While having an Alcantara steering wheel feels luxurious, cleaning it can be a pain in the butt for some people. But to make it easier, I’ll show you the whole process I follow when cleaning the Alcantara steering wheel so that you can do the same.
How To Clean Alcantara Steering Wheel In Your Car
Here’s the full guide where you’ll learn all the exact steps when cleaning and, later on, maintaining the Alcantara steering wheel in your vehicle.
What you’ll need:
- Leather cleaning brush. It must be soft enough to avoid damaging the delicate Alcantara fibers. Any reputable leather cleaning brush should do the job. Check my recommendations for the best leather cleaning brushes.
- Microfiber cloths. After brushing and cleaning your Alcantara steering wheel, soft microfiber cloths will be perfect for gently wiping it down.
- Dedicated Alcantara (microsuede) cleaner. All-purpose or fabric cleaners may be too harsh for Alcantara, so a specialized cleaner is a must. I recommend using Koch-Chemie Pol Star Alcantara & Fabric Cleaner.
Step 1: Lightly Mist Steering Wheel With Alcantara Cleaner
Begin by gently misting your steering wheel with a specialized Alcantara cleaner. Rather than applying a heavy spray or pouring the cleaner directly, aim for a fine, light mist over the surface. This method prevents oversaturation, protecting the delicate Alcantara fibers from potential damage.
It’s important to remember that Alcantara is sensitive to liquids. To avoid harming the material, always opt for a light misting approach when applying any cleaning solution. This ensures effective cleaning without compromising the integrity of the Alcantara.
Step 2: Gently Agitate with a Soft Brush
Now, take your soft leather brush, an essential tool for this step. Begin by lightly brushing the Alcantara-covered steering wheel. Your objective is to gently work the cleaner into the fibers, not to scrub vigorously. This light agitation helps to lift dirt and grime without causing any harm to the delicate Alcantara material.
Approach this step with a gentle, methodical motion. Imagine you’re giving your steering wheel a gentle massage. The key is to be thorough yet soft-handed to ensure the material is cleaned effectively while maintaining its integrity and appearance.
Step 3: Wipe Off With a Microfiber Cloth
After you’ve gently brushed the steering wheel, it’s time to use a microfiber cloth. Carefully wipe down the steering wheel with this cloth. The goal is to remove any loosened dirt and grime, along with any remaining cleaner.
Be gentle but thorough in your approach. The soft texture of the microfiber cloth is perfect for this task as it is gentle on the Alcantara and effective at picking up residual dirt and cleaner.
Once you complete this step, you’ll notice your steering wheel looks significantly cleaner. However, our cleaning process isn’t finished yet – let’s proceed to the next step to ensure your steering wheel is in the best condition.
Step 4: Repeat Brushing for Texture Restoration
Although it might appear redundant, brushing the steering wheel a second time is crucial for the aesthetic restoration of the Alcantara. This additional brushing step plays a pivotal role in reviving the Alcantara’s signature texture.
The purpose of this second brushing is to gently lift and rejuvenate the Alcantara fibers, restoring their classic, suede-like appearance. So, gently wield your soft brush and lightly sweep over the steering wheel’s surface. This gentle motion will ensure that the Alcantara retains its luxurious and distinctive texture, making your steering wheel look as good as new.
Maintaining Your Alcantara Steering Wheel
The secret to keeping your Alcantara steering wheel in pristine condition is surprisingly simple: regular brushing.
- Keep a Leather Cleaning Brush in Your Car: Store a soft-bristled leather cleaning brush in your glove box. It’s your main tool for regular upkeep.
- Brush After Every Drive: Spend a minute after each journey to gently brush the steering wheel. This quick step is crucial for removing oils, dead skin cells, and everyday dirt.
- Why It Matters: This routine preserves the Alcantara’s texture and appearance, preventing buildup that can lead to wear and tear.
Remember: Regular brushing is a small effort that pays off big, ensuring your steering wheel remains in excellent condition between detailed cleanings.
How Often To Clean Alcantara Steering Wheel
The frequency of cleaning your Alcantara steering wheel can vary. It often depends on factors like how often you drive and your maintenance habits.
But as a rule of thumb, I recommend cleaning your Alcantara steering wheel about once a week or every ten days at most. Regular cleaning not only maintains the look and feel of the Alcantara but also helps it last longer. Stick to this schedule, and your steering wheel will thank you.
Why Is Alcantara Delicate To Clean?
Alcantara is a synthetic material called microsuede, a carefully crafted imitation of real suede leather. This means it shares some of the delicate properties of suede.
Sure, it’s not as fragile as real suede, but it needs proper care to last. Alcantara can outshine real suede in terms of durability, but only if treated correctly.
Remember, the wrong cleaning methods can easily damage Alcantara. Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial to keep your Alcantara steering wheel in top shape. We’ll go into detail about that next.
Bottom Line
Alcantara is a luxurious and delicate material, and it deserves to be treated as such. With a little time and effort, you can ensure your Alcantara steering wheel continues to enhance your driving experience for years to come.
Remember, the key is regular maintenance. By giving your steering wheel a quick brush after every drive and a more thorough clean every week or so, you can keep it looking and feeling like new.
If you have a leather steering wheel instead, check my guide on cleaning leather steering wheels.
