My cleaning efforts continue....

I have a few sport steering wheels to clean (sticky).

I know over time heat/humidity causes what i call the grease to seep out.

I've read others posts about sticky sport wheels and people have tried different products with different results.

Anyone have long term success using Maguire's vinyl & rubber cleaner/conditioner?

Can it be used on the 2 spoke wheel? It's hard plastic unlike the comfort grips.

Thanks

Mader
omy442
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If you scroll down a bit there are threads in related topics at the bottom of the page.

 

Never had that problem as the steering wheel on my 71 98 isn't a sport wheel. Plus, I installed a Wheelskins cover on my steering wheel. I'd suggest starting with the least caustic cleaner available (i.e. Simple Green or isopropyl alcohol). Good luck.

 

 

I used 90% rubbing alcohol. Cleaned up nicely and was still good three years later when I sold the wheel.

 

x2

 

Thanks Joe !

 

Thanks!

 

Thanks. Interesting cleaning options in other threads.

Sounds like periodic cleaning helps keep the sticky at bay.

I have wood wheel (from Vette) in my 68, so sport grip wheels and sticky phenomenon are new to me.

 

I have cleaned those wheels as good as I could. Once I got the sticky off I sprayed SEM Landau black paint and it gives the wheel a nice sheen and keeps it from getting sticky again.

 

I cleaned my sport wheel with naptha and put a leather cover on it. It only delayed return of stickiness for 4 years. I like the SEM paint idea.

 

^^^ THIS. When it gets sticky, wipe it down again. It takes less time than we've spent talking about it.

 

12.11 update on cleaning sticky steering wheels.

I did gentle cleaning using microfiber cloth, warm water, with Dawn.

Repeated three times with a couple days in between each cleaning.

Kept wheels in warm room near furnace vent to dry and also test if sticky would return.

After 3rd wash, so far no sticky feel.
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As others have experienced, mounted in car, hot summer, the sticky will eventually wick back out.

I do have the McGuire's rubber cleaner protectant in my original post but haven't tried it yet. Might try on red wheel.

I'm hesitant to apply product on the wheels that might cause someone else a problem down the road.

Mader
omy442

 

3.29 Update

After the cleaning efforts with Dawn and warm water, I put all the steering wheels back into a tote and into storage unit.

I checked yesterday and so far no sticky. However I suspect that cool weather isn't causing the sticky to wick out just yet.


Mader
jm68442@yahoo.com

 

Joe, don't you think petrochemicals might be a little harsh on a 50 year old steering wheel ? I just spray a little Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom cleaner or Sparkle window cleaner on a paper towel and rub on it once a year.

 

I've been using paint pre-cleaner for this purpose for 50 years. It doesn't dissolve plastic or paint, so I have no worries about the wheel either. It's not like you're soaking the wheel in it for a week. You dampen a cloth, wipe off the residue, done. No scrubbing, no fuss. This is one of those questions where if you ask 20 people, you get 30 answers. Whatever works for you.