If you’ve ever been driving and had your hands suddenly stick to the steering wheel, you know how dangerous that can be. In this blog post, we’ll teach you how to clean a sticky steering wheel using safe and easy-to-follow methods. Read on to learn more!
How To Clean A Sticky Steering Wheel: A Step By Step
It is not uncommon for the leather steering wheel to get sticky over time. This can be caused by many things such as heat, humidity, and even the oils from your hands. When this happens, it can make driving very dangerous because your hands can slip off the wheel.
To clean a sticky leather steering wheel, you will need:
-Leather cleaner
-Water
-A clean cloth
1. Cleaning a steering wheel
An easy and inexpensive solution to this problem is to clean the steering wheel with a mild soap and water solution.
You can also use commercially available cleaning products, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Be careful not to use ammonia or acid based products. They can react badly with plastic and leach chemicals that make steering wheels sticky again.
2. Oil
You can apply oils like 3-in-1 oil, WD-40 or even baby oil to the steering wheel. Apply a small amount to a clean cloth and wipe the steering wheel until it glows again.
If you have a leather steering wheel, you may have tried using leather conditioner to care for your steering wheel. To do this, wipe the leather with a soft cloth soaked in conditioner. If your wheels feel sticky, you may need to reapply the conditioner.
3. Rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol can remove stickiness from the steering wheel. Dip a clean cloth in the alcohol and rub it on the steering wheel until it’s smooth again.
However, no matter what you do, your steering wheel may get sticky again.
To avoid this, you can use one of these treatments on a regular basis. Treatment must be done at least once or twice a month.
Black Sticky Stuff On Steering Wheel
The black sticky stuff you find on the steering wheel is worn plastic or vinyl on the steering wheel.
After several days of standing on the wheel, the heat and temperature have melted it into a black goo that causes problems when you put your hands on the wheel.
This black goo is super easy to remove, all you need is some car cleaner and a pair of gloves.
First, you need to wear thin gloves to keep your hands out of direct contact with the sticky substance.
Now mix some good cleaning soap or shampoo in hot water, wear gloves and wash the steering wheel. This exposes the black goo that comes out of the steering wheel and sticks to the towel.
Then take a dry cloth or tissue paper and remove the rest of the black stuff still stuck to the steering wheel. If you still feel black after washing the steering wheel with soap, you can use an alcohol-based product after drying everything else.
With an alcohol-based product, you can wipe the steering wheel with a microfiber cloth. This process of removing sticky substances can help you keep your steering wheel clean.
>>> Here is the best way to clean a steering wheel: Steering wheel cleaning

Reasons Your Steering Wheel Is Sticky
There are several reasons your steering wheel could be sticky.
Your Hands
Unfortunately, one of the main reasons for a sticky steering wheel is your hands. Think about what your hands are touching, and your steering wheel.
This can be anything from hand and skin lotions, antibacterial gels, food, drinks and even our own sweat.
Solution
The best way to fix this is to wash your hands before driving.
You can also keep some hand towels in the car to remove oil stains before they make contact with the steering wheel.
Dirty Steering Wheel
Another reason your steering wheel is sticky is because it’s just plain old dirty.
This is especially common in the summer when we’re driving with the windows down and our hands are sweating.
Solution
The best way to fix this is to clean your steering wheel regularly with a good cleaner. You can find cleaners specifically for car interiors at your local auto parts store.
If you don’t have time to clean your steering wheel, you can cover it with a steering wheel cover. This will help keep the dirt and grime off your steering wheel.
Leather Has Been Over-conditioned
If you have a leather steering wheel, it’s possible that you’ve over-conditioned it.
When you condition leather, you’re actually adding oil to it. This can make the leather feel sticky.
Solution
The best way to fix this is to clean the steering wheel with a good leather cleaner. You can find these at your local auto parts store.
If you don’t have time to clean your steering wheel, you can cover it with a steering wheel cover. This will help keep the dirt and grime off your steering wheel.
Not Real Leather
If your steering wheel isn’t real leather, it’s probably made of PVC. PVC is a type of plastic that can become sticky in the heat.
Solution
The best way to fix this is to cover your steering wheel with a steering wheel cover. This will help keep the dirt and grime off your steering wheel.
You can also try to clean your steering wheel with a good cleaner. You can find cleaners specifically for car interiors at your local auto parts store.
If you still can’t get the sticky feeling off your steering wheel, you can try sanding it down with fine sandpaper. This will remove the top layer of PVC and might help with the sticky feeling.
You can also try using an alcohol-based product to clean your steering wheel. This can help remove the sticky feeling from your steering wheel.
Sun Damage
Direct sunlight is very bad for leather, and unfortunately, there is no way to protect your car’s steering wheel from direct sunlight.
The heat of the sun can cause the leather’s oils to form a sticky residue on the steering wheel, making it feel tacky or tacky.
Another problem caused by direct sunlight on the steering wheel is that it can cause cracking and discoloration of the leather.
Solution
If the sticky feel on the steering wheel is due to sun exposure, you can use a UV leather protector, which will help protect the leather from further damage.
Heat and Humidity
Another reason your steering wheel could be sticky is because of the heat and humidity.
The heat can cause the leather to expand and contract, which can cause a sticky feeling.
Solution
If your steering wheel is sticky due to the heat and humidity, you can try using a cool air car fan to help keep the steering wheel cool.
Solution
Aging Leather
If your steering wheel is made of leather, it’s possible that the leather is just getting old and dry.
As leather ages, it can become brittle and dry, which can cause a sticky feeling.
Solution
If your steering wheel is sticky due to aging leather, you can try using a good leather conditioner. This will help add moisture back into the leather and make it softer and more pliable.
You can also try using a cool air car fan to help keep the steering wheel cool. This will help reduce the sticky feeling.
Forgetting to Clean Before Conditioning
If you condition your leather steering wheel without cleaning it first, the dirt and grime will just be trapped in the conditioner. This can make the steering wheel feel sticky.
Solution
The best way to fix this is to clean your steering wheel with a good leather cleaner before you condition it. You can find these at your local auto parts store.
If you don’t have time to clean your steering wheel, you can cover it with a steering wheel cover. This will help keep the dirt and grime off your steering wheel.
Adhesive Seeping Through
If you have a leather steering wheel cover, the adhesive from the back of the cover can seep through and make the steering wheel sticky.
Solution
The best way to fix this is to remove the steering wheel cover and clean the steering wheel with a good leather cleaner. You can find these at your local auto parts store.
You can also try using an alcohol-based product to clean your steering wheel. This can help remove the adhesive from your steering wheel.
Once you’ve cleaned the steering wheel, you can put the cover back on. Make sure to use a new piece of adhesive tape to secure the cover.

Frequently Asked Question
Can you use baby wipes on a leather steering wheel?
Yes, you can use baby wipes on a leather steering wheel. Just make sure to test the baby wipes on a small area of the steering wheel first to make sure they don’t cause any damage.
Can you use Clorox wipes on a leather steering wheel?
Yes, you can use Clorox wipes on a leather steering wheel. Just make sure to test the Clorox wipes on a small area of the steering wheel first to make sure they don’t cause any damage.
What is the best way to clean a sticky leather steering wheel?
The best way to clean a sticky leather steering wheel is to use a good leather cleaner. You can find these at your local auto parts store.
You can also try using an alcohol-based product to clean your steering wheel. This can help remove the adhesive from your steering wheel.
How can I make my old steering wheel look new?
If your steering wheel is made of leather, you can try using a good leather conditioner. This will help add moisture back into the leather and make it softer and more pliable.
You can also try using a cool air car fan to help keep the steering wheel cool. This will help reduce the sticky feeling.
How much does it cost to wrap a steering wheel?
The cost of wrapping a steering wheel will depend on the size of the steering wheel and the type of wrap you choose. You can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $450 for a steering wheel wrap.
How can you fix a sticky steering wheel?
There are several ways you can fix a sticky steering wheel:
-Use a good leather cleaner to clean the steering wheel. You can find these at your local auto parts store.
-Use an alcohol-based product to clean your steering wheel. This can help remove the adhesive from your steering wheel.
-Cover the steering wheel with a steering wheel cover. This will help keep the dirt and grime off your steering wheel.
-Remove the steering wheel cover and clean the steering wheel with a good leather cleaner.
Why is the center of my steering wheel sticky?
The center of your steering wheel may be sticky due to the adhesive from a steering wheel cover.
Final Words
A sticky steering wheel can be a nuisance, but it’s easy to clean with the right materials! Answer The Question hope this blog post has been helpful in teaching you how to clean a sticky steering wheel. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Thanks for reading!