I tried today with no luck while detailing the rig.

My steering wheel is covered in caked on dirt/grime, I can't scrape it off without damaging the rubber on the wheel. What would be a good product to use on it? I don't have anything that fits the bill in my arsenal.

 

baby oil is what i usually use but i dont have a lot of built up stuff on it. its cheap though and shines everything to make it look like its wet

 

I've dealt with that myself. Try to apply some type of gentle degreaser (dish detergent, for instance) that can penetrate and let it soak in a bit. It'll take some elbow grease (no pun intended) and a few applications to rub it off. Years of sweaty, grimy hands really builds up that crud.

 

You try Simple Green? I would probably dilute it a bit, then let it soak.

 

I've used rubbing alcohol to get it off.

 

You probably have the same wheel I do.
Mine was very groady when I got the rig.
Tried cleaning it and the blue came off on the rag.

Best thing to do with that stock wheel is to cover it with a Wheelskins cover.

Mine is the EuroTone two color one.
http://www.pnw4runners.com/tando/mod37j.jpg
http://pnw4runners.com/tando/mod11a.jpg

I clean it with that leather conditioner and cleaner that Jason B uses, and it is made by Lexol.

 

I have a leather steering wheel cover, but that too gets dirty. Sooo... I prefer to use citrus all purpose cleaner. Just like mentioned above, let it soak and rub it out using a clean part of a rag for each wipe.

Hope that helps

 

I like how everyone does something different

 

Looking through that Wheelskins website Corey, I was a little creeped out by 'Uncle Val'



It's time they get a new spokesperson, Uncle Val freaks me out.

 

another option is "Goo-Gone" I think it is called that. You can get it at home depot. Works pretty well, and it is citrus based I believe.

 

Citrus based cleaners is the key. It helps break down all the oils that mix with the dirt and cling to your wheel. Goo Gone, or even the generic orange cleaners from places like Safeway or Vons, etc..

 

I use just about any kind of household spray cleaner on my steering wheel. At times it has a good bit of buildup but probably not near as much as you're talking about. It'll take some pretty hard rubbing but I say just bite the bullet and 'get 'er done'and keep it in decent condition in the future.

GB

 

I just use whatever is in my hand at the time. Usually windex or 409.

 

my neighbors always give me weird looks when I'm cleaning the center of my steering wheel

 

Where do you get rubbing alcohol?

 

Grocery stores, pharmacies, wallyworld.

You also might try a lanolin based hand cleaner. It's also great for removing tar from the side of your vehicle without damaging the paint. Get it at an auto supply store.