When you’re driving a car, one of the last things you want to worry about is whether or not the steering wheel is going to get dirty. Unfortunately, for drivers who have an Alcantara steering wheel, this is a very real concern.
Alcantara is a synthetic suede material that is often used in luxury vehicles. It is soft, plush, and looks great – but does it also attract dirt and dust? In this article, we will take a closer look at Alcantara and find out if it gets dirty easily.
If you’re like most drivers, the answer to this question is a resounding “yes!” Alcantara steering wheels are beautiful and luxurious, but they can be a nightmare to keep clean.
Keep reading for tips on how to maintain, clean, and treat your Alcantara steering wheel so that it stays looking its best for years to come!
How to maintain your Alcantara Steering wheel
Having an Alcantara steering wheel looks flashy and nice, but have you ever wondered how to maintain it to look new at all times? That brings us to discussing the general maintenance of Alcantara steering wheels.
1. Regular cleaning
The first way I will recommend to maintain your Alcantara steering wheel is to regularly clean it to look nice for a longer period.
However, do not rub too vigorously when cleaning. Also, avoid the use of too much water and harsh chemicals when cleaning Alcantara steering wheels because unlike leather Alcantara is not water-resistant.
2. Appropriate storage
When you’re not using your steering wheel, make sure to store it in a cool and dry place.
Do not expose Alcantara steering wheels to direct sunlight or extreme heat, as this can cause the material to fade or crack over time which will leave your steering wheel and interior of your car looking old
3. Regular dusting
This may seem like too much work but I will recommend you dust your Alcantara steering wheel every day!
You can use a soft (preferably long bristle) brush, dry cloth, or a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or particles on the steering wheel after driving.
4. Clean with a plain dampened cloth
After dusting your Alcantara steering wheel, clean with a dampened white cotton cloth. I recommend a white cloth because printed absorbent cloths can release ink onto the Alcantara material which would stain the material and be very hard to remove.
5. Use distilled water or a cool soapy solution
If you use a cool soapy solution, make sure it is not too sudsy because Alcantara is not resistant to water and harsh chemicals. Avoid using hot water when cleaning Alcantara steering wheels as this can damage the material.
I would recommend using distilled water because it will not leave any spots on your Alcantara steering wheel.
6. Wipe with a clean dry cloth
After cleaning your Alcantara steering wheel, make sure to wipe it with a clean dry cloth to remove any moisture from the fabric.
If you don’t do this, your Alcantara steering wheel may develop mildew which would be difficult to remove and could damage the material.
7. Use a protectant
After cleaning and drying your Alcantara steering wheel, you can use a protectant to help repel dirt and stains.
I would recommend using a Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Protector because it is safe to use on Alcantara and it will help keep your steering wheel looking new for longer.
By following these simple steps, you can maintain your Alcantara steering wheel and keep it looking new for years to come!
How to clean your Alcantara steering wheel
Cleaning an Alcantara steering wheel is not as simple as wiping it down with a cloth. The material is delicate and can be easily damaged by harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods. To clean your steering wheel properly, you’ll need to take a few extra steps.
Tools and materials needed
- Soft, microfiber cloth
- Mild soap (dish soap or baby shampoo)
- Water
- A vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
Instructions
Step 1: Vacuum your steering wheel to remove any loose dirt and debris. Debris and particles left on the steering wheel can cause scratching when you clean it.
Be sure to use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to avoid damaging the Alcantara.
Step 2: Mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water. Too much water and a little bit of soap will not get the job done nicely whilst too much soap and a little water will leave foam marks on your steering wheel. Be sure to mix the right amount of soap and water.
Dip your microfiber cloth into the soapy water and wring it out until it’s only slightly damp to avoid a sticky or wet steering wheel after cleaning.
Step 3: Gently wipe down the steering wheel with a damp cloth. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the Alcantara. As you already know Alcantara is a delicate fabric.
Step 4: Rinse the steering wheel with clean, cool water. Use a second, clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any soap residue.
Again, be sure not to scrub too hard or you could damage the Alcantara.
Step 5: Dry the steering wheel with a third microfiber cloth.
Allow the steering wheel to air dry completely before driving or using it again.
Cleaning your Alcantara steering wheel doesn’t have to be difficult – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a beautiful, clean steering wheel in no time!
Keep reading to find out more about how to treat different stains on the Alcantara steering wheel
Treatment of Different Stains on Alcantara Steering Wheels
Now that we know that Alcantara steering wheels can get dirty or stained, let us look at how to treat some different stains on them.
To get rid of these stains, you can use Alcantara-specific cleaning products. However, if those are not readily available, you can use water, lemon juice, or ethyl alcohol.
- Stains from fruit juice, jam, jelly, syrup, ketchup, indelible pencil, cocoa, chocolate, ice cream, or mustard, can be cleaned by using lukewarm water and rinsed by dabbing with clean water.
- If blood, egg, excrement, or urine stains your Alcantara steering wheel or cover, use cold water to clean and rinse by dabbing with clean water. Do not use warm water in this case as it makes these substances coagulate.
- With stains from liquors, alcoholic beverages, wine, beer, soda, or tea, use lukewarm water to clean your Alcantara steering wheel or cover. If the stain remains, treat it with lemon juice and rinse it well.
- Finally, use lemon juice to treat stains from vinegar, hair gel, tomato sauce, or coffee with sugar. Then, wipe with lukewarm water or rinse by dabbing with clean water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, indeed Alcantara steering wheels do get dirty. Though they are easy to clean, do not wait for a long period to get them cleaned as the accumulation of dirt will only make them deteriorate faster.
Also, cleaning your Alcantara generally requires lukewarm water and mild detergent. However, in the case of stains, you may need lemon juice, ethyl alcohol, or Alcantara-specific cleaning products.
Final thoughts
To sum up, Yes Alcantara gets dirty but it depends on how well you take care of it. Alcantara is a great fabric for many car applications but it does require some special care to keep it looking new to maintain your Alcantara steering wheel properly:
- Clean it regularly with the appropriate amount of soap and water mixture
- Store it in a cool and dry place
- Dust it every day
- Use a protectant to help repel dirt and stains
If you follow these simple tips, your Alcantara steering wheel will stay looking its best for years to come!
Do you have an Alcantara steering wheel? How do you like it? Let us know in the comments below or send us an email! And don’t forget to share this article with your friends who have Alcantara steering wheels or are thinking about getting one!
