sticky steering wheel (yuck)

[muckyman]

Hi all
over the last few mornings it has gotten colder and I have noticed that my steering wheel has become 'tacky' and 'damp' to the touch. It kind of feels a bit clammy and dirty, like the grime from the last 24 years of sweaty palms has built up and is now unpleasant to the touch.
The inside of the car is absolutely dry and leak free and there is no build up on condensation on the inside of the car.
What would you suggest as a good way to clean up the leather on the steering wheel, or am I better just getting Rhon to recover it for me (although I don't really want the hassle of taking the wheel off and sending it away etc)
ta
Michael

[Lauren]

I cleaned up my mouldy suede wheel by putting it in the sink and using detergent. Obviously I was gentle with the surface itself. Then just put it on a radiator to dry and job done.

I would try just giving it a good clean first, but easier to do by taking the wheel off.

[AdamP]

I've got the same thing, haven't found anything to clean it with that works without taking the blue colouration out. Interesting to hear if anyone knows a trick!

[LimeyMk1]

Had the same on my Celica, binned the steering wheel and stuck an aftermarket one on.

In my case the leather was breaking down and the stickyness was caused by whatever Toyota had used to glue it to the wheel.

[cabbydave1]

You could try baby wipes and feed the leather afterwards. Dont know what they put in baby wipes but it does get the $hit off

[pk_090]

Or KFC freshen up wipes I always use thoseto clean the dashboard and internal bits, and always have done. Same solution as Chris though, if your not getting it re trimmed, an aftermarket replacement could be the next best thing, if not better.
Alex

[cabbydave1]

There are some blue ones on ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/toyota-mr2-mk ... 4abd4161e9
blue
and a black one
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Toyota-MR2-MK ... 416d403fbb

[muckyman]

well, following the suggestions of using a baby wipe or a KFC hand wipe (which I had neither of), I gave the wheel a good rub down with a screen-wipe last night.
The amount of dirt that came of the wheel was shocking - the screen wipe started pure white and ended up pure black.
This morning, I was pleased to find that the stickyness on the wheel was non existant.
Many thanks for the suggestions guys!

[elbon50]

So you may be a mucky man but at least your hands are clean now Michael

[muckyman]

So you may be a mucky man but at least your hands are clean now Michael

but my mind is still filthy
(got the name several years ago when a girl commented 'you really are a mucky man!')

[Elliott_Knight]

well, following the suggestions of using a baby wipe or a KFC hand wipe (which I had neither of), I gave the wheel a good rub down with a screen-wipe last night.
The amount of dirt that came of the wheel was shocking - the screen wipe started pure white and ended up pure black.
This morning, I was pleased to find that the stickyness on the wheel was non existant.
Many thanks for the suggestions guys!

When I bought my MR2 the steering wheel was mucky and the previous owner thought it was a goner... But with a good rub with fairy liquid and a kitchen sponge I got must of it off, then rubbed it with autoglim interior cleaner and it has come up like new.
There was a little blue coming off the wheel when cleaning and looked a bit scary, but it did no damage and really does come up like new

[elbon50]

well, following the suggestions of using a baby wipe or a KFC hand wipe (which I had neither of), I gave the wheel a good rub down with a screen-wipe last night.
The amount of dirt that came of the wheel was shocking - the screen wipe started pure white and ended up pure black.
This morning, I was pleased to find that the stickyness on the wheel was non existant.
Many thanks for the suggestions guys!

When I bought my MR2 the steering wheel was mucky and the previous owner thought it was a goner... But with a good rub with fairy liquid and a kitchen sponge I got must of it off, then rubbed it with autoglim interior cleaner and it has come up like new.
There was a little blue coming off the wheel when cleaning and looked a bit scary, but it did no damage and really does come up like new

Been driven for years by a mechanic with mucky hands ?

[pk_090]

I wouldnt use fairy liquid, i made that mistake on an old steering wheel,, and when it came to winter and there was condensation in the air, and sweat also my hands soon got suddy.