The Hidden Danger: Your Dirty Steering Wheel

We spend a lot of time focusing on keeping the exterior of our cars clean and shiny, but what about the interior? More specifically, how often do you think about cleaning your steering wheel?

Your steering wheel is a germ magnet. The average steering wheel is six times dirtier than your smartphone screen! That's right, the very surface you grip to control your car is loaded with bacteria.

Where do all these germs come from? Sweaty and dirty hands! Think about all the places your hands go throughout the day? You pump gas, open doors, handle money, and countless other things. Think of all the snacks that have been eaten behind the wheel. And ladies, let’s not forget about the makeup that builds up. All that dirt, grime and germs from your hands eventually end up on your steering wheel.

Not only is a dirty steering wheel gross, but it can also pose a health risk. If you're someone who touches your face a lot (and let's be honest, we all do it!), you're transferring those germs directly to your eyes, nose, and mouth, which can make you sick.

The Professional Fix…

I recommend a thorough interior detail twice a year. Once in the spring after we come out of winter, and again in the fall after we come out of summer. Those are the perfect times to refresh the interior (and exterior) of your car. My meticulous attention to detail guarantees that every nook and cranny, and every surface is pristine. The steam cleaning process effectively removes dirt, grime and even odors, leaving the your car feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

The DIY Approach…

The good news is that cleaning your steering wheel something you can do yourself. Here's what you'll need:

• A couple of microfiber cloths

• Interior cleaner of choice (I recommend Griot’s Garage Interior Cleaner)

• A small bucket of warm water

First, fold your microfiber towel into fourths and spray one side liberally with your interior cleaner. Next, carefully and thoroughly scrub all sides of the steering wheel paying close attention to the stitching and high touch areas. You should see dirt transfer to your microfiber cloth.

Second, dunk your other clean microfiber cloth into the bucket of warm water. Wring it out so it’s wet, but not dripping. Carefully wipe down all sides of the steering wheel to remove any interior cleaner residue.

Third, inspect your work. Look carefully at all the stitching, the front of the steering wheel and the back of the steering wheel. You want to make sure you removed all the dirt and grime. If not, repeat these steps again. Once you've finished cleaning, allow the steering wheel to air dry completely before driving.

Important Tip…

Be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the steering wheel's material. It’s important to use specific auto detailing interior cleaners as they are engineered to be safe for your car. 

Cleaning your steering wheel is an important part of keeping your car clean. But like I mentioned previously, having your interior detailed every six months is a great way to not only keep your steering wheel clean, but all the other surfaces that you come into contact with, such as the door handles, gear shift, and dashboard will be clean too. Keeping your car clean not only helps reduce the spread of germs, but it will be easier to keep clean, it will look better, and it will retain its resale value better.

So next time you're getting ready to hit the road, take a few minutes to clean your steering wheel. It's a simple step that can make a big difference!

-Chris