brands like BMW M-Performance and Audi RS models.

Alcantara is actually a brand name for a synthetic material that mimics the feel of suede. Made from a blend of 68% polyester and 32% polyurethane, it’s designed to be much more durable and resistant to dirt and wear. Though it’s relatively expensive, it’s used in the OEM market for its durability, meaning manufacturers don’t need to replace the steering wheel every time the car is serviced. After all, new cars come with warranties.

In contrast, suede is a natural material made from the underside of animal hide. Its soft, napped surface is more prone to contamination and matting, but with proper care, it can last a lifetime.

Regardless of color, suede and Alcantara require slightly different detailing methods due to the composition of the fibers and suede’s tendency to dry out. When detailing natural suede, the goal is to condition and fluff the fibers, rather than simply degreasing them, which can cause the fibers to become stiff and flat.

How To Clean Your Suede Steering Wheel - Step By Step

Follow these easy steps to clean, refresh, and restore your suede wheel…

Step 1 - Remove The Steering Wheel

While this step isn't absolutely necessary, careful cleaning without removal is possible. However, since most aftermarket wheels are easy to remove, it’s often the most straightforward option. Removing the wheel will definitely make the job easier in the long run.

With that in mind, take off your wheel while following all the necessary safety precautions, including disconnecting the vehicle battery to avoid any issues with the horn.

Step 2 - Deep Clean

Start by using Total Interior Cleaner to tackle the toughest debris and stains on the material. Total is formulated with deep cleaning agents and gentle degreasers, making it perfect for breaking down and lifting grime from within the fibres.

Place your wheel on a drying towel, then generously spray Total onto the surface, ensuring the material is fully saturated with the solution.

Step 3 - Agitate

For optimal deep cleaning of this napped material, use Total in combination with our Upholstery Brush. The brush’s perfect stiffness allows it to reach deep between the fibres without causing any damage or abrasion. The Total Cleaner will effectively lift grime from the material, suspending it in the solution.

Start by brushing one side of the wheel, then flip it over, apply more Total, and brush the other side.

Step 4 - Remove Dirt

Once the grease and grime are suspended in the solution, the next step is to wipe it away with a Microfibre Cloth. Be thorough in your cleaning, making sure to remove the grime while also drying the surface and eliminating as much of the remaining Total as possible.

Step 5 - Recondition

The key to reconditioning and restoring the suede fibres is using Micro Wash Microfibre Detergent. While typically used for cleaning and conditioning microfibre cloths, Micro Wash is perfect here because it cleans and softens the material, revitalising the suede’s original, tactile feel.

Start by mixing a 1:8 solution of Micro Wash and warm water in our Pro Mixing Bottle.

Step 6 - Apply Your Solution

Next, spray the solution generously onto both sides of the wheel. While the wheel is still wet, gently massage the solution into the material with a clean, dry Upholstery Brush.

Step 7 - Dry It

At this point, there should be no more grime left in the fibres, so the focus is on drying. We recommend using a drying towel like our Aqua Deluxe, as its 1200GSM fabric is highly absorbent. As you wrap the wheel, the towel will actively draw out the moisture. Start by squeezing out as much of the solution as possible by hand, then hang the wheel up overnight to dry thoroughly.

Step 8 - Refit The Steering Wheel

Once dry, you can admire the results before reattaching your wheel to your car. (Remember to follow all safety precautions and check that the bolts are tight after driving around 100 miles.) This reconditioning process can be done periodically to maintain your suede in excellent condition with each major detail.