Caring for an alcantara steering wheel

[Munson]

Hi. I have of course googled this subject, but I know there are some proper detailers on here, so thought I'd ask for more direct advice.

My car has an alcantara steering wheel, which is largely in perfect condition. However, the quarter to three area, specifically around the thumbs, is showing some mild 'shining' and greying of the fibres.

I'm lead to believe that it isn't wear as such, but more a build up of skin oils. In your opinion what is the most effective and kindest way to care for a wheel of this type? What is the best product to use?

Cheers.

 

[Mr R.]

Im sure this is the stuff that is used to clean alcantara.

http://www.raceglaze.co.uk/car-care...leaning/race-glaze-alcantara-leather-cleaner/

 

[Munson]

Ok cheers for that. One source suggested that diluted lemon juice is ideal??

 

[l33th3tr33]

I'm also interested in this, My whole wheel was so shiny it looked like normal leather so I gave it a bath in warm soapy water and a good scrub, emptied the water and repeated so that I didn't scrub dirt back into it and it came out excellent. Not perfect but a hell of a lot better, but I put that down to the wheel being so far gone (you should have seen the state of the water after). I left it to dry naturally as on a radiator it tends to harden the fabric. Oh and I use a suede brush every week or so to keep it looking good.

 

[Mr R.]

Ok cheers for that. One source suggested that diluted lemon juice is ideal??

I wouldn't like to comment on that, gally JD would be better people to ask.

 

[Paprika123]

Lemon juice is advised on the alcantara website.

 

[Bluebeard]

Once it's cleaned up, get a cover for it. Keep it sweeeet for a long time to come.

 

[l33th3tr33]

Once it's cleaned up, get a cover for it. Keep it sweeeet for a long time to come.

Surely that's just for when it's not in use, so not ideal for a daily car?

 

[Munson]

My concern with lemon juice is that, although a natural cleanser, it must surely contain some fructose, which is then bound to attract more dirt?

 

[JamesBryan]

The raceglaze alcantara cleaner works well, I use it on the 182's seats all the time.

Spray on, agitate gently with a soft brush and wipe. Leave to dry.

 

[Munson]

Once it's cleaned up, get a cover for it. Keep it sweeeet for a long time to come.

Nah dude that's not how I roll. I'd rather buy a new one when it's toast (at considerable cost!) but in the meantime I'd like to keep it in the best condition possible.

 

[JD]

Thanks Scott.

Roy, lemon juice is a natural cleaner/degreaser, hence lemon water with prawns that need peeling.

I'd advise the race glaze product already mentioned. Very soft agitation to create a foam that lifts the dirt. This is then wiped, again softly, with a damp MF to remove. Keep rinsing and wringing out the MF cloth to remove dirt. Leave it to dry naturally, ie not aided with heat. The fibres should never get too damp using this method.

 

[JD]

Free shopping and a guide too;

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/raceglaze-alcantara-cleaner-cat22.html

 

[Bluebeard]

Nah dude that's not how I roll. I'd rather buy a new one when it's toast (at considerable cost!) but in the meantime I'd like to keep it in the best condition possible.

Fair play mate. I admire that attitude!

 

[Munson]

Ok cheers gays. I shall most likely order some of the Raceglaze stuff.

 

[Knuckles]

Once it's clean, invest in these to ensure it stays in tip top condition... And you'll look like a right sir.

 

[Munson]

Incidentally it now isn't a daily, but it gets used a lot more than it perhaps should, simply because it's so f**king awesome

 

[Munson]

Once it's clean, invest in these to ensure it stays in tip top condition... And you'll look like a right sir.

LOL. You can actually buy ///M branded driving gloves.

 

[Munson]

JD thanks for the link. Added to reading list x

 

[Knuckles]

LOL. You can actually buy ///M branded driving gloves.

Ffs

"Want to put the final douchey nail in the coffin of bellendry that is BMW ownership? Look no further than our branded gloves!"

///anorak

 

[Munson]

Manorak?

 

[Knuckles]

///Manorak?

I concur

 

[JD]

Free shopping and a guide too;

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/raceglaze-alcantara-cleaner-cat22.html

I obviously meant shipping in this post...!

 

[ThomasBrentnall]

Another vote for RaceGlaze from me, it's brilliant stuff

 

[jongsr4]

Another vote for the raceglaze from me too

This is one of the Recaros from my car, It was in a terrible condition before I used this stuff, you can see the alcantara on the right was seriously dirty, it almost looked like leather, afterwards it literally looked like brand new, It shouldnt take too long on a steering wheel either

 

[Gally]

Soft nail brush/tooth brush, warm water and fairy liquid, soapy water. works a treat mate.

 

[EllD90]

I'm guessing a very soft brush it what you want on the alcantara? A harsh brush would tear the poor thing to pieces!

Shall purchase some of this Raceglaze, need some for my wheel!

 

[Poopensharten]

As per gally's suggestion;

 

[JamesBryan]

Good result their Danny!

 

[Fletcher]

Impressive results Danny.

 

[JD]

Cracking results there, you Golf hating tw@

 

[George182]

Wow - I need to tackle mine if thats the kind of improvement I can expect! Nice one.

 

[Munson]

Bloody hell, those comparison pics give me faith. Mine isn't even approaching being anywhere near that bad.

 

[LiamR172]

Jesus.. I need to do mine. It's the same as Danny's before pic. Hope it comes up as good as his after once I've done it!

And yes its a bit of a bump

 

[Sargara]

Thanks for the bump as the Alcantara on my seating is pretty minging so I'll be ordering some of this too.

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

As per gally's suggestion;

Nice one, Cap'n.

Mine's just arrived in similarly grotty condition to yours :dead:

That's tonight sorted then

 

[_Tom]

The just give the QS wheel a rub once a month with a cloth and Shoe Alcantara cleaner.

 

[JD]

Lemon juice diluted 1:2 with RO water also works, FYI.

 

[Rob]

Nice one, Cap'n.

Mine's just arrived in similarly grotty condition to yours :dead:

That's tonight sorted then

New wheel you say? Matching those fancy seats? Sounds bonza. You should come over my way tbh.

 

[TheEvilGiraffe]

Yes Rob .. doubt I'll be over that way at all .. had two busy days at work so sitting on my arse is in order tonight !

Lemon juice diluted 1:2 with RO water also works, FYI.

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