DIY: Restore Your Alcantara Steering Wheel doityourself

[zhp43867]

When I bought my car 18 months ago, it had a very oily, nasty looking thing on it that I steered the car with. :blink Disgusting.

So I went at it with some tips I found on the net and decided I'll post a semi-competent DIY for restoring the ZHPs smexy Alcantara steering wheel. Sorry I did not take pictures while I did this, it was a while ago.

Materials:

- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (Original version only)
- Damp bath towel(s)
- Suede/Alcantara shoe cleaner (optional)
- Lint Remover (optional) (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574947307&toolid=10001&campid=5336776893&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2FFabric-Sweater-Clothes-Lint-Remover-Fuzz-Pill-shaver-Pk-%2F260673370075%3Fpt%3DLH_DefaultDomain_0%26hash%3 Ditem3cb157f7db%23ht_1466wt_1027)


Before:

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/176/p1020817y.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9471/p1020818.jpg

1. Survey your steering wheel. Mine was very, very oily but the fabric itself was not deteriorating (on first glance it looked like it was). If your fabric is deteriorating, it may be best to not do this DIY.

2. With warm tap water, get your bath towel damp, and wring it out. Using almost no pressure; wipe the steering wheel. I preferred to go in a circle following the wheel. This should get the heaviest, grossest stuff off.

*3. Spray with Alcantara cleaner, let it foam, then use the included little plastic brush to rub the Alcantara in a circular fashion (again following the steering wheel). This will cause raised nubs of Alcanatara to form, so wipe very lightly, and pay attention to your fabric while you are in progress.

*4. Use the lint remover to buzz off and catch the little nubs you made with the Alcantara cleaner. You can also use a blade if you are very careful.

5. Use the Magic Eraser- dampened as per the directions, and again rub the steering wheel in a circular motion, with little to no pressure. Go back and forth on the areas near the buttons, trim, etc. When the wheel is dark grey and satisfactory looking, let it sit for 1-2 hours before driving it, wet Alcantara is very fragile.

*Optional steps. I would recommend doing steps 1, 2, and 5 first. I'm not really sure if 3 and 4 did anything. Maybe they did... no way to know.

After:

Still slightly damp:

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/6636/p1020834y.jpg

~One year later
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8938/p1040869x.jpg

What it looked like when I sold it- hadn't been wiped down for ~20k miles.

http://a.imageshack.us/img291/4424/p1050355b.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img137/332/p1050356fk.jpg

I recommend doing just the wet rag every 10k or so miles, or when you see a slight oily base starting to form again.

[Linh]

Nice work, looks a lot better!

[pyreguy]

I will have to try this on my driver seat at the edge where its worn from getting in and out! Excellent!!!

[mimalmo]

I need to do this.

[3ZHP]

I'll have to try the Alcantara cleaner. Mine's not oily but no where near as full and almost fluffy as it felt when I bought it with 27K on it. Does the cleaner make it feel more natural, like the shift and brake boot?

[zhp43867]

I will have to try this on my driver seat at the edge where its worn from getting in and out! Excellent!!!

It's a little different there, that's generally not oil and wear, it's just wear. This won't replace fabric that is no longer there. I may wipe it down gently and try the Alcantara cleaner with the light brush, skip the magic eraser on the seat. Be careful though.

[pyreguy]

I actually very excited about this thread. I was already pricing a replacement leather steering wheel for when the time comes. Fortunately for me, the PO wore gloves when he drove to try to preserve the wheel, and it did a good job. But I refuse to do that and can already see a difference. But I love the way it feels and like that you never never see alcantara steering wheels in other cars. While that may be for a good reason :p, I still like the uniqueness. I would much rather be able to keep it looking sharp than replacing it!

[zhp43867]

I'll have to try the Alcantara cleaner. Mine's not oily but now where near as full and almost fluffy as it felt when I bought it with 27K on it. Does the cleaner make it feel more natural, like the shift and brake boot?

It's kind of stiff-ish (not really) for about a day, then I think it's softer than before the cleaning.

[pyreguy]

It's a little different there, that's generally not oil and wear, it's just wear. This won't replace fabric that is no longer there. I may wipe it down gently and try the Alcantara cleaner with the light brush, skip the magic eraser on the seat. Be careful though.

Will do! When I do it I will take some before and after pics for y'all.

[Pooters]

I think you just saved me $800. I'm going to give it a shot Saturday.

[az3579]

A leather steering wheel is a better solution, IMO... that alcantara doesn't wear well whatsoever.
Just ask my seat bolsters. :(

[MrMaico]

I was really surprised how well a little cleaning can change a wheel that looks beyond help into almost like new. I also was thinking it was time for a new wheel or a re-wrap.

Here are my before and after pics. I used some Dawn dish soap on the wet rag on mine but unless your wheel is really bad you should try it just wet first.

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Misc/IMG0325/780905554_nJUeR-XL.jpg

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-333Ci/IMG0370/719930028_6Ujw9-XL.jpg
Surprisingly, even that thin spot on the lower left got a lot less noticeable after a month or so.

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-333Ci/IMG0372/719930186_BRXh6-XL.jpg

[pyreguy]

Very nice! That made a huge difference.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Wow. That looks a lot better.

[kayger12]

Nice job. Alcantara wheels look great when they're clean.

[Mtnman]

100101

Damnit, like i had nothing else to do today. You guys motivated me. my wheel was not bad, at least i didnt think so. it was the same as when i bought the car. it felt more like leather than alcantra. After hearing about these buttery soft wheels, i had to do it. I used a magic eraser, and a moist cloth with just water. I need to get the little lint remover on it, but here is a before and after.

[az3579]

I used a magic eraser, and a moist cloth with just water. I need to get the little lint remover on it, but here is a before and after.

That's it. I just discovered from my friend that magic eraser works magic on alcantara. I'm going to try it on my seats. He says it will get rid of all the alcanatara-balls that form from use.

[danewilson77]

That came out really nice. Well done my friend.

[adb1028]

My wheel is pretty bad. It's completely matted down at the top and feels like a sponge. I'll do this before I sell it, M3 Tri-Stitch is already on its way!

[johnnye23]

Great thread ! Now I have another item for the To Do List !

[JohnnyGraphic]

My first steering wheel got pretty bad. My hands sweat quite profusely-very embarrassing. So, after the dealership replaced it with a new one, I resigned myself to wearing leather gloves on any longer drives.

These are the best I've found: http://www.leatherglovesonline.com/np/MensGloves-ByStyle-Driving-ed3413.htm#page=details.

Custom size (vs. the usual med/large) and the lambskin is extremely soft!!! Not terribly too expensive either!

If/when you do clean your steering wheel, make sure you go very easy on the fabric. Don't rub too hard.

Johnny

[adb1028]

Wish i took a picture of the disgusting brown bucket of water I had after I did this. It was quite impressive, in a gross way.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

For some of the new members on the site.

Bump.

[florida2002m3]

Found this as well, for the more destroyed wheels.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=570659

[MrMaico]

Found this as well, for the more destroyed wheels.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=570659

That thread was started by Mike (www.cobywheel.com (http://www.cobywheel.com)) one of our sponsors. You'd need a lot more talent and patience to do it yourself than I have. Check out this thread for more info and a 10% ZHPMafia discount. There are pics of my wheel that he recovered for me there also.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?1155-New-Affiliate-Advertiser-Coby-Wheel-Mention-ZHP-Mafia-for-a-10-discount

Barry

p.s. Welcome to the site. I'd like to see some pics of that 2002 as well as the ZHP.

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-333Ci/IMG0749/1196329053_UFqXN-L.jpg

[Acyd]

When i get the money im def going to buy a rewrapped wheel, shift boot, and ebrake boot from Coby. Think im going black alcantara.

[johnnyrad]

Dude great post, simple and it works. I did mine this weekend and I used the wet towel with water and finished with the magic eraser and it looks alive again. The steering wheel was the only neglected thing on my car when I bought it and now it looks priceless.

[mimalmo]

Just cleaned mine with the wet towel and was amazed at the difference. The towel is now full of nasty dirt and oil so make sure to use a clean towel but one that you are OK with getting dirty.

[danewilson77]

Just cleaned mine with the wet towel and was amazed at the difference. The towel is now full of nasty dirt and oil so make sure to use a clean towel but one that you are OK with getting dirty.

Before and after pics....or you are indeed, the ultimate sooth sayer.

[mimalmo]

Didn't do a before pic. :/

[danewilson77]

Didn't do a before pic. :/

No worries brah.....just playin.

[mimalmo]

Though I am still trying to figure out what a clean steering wheel has to do with fortune telling. :p

[danewilson77]

Sooth sayer = liar? no?

[mimalmo]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=soothsayer

[pyreguy]

Haha nice. Can you do that little google graphic for anything?

Edit.... Just saw that was a link for a site that, I bet, will do that for anything... :biggrin

Sent using alien technology and Forum Runner

[danewilson77]

Yeah....that's old school pwnage right there. You can do it for anything.

Droid! Srs Legitness!

[nike001]

To anyone even pondering this..Even if it doesn't completely restore your wheel, Just be happy it gets all of THIS out:
http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo37/bsktsk8ter9/ed3daac2.jpg

[lilcdkey]

Great DIY! I'll probably end up doing this eventually, my steering wheel is still fresh though.

[GMATT]

Hi Thanks, Just did this to my wheel and the results are amazing! Thought I was going to have to replace/recover my wheel, after doing this cleaning, wheel is in very nice condition. Props to the op, for this DIY:)

Gary

[lilcdkey]

another great diy from our sponsors, http://cobywheel.com/diy%20files/cleaning%20alcantara.pdf

[mimalmo]

Since I did the cleaning on mine, I used this to remove all of the tufts & pills of alcantara.

http://www.amazon.com/Remington-Battery-Operated-Fabric-Shaver/dp/B0034BV6KA/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1309746385&sr=1-1


Steering wheel is like new again.

[JHiggy]

Great DIY. Used it with excellent results. Appreciate you taking the time to knock this out.

[HokieZHP]

I think I am going to tackle this tonight or sometime this week. Is there a certain reason why any magic eraser can't be used? What's different about the original one? I want to make sure I get the right one.

[ironfist]

This thread is great!

I just got a ZHP and have been working on restoring it. The wheel was looking pathetic - worn down and caked with hand grease. The Alcantara website states you can just put the fabric in the washing machine with a neutral detergent. From that I figured there wouldn't be a need for any fancy cleaners, so I just wiped the wheel down with a mix of about a teaspoon of wool/delicate detergent (like woolite) in a gallon of warm water using a white hand towel. Then I did a rinse wipe with just water. It was much better when dried, but then a lot of the greasy spots were still matted down. I tried a second wipe down a couple days later, and also used the Mr clean magic eraser. It got all the grease out, but I must have wiped too hard, because some of the loose fabric pilled up in spots. I was kinda worried about that, because it ended up looking worse that when I started. So I used a lint trimmer ( I heard the remington was reliable and wouldn't cut holes in the fabric, so I went with that) to shave down the parts that had pilled up and wow, good as new! It looks and feels just as smooth as the alcantara on the shift boot.

Lessons learned: just a simple wipe down with a little woolite in a bucket of water is probably sufficient, just be patient and wipe it very gently with small circular movements. The remington lint remover works great on the pilled areas that are left over. Works good on the rough areas on seats as well, just be very gentle and I'd imagine you should try to avoid trimming over the laces. I feel much better about the wheel now - at first it was an eyesore, now I love it!

- Neal

[MrMaico]

This thread is great!

I just got a ZHP and have been working on restoring it. The wheel was looking pathetic - worn down and caked with hand grease. The Alcantara website states you can just put the fabric in the washing machine with a neutral detergent. From that I figured there wouldn't be a need for any fancy cleaners, so I just wiped the wheel down with a mix of about a teaspoon of wool/delicate detergent (like woolite) in a gallon of warm water using a white hand towel. Then I did a rinse wipe with just water. It was much better when dried, but then a lot of the greasy spots were still matted down. I tried a second wipe down a couple days later, and also used the Mr clean magic eraser. It got all the grease out, but I must have wiped too hard, because some of the loose fabric pilled up in spots. I was kinda worried about that, because it ended up looking worse that when I started. So I used a lint trimmer ( I heard the remington was reliable and wouldn't cut holes in the fabric, so I went with that) to shave down the parts that had pilled up and wow, good as new! It looks and feels just as smooth as the alcantara on the shift boot.

Lessons learned: just a simple wipe down with a little woolite in a bucket of water is probably sufficient, just be patient and wipe it very gently with small circular movements. The remington lint remover works great on the pilled areas that are left over. Works good on the rough areas on seats as well, just be very gentle and I'd imagine you should try to avoid trimming over the laces. I feel much better about the wheel now - at first it was an eyesore, now I love it!

- Neal

Nice work! Got pics?

Barry

[webster]

bought a magic eraser, a fingernail brush AND a remington fabric shaver this weekend. bout to crack a beer and do this DIY right now.

[bullfrogs_M3]

Subscribed so I can do this, this weekend!

[s!ke]

I tried it tonight, but didn't come out like I had hoped... Maybe mine just wasn't THAT bad... Mine still looked nice so maybe I did it too soon.

[titaniumair]

I also used Woolite (extra delicate care version) in about an 8:1. I applied it to the wheel using a soft makeup brush and went to town. Just kept going at it until my microfiber no longer turned brown when soaking up the dirty runoff. The Woolite kept the alcantara soft and supple...came out great. Woolite is also great on leather seats and carpeting.

[PKR]

So you used the brush to soak the wheel (in sections, I assume) and then dried the wheel by blotting with mf ?

[titaniumair]

So you used the brush to soak the wheel (in sections, I assume) and then dried the wheel by blotting with mf ?

Yep, that's precisely what I did. I think they key is to use woolite and find a brush that's firm enough to get into the nap yet soft enough not to damage the alcantara.

[morraz3]

Decided to take on this task today. These are pics of the aftermath, both sides of the towel after I was done cleaning. It was long over due..sweating hands while driving because of all that gunk was definitely uncomfortable.
33113312

[danewilson77]

Pic of wheel?

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[PHZ]

what alcantata/suede cleaner did you use?


When I bought my car 18 months ago, it had a very oily, nasty looking thing on it that I steered the car with. :blink Disgusting.

So I went at it with some tips I found on the net and decided I'll post a semi-competent DIY for restoring the ZHPs smexy Alcantara steering wheel. Sorry I did not take pictures while I did this, it was a while ago.

Materials:

- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (Original version only)
- Damp bath towel(s)
- Suede/Alcantara shoe cleaner (optional)
- Lint Remover (optional) (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574947307&toolid=10001&campid=5336776893&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2FFabric-Sweater-Clothes-Lint-Remover-Fuzz-Pill-shaver-Pk-%2F260673370075%3Fpt%3DLH_DefaultDomain_0%26hash%3 Ditem3cb157f7db%23ht_1466wt_1027)


Before:

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/176/p1020817y.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/9471/p1020818.jpg

1. Survey your steering wheel. Mine was very, very oily but the fabric itself was not deteriorating (on first glance it looked like it was). If your fabric is deteriorating, it may be best to not do this DIY.

2. With warm tap water, get your bath towel damp, and wring it out. Using almost no pressure; wipe the steering wheel. I preferred to go in a circle following the wheel. This should get the heaviest, grossest stuff off.

*3. Spray with Alcantara cleaner, let it foam, then use the included little plastic brush to rub the Alcantara in a circular fashion (again following the steering wheel). This will cause raised nubs of Alcanatara to form, so wipe very lightly, and pay attention to your fabric while you are in progress.

*4. Use the lint remover to buzz off and catch the little nubs you made with the Alcantara cleaner. You can also use a blade if you are very careful.

5. Use the Magic Eraser- dampened as per the directions, and again rub the steering wheel in a circular motion, with little to no pressure. Go back and forth on the areas near the buttons, trim, etc. When the wheel is dark grey and satisfactory looking, let it sit for 1-2 hours before driving it, wet Alcantara is very fragile.

*Optional steps. I would recommend doing steps 1, 2, and 5 first. I'm not really sure if 3 and 4 did anything. Maybe they did... no way to know.

After:

Still slightly damp:

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/6636/p1020834y.jpg

~One year later
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8938/p1040869x.jpg

What it looked like when I sold it- hadn't been wiped down for ~20k miles.

http://a.imageshack.us/img291/4424/p1050355b.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img137/332/p1050356fk.jpg

I recommend doing just the wet rag every 10k or so miles, or when you see a slight oily base starting to form again.

[Torxuvin]

I wonder if this would work on my seats, shift boot, and ebrake boots. I have a few stains. Any thoughts?

[Pip]

I wonder if this would work on my seats, shift boot, and ebrake boots. I have a few stains. Any thoughts?

It'll work :) I cleaned mine up the other day when I had the center console apart. Used a magic eraser and warm wet cloth.

[Torxuvin]

It'll work :) I cleaned mine up the other day when I had the center console apart. Used a magic eraser and warm wet cloth.

Awesome. Oh, I'm excited. I will add it to my "to do" list for Friday. First wash and wax for the new car!

[Imola.ZHP]

Thanks for posting this!

I just did the Magic Eraser only... My wheel was not as bad as OP's, but still needed cleaning. I first did it dry (whoops!), didn't see much results, then damp and WOW! It's like a brand new wheel! I wish I had taken before and after pics, it removed 3 flat spots. I then pulled and cleaned the shift boot and parking break boot... LOOKS GREAT!

[Enemy]

Thanks for sharing. Will try this soon.

[ELCID86]

Just cleaned mine. Drying now. Any thoughts on using Scotchgard Suede & Newbuck Protector?
http://www.scotchgard.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NAScotchgard/Global/Products/Product_Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U523005FA0IQ73MR5E1AJ1000000_nid=7RGCPKM VRXgsDZQG2JGH6Wgl1G8M84TZQNbl

[danewilson77]

It's a little different there, that's generally not oil and wear, it's just wear. This won't replace fabric that is no longer there. I may wipe it down gently and try the Alcantara cleaner with the light brush, skip the magic eraser on the seat. Be careful though.

Derek, specifically, what was the foam alcantara cleaner you used here?

[alexandre]

PO used some kind of garbage cloth cleaner on my wheel and it's been like this ever since. I tried the magic cleaner/warm water combination to no avail. The fabric is clean, thick and I wouldn't consider a rewrap if not for all these little nibs everywhere.

Is this salvageable ? How would you approach it ?

http://imageshack.us/a/img11/9646/photo2013052665254pm.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img46/2094/photo2013052665300pm.jpg

[LouT]

8638I didn't think to get a before picture but I guarantee it looked similar to the pic in the original post. Here's the after, though, but it really doesn't do it justice. As Pooter replied, thanks for saving me a bunch o'bucks!

[danewilson77]

PO used some kind of garbage cloth cleaner on my wheel and it's been like this ever since. I tried the magic cleaner/warm water combination to no avail. The fabric is clean, thick and I wouldn't consider a rewrap if not for all these little nibs everywhere.

Is this salvageable ? How would you approach it ?

http://imageshack.us/a/img11/9646/photo2013052665254pm.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img46/2094/photo2013052665300pm.jpg

You need a lint shaver IMHO.

HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA

[QC_ZHP]

http://s12.postimg.org/wvshfpi59/steeringwheel2.jpg

Tried this out and it really revives the Alcantara, I'm loving it. Does anyone know if I could just pick up the bottom trim piece of the wheel? I have a chip out of mine and its really bugging me.

[BCS_ZHP]

Yes on lower trim piece, order from the dealer, its not too bad price-wise.

[QC_ZHP]

Yes on lower trim piece, order from the dealer, its not too bad price-wise.

You have a ballpark figure?

Sending in for some stickers soon if you're back from vacation.

[BCS_ZHP]

Wow, was I ever wrong. The lower cover is about $125 @ getbmwparts.com (Tischer) for a non-M car but 3 times that price for an M car. I think because we have the M in there we have the more expensive one. Ouch. Check with Coby.com, he might have one that someone turned in with a "core" return that he'd be willing to sell.

[blindside]

I've seen a few on other forums


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BCS_ZHP]

And yes, I still have plenty of ZHPMafia.com stickers, just PM me if you want some.
Bruce

[E_Rak]

Great video from Larry...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wROwSj7OJGg

I actually saw this car at Lime Rock last week.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/9301210479_350ff504ac_b.jpg

[derbo]

Larry is awesome. I've been watching his videos on Drive//Clean as well.

[PHZ]

Derek, specifically, what was the foam alcantara cleaner you used here?

X2

[PHZ]

X2

x3,x4

[PHZ]

Anyone know the specific cleaner??

[trancenation]

^+1 I'd like to know as well!

[Washburn]

IDK what Derek used, but this is one cleaner that's specific for alcantara:

http://www.amazon.com/RaceglazeUK-Ltd-RG15A-Alcantara-Cleaner/dp/B005AKBOTQ

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/raceglaze-alcantara-cleaner-lg.jpg

[trancenation]

^have you or anyone that you know of had experience with this particular product?

[Washburn]

No. But I intend to get some in the future. (I have a leather wheel, but alcantara seats)

[PHZ]

If anyone can find the product described in the post.........

[PHZ]

IDK what Derek used, but this is one cleaner that's specific for alcantara:

http://www.amazon.com/RaceglazeUK-Ltd-RG15A-Alcantara-Cleaner/dp/B005AKBOTQ

http://www.polishedbliss.co.uk/acatalog/raceglaze-alcantara-cleaner-lg.jpg

It doesn't look like this one "foams".... I believe the described earlier had foaming action.... I would bet the foam is key to deep cleaning.

[zhp43867]

Uhh... It was for shoe suede/Alcantara. Nothing special. Had a yellow cap. I believe it was made by Sof Sole but could be wrong. I dunno how much it helped, but it certainly helped create the need for the shaver. It was near impossible for me to tell which of the steps was most effective.

Any questions in the future, PM me! I haven't been monitoring this thread enough.

[MrMaico]

This stuff maybe?

https://sofsole.com/product/suede_and_nubuck_cleaner

https://sofsole.com/images/Products/sofsole/Shoecare/s-ncleaner/s-nCleaner-image-1.png

[Indvdl M]

This is first on my list when I pick up my car next weekend.

[eyeguy]

Great DIY! I bought this car a few months ago: one previous owner, almost 100k miles, although beautifully maintained it's still a 10 yr old daily driver with a cloth alcantara steering wheel. I love the alcantara but was about to order a new wheel (Coby re-wrap vs. leather - $900 now for perforated!) when I found this thread. The "before" pic was done in the daylight without flash but you can still easily see the oil matting and scaly appearance. I just did the warm microfiber towel "rinse" alternating with the Magic Eraser as recommended in gentle circular strokes - pilling was essentially nil, and it only took about 30 min. The "after" pic was done after dark with the flash so it looks more faded but there seemed to be no color loss and the fabric looks like NEW again. Thank you OP...now if could touch up the vinyl around the roundel, it has some surface wear. Anyone know if I can replace this cover or do I have to replace the entire airbag? Seems expensive...

So happy to be back in a ZHP again-

[ELCID86]

Nice work. Colin needs a re-do.


Tapatalk on iPad

[az3579]

After seeing a video posted by AmmoNYC about cleaning alcantara, I'm wary of brushing alcantara in circular strokes. In the video he says that the fibers tend to get intertwined, which causes the pilling to occur. Larry recommends brushing alcantara in straight lines only. Has anyone had issues with doing it in a circular fashion?

On a slightly unrelated note, it seems as though my alcantara is getting matted down extremely quickly; I can feel it when I lift my hand off the steering wheel. I just cleaned it a few weeks ago... what gives?

[cakM3]

After seeing a video posted by AmmoNYC about cleaning alcantara, I'm wary of brushing alcantara in circular strokes. In the video he says that the fibers tend to get intertwined, which causes the pilling to occur. Larry recommends brushing alcantara in straight lines only. Has anyone had issues with doing it in a circular fashion?

On a slightly unrelated note, it seems as though my alcantara is getting matted down extremely quickly; I can feel it when I lift my hand off the steering wheel. I just cleaned it a few weeks ago... what gives?

Your hands are sweaty, which is why your alcantara is getting matted down. Get a pair of leather driving gloves so you can look cool while driving and not matt down your steering wheel....;)

[Vas]

Keep your hands clean and oil free.

As far as cleaning, I had great results using the sonax alcantara cleaner.

[eyeguy]

Yeah this worked so well I had to go and look up Magic Eraser to make sure it doesn't contain some chemical that's going to give me cancer. Turns out it's just these melamine fibers which work like uber-fine 3000 grit sandpaper (the pore spaces are supposed to trap dirt also) - apparently you CAN scratch fine surfaces if you rub hard and I suppose similarly cause pilling of the alcantara. But I made sure the fabric was nicely water saturated and wet the eraser - I barely touched the wheel for the cleaning. I believe if you're patient and don't rub aggressively it won't matter the motion. In general I feel circular is a better "cleaning" motion - my 2 cents. In any case I don't think this 10 year old wheel was ever cleaned but there were no tears or missing material and it cleaned up just beautifully with no pilling. Also, I have used these eraser sponges on my boat when nothing else will clean the upholstery...

Anyone with thoughts on that airbag cover? I'm afraid to tamper or take the cover off - bad scenario it becomes faulty and worse scenario it explodes in my face. I've heard you can "re-dye" the cover - anyone done this?

[danewilson77]

You could buy a new airbag cover? There's no issue with taking it off. All of us with Cobywheel.com rewraps had to do this. I've not heard of issues here.

The friendliest forum on the planet.

[eyeguy]

What I've seen is replacing the whole airbag = $. Is it possible, and how difficult, to just replace the cover?

[MrMaico]

I don't think it's possible to just replace the cover. I know you can't buy them separately. Maybe some place that does vinyl repair could dye it.....worth a shot.

[danewilson77]

Bump.

[danewilson77]

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Imola%20Bimmer/20140726_154749.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/nicee46/media/Imola%20Bimmer/20140726_154749.jpg.html)

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Imola%20Bimmer/20140726_155627.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/nicee46/media/Imola%20Bimmer/20140726_155627.jpg.html)

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Imola%20Bimmer/20140726_155737.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/nicee46/media/Imola%20Bimmer/20140726_155737.jpg.html)

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Imola%20Bimmer/20140726_160619.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/nicee46/media/Imola%20Bimmer/20140726_160619.jpg.html)

[SoCalZman]

Wow. So black alcantara with a gray stripe at the top. Love it. I was set on buying a perforated leather wheel when it came time to replace mine but this looks really good

[danewilson77]

Yesssssss.

The friendliest forum on the planet!

[Imola.ZHP]

Looks amazing! I miss the days of getting a new steering wheel (for free) every two years. I think I got 3 out of my dealership.

[Bird-Dog]

Bumping a very worthwhile thread of old.

Glad I found this. My steering wheel was not too bad, but still much improved just with the damp hot towel treatment. I used the Magic Eraser too, but not sure it did much on this one. Later I also used some Alcantara cleaner just to be sure (see below), and my steering wheel literally looks and feels like new!

The wheel on my son's ZHP, OTOH, was so far gone it was hard and crusty. When we bought that car a couple of months ago I told him we'd have to have the steering wheel recovered. Amazingly, we brought it back to life using the hot towel, Magic Eraser (and on this one it did pick up some additional grease with the M/E) AND Sonax Upholstery and Alcantara Cleaner I bought on Amazon. I didn't get photos, but before & afters looked pretty much like Mtnman's (above).

Frankly, once we got the process started with the damp towel, I think the Sonax did most of the heavy lifting. The wheel was still sticky with accumulated crude after 3 hot towel and Magic Eraser treatments (with the final one no longer yielding visible results). A couple of good rubdowns with the Sonax and a stiff brush, followed by damp towel "rinse" and that "too far gone to revive" steering wheel looks almost new!

I did not experience pilling on either of these, though I did buy a cheap fabric shaver in anticipation. I'd advise saving the bucks until after treatment to see if you even need it.

Anyway, great DIY! I strayed slightly from the OP's process... for one, I used a brush and got a little more vigorous scrubbing than was warned against doing, and with no resulting problem (YMMV). But, I probably wouldn't have even thought to try cleaning them up were it not for running across this thread. So, many thanks for saving us a few hundred bucks!

[Vas]

The sonax alcantara cleaner is very nice. I have used it before on the wheel and the seats.

[BADCLOWN]

my fabric is overall in really good shape. i honestly didn't think you could clean the fabric on these steering wheels without damaging it or "roughing it up".


going to give this a go when it gets warmer out and I'm sure ill be just as shocked/happy as prior testimonies have revealed.


thanks to the OP.

[AggieBlake]

I used this method a few days ago and it worked extremely well! I skipped the alcantara cleaner, but may try that later. I used clean bath towels that I dampened with hot water and then gently cleaned the wheel using circular motions. I went through 3 towels! Then I did the magic eraser in small circles. In hindsight, I should have done it in straight motions since this did create alcantara balls. But I went back with a lint remover and they cleaned up really well. I am amazed at the improvement. Just take your time and be thorough and you'll love the result!
Thanks OP!