How2 Clean Grime From Steering Wheel?

Z06ADCT · 08-28-04, 12:57 AM

Although it has not come to the point yet on the Vette (like on my older family cars); besides wearing driving gloves to keep the oils from your hands off the steering wheel, what is the best way to clean the black build-up that ends up on the steering wheel and where ones elbows rest? I am afraid that I might damage the leather.

Thanks,

Craig

Edmond · 08-28-04, 01:35 AM

You could get a steering wheel cover but I think those look kinda corny. My steering wheel was redone about 3 years ago so it's pretty clean. That combined with me not fully gripping the steering wheel has kept it clean. As for the center area between the seats not getting like that, you could keep your elbows tucked on your body, which is what I do.

Z06ADCT · 08-28-04, 02:31 AM

For whatever reason, in any car, I find myself gripping the wheel real tight. Now that I have the Z06 (less than a week) I am sure that I will never be able to grip lightly.

Edmond · 08-28-04, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z06ADCT

For whatever reason, in any car, I find myself gripping the wheel real tight. Now that I have the Z06 (less than a week) I am sure that I will never be able to grip lightly.

Get some driving gloves. They'd look cool!

Aurora40 · 08-28-04, 11:05 AM

A leather cleaner followed by a conditioner used regularly would be the way to keep the wheel clean. I like Lexol's leather cleaner a lot, and the conditioner is nice too. You might also try keeping your hands clean before you get in the car.

Z06ADCT · 08-28-04, 12:28 PM

I have heard good things about Lexol leather cleaning products. So obvious, but I didn't even think of it: Wash my hands real good before getting into the car.

Duh! And elbows too I guess.

09-08-04, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z06ADCT

I have heard good things about Lexol leather cleaning products. So obvious, but I didn't even think of it: Wash my hands real good before getting into the car.

Duh! And elbows too I guess.

I bought 2 pair of leather driving gloves, you know...with the fingers cut off...they feel good to drive with and there is a nice a pad for the center console...that should solve your problems...it did mine...

Z06ADCT · 09-08-04, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by '04 Torch Red

I bought 2 pair of leather driving gloves, you know...with the fingers cut off...they feel good to drive with and there is a nice a pad for the center console...that should solve your problems...it did mine...

I think without fingers might work. I think I would feel funny driving with fingered driving gloves. Where did you get yours?

Craig

Patrick · 09-08-04, 01:05 PM

Craig, I have two pair of fingerless driving gloves (one are thicker, meant for winter driving.) I got both pairs at Wilson's Leather, and I don't think I paid more than $15 for either pair.

The issue with the build-up of "grime" on the steering wheel and where you elbows touch the center console or door armrest is not so much dirt, it's sweat. Sweat contains alkalides that, as you indicated, can certainly harm leather. The best way of dealing with these is to "cover" any skin that may come into contact with a leather surface.

The driving gloves are a perfect solution for the sweat your palms produce. For you elbows, I know this sounds overly simplistic, but you may just want to wear a long sleeve shirt if you know you're going on a drive of any length.

-Patrick

Z06ADCT · 09-09-04, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CORed91

Craig, I have two pair of fingerless driving gloves (one are thicker, meant for winter driving.) I got both pairs at Wilson's Leather, and I don't think I paid more than $15 for either pair.

The issue with the build-up of "grime" on the steering wheel and where you elbows touch the center console or door armrest is not so much dirt, it's sweat. Sweat contains alkalides that, as you indicated, can certainly harm leather. The best way of dealing with these is to "cover" any skin that may come into contact with a leather surface.

The driving gloves are a perfect solution for the sweat your palms produce. For you elbows, I know this sounds overly simplistic, but you may just want to wear a long sleeve shirt if you know you're going on a drive of any length.

-Patrick

Thanks Patrick. I'll have to wear long sleeve shirts and check out Wilson's.

Craig