Suede Steering wheel maintenance

Teem0s42 · 08-09-2017, 07:38 PM

Just swapped my leather steering wheel/shifter knob for the suede one.... never had suede before so I don't really know how to maintain it... Anyone with experience care to share some advice??

KirkH · 08-09-2017, 09:20 PM

First, you need a suede brush. It has 3 sides: brass bristles, plastic bristles and rubber nubs. Usually the brush and distilled water is all you need to remove any dirt. For stains, you will need Kiwi or Scotchguard brand cleaners made for suede. There are some protectants you can get. They will be for Nubuck shoes.

Since it is a steering wheel, you're going to get a lot of oil and grease on it. You might consider driving gloves. I love driving gloves for better grip on the wheel.

cmeJATT · 08-09-2017, 09:57 PM

I want to change my steering wheel as well, but it's pain to keep it clean .. I currently have suede knob and its in rough shape .. had it only for few months .

LS6-M22 · 08-10-2017, 01:46 AM

For anyone really concerned about maintaining the life of your suede steering wheel and shifter I recommend getting a good pair or leather driving gloves. I bought a pair off amazon for less then $40. It keeps the sweat and dirt from our hands off the wheel!

Bad Anvil Garage · 08-10-2017, 08:16 AM

Its not actually suede. That would degrade pretty rapidly. The material is called 'alcantara' and is 100% man-made. 68% polyester and 32% polyurethane.

I try not to hold it in the same place all the time, moving my hands frequently when driving. Wash your hands before you drive and it should hold up a long time. I wouldn't recommend a suede brush on it either... may do more harm than good. Compressed air maybe...

Glen e · 08-10-2017, 08:19 AM

Don't pay for fancy lotions/cleaners, lots of pros use diluted woolite from the grocery store. Mix, wipe, and and scrub with a MF towel.

ninetres · 08-10-2017, 10:01 AM

If mine looks to need freshening up at some point, I plan on using a soft bristled suede brush. I have them for shoes. They can possibly do damage as the are VERY soft.

If it ever actually needs cleaning I'll start with damp microfiber. If that isn't enough Sonax offers an Alcantera cleaner. But for the record I've NEVER seen the word Alcantera used at GM. I've seen "micro suede" I believe it was.

KirkH · 08-10-2017, 10:57 AM

Alcantara is different than suede, and more easily cleaned. I like Dr. Beasley's for alcantara.

http://www.autogeek.net/dr-beasleys-suede-clean.html

Marty McFlew · 08-10-2017, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teem0s42

Just swapped my leather steering wheel/shifter knob for the suede one.... never had suede before so I don't really know how to maintain it... Anyone with experience care to share some advice??

Wear leather gloves to make it last longer and stay clean.

Been wearing leather gloves since my 2011 Camaro.

Sub · 08-10-2017, 12:53 PM

I think I saw a youtube writeup once that totally brought nasty microseude back to life. Can't find it now.

thescreensavers · 08-10-2017, 01:23 PM

I use a horse hair brush and Glen E's woolite water mix works great.

Adam's Polishes · 08-10-2017, 04:45 PM

Check out this thread, it may help you!

http://www.adamsforums.com/topic/916...rior-surfaces/

08-09-2017, 07:38 PM	#1
Teem0s42 Drives: 2017 2SS Camaro Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Temple City, CA Posts: 212 View My Garage	Suede Steering wheel maintenance Just swapped my leather steering wheel/shifter knob for the suede one.... never had suede before so I don't really know how to maintain it... Anyone with experience care to share some advice??

08-09-2017, 09:20 PM	#2
KirkH Drives: 2016 2SS M6 Mosaic Blk Met-SOLD Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: KY Posts: 2,934	First, you need a suede brush. It has 3 sides: brass bristles, plastic bristles and rubber nubs. Usually the brush and distilled water is all you need to remove any dirt. For stains, you will need Kiwi or Scotchguard brand cleaners made for suede. There are some protectants you can get. They will be for Nubuck shoes. Since it is a steering wheel, you're going to get a lot of oil and grease on it. You might consider driving gloves. I love driving gloves for better grip on the wheel. __________________ Official Detailer of CamaroFest 8 & 9 https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...st-8-pics.html https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...=521655&page=1 https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...=547470&page=1 https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527474 No one on Earth has detailed more Camaros. http://KirkTheDetailer.com

08-10-2017, 08:19 AM	#6
Glen e Retired from Car mfrs.... Drives: 2LT RS/HR-V Join Date: May 2013 Location: /Fort Lauderdale Posts: 10,044	Don't pay for fancy lotions/cleaners, lots of pros use diluted woolite from the grocery store. Mix, wipe, and and scrub with a MF towel. __________________ Glen CLICK HERE for detailing a new car: detailing for non detailers CLICK HERE for how to rinseless CLICK HERE for EASY wheel sealant

08-10-2017, 10:57 AM	#8
KirkH Drives: 2016 2SS M6 Mosaic Blk Met-SOLD Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: KY Posts: 2,934	Alcantara is different than suede, and more easily cleaned. I like Dr. Beasley's for alcantara. http://www.autogeek.net/dr-beasleys-suede-clean.html __________________ Official Detailer of CamaroFest 8 & 9 https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...st-8-pics.html https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...=521655&page=1 https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showt...=547470&page=1 https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527474 No one on Earth has detailed more Camaros. http://KirkTheDetailer.com

08-10-2017, 12:53 PM	#10
Sub Drives: 2017 ZL1 Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Ny Posts: 859	I think I saw a youtube writeup once that totally brought nasty microseude back to life. Can't find it now. __________________ My Car Blog and mods. Previous Chevys: 2016 2ss, 2015 C7 z51, 2004 C5 Z06

08-09-2017, 09:57 PM	#3
cmeJATT Drives: CAMARO Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: USA Posts: 1,392	I want to change my steering wheel as well, but it's pain to keep it clean .. I currently have suede knob and its in rough shape .. had it only for few months .

08-10-2017, 01:46 AM	#4
LS6-M22 Rockcrusher Drives: 2017 SS 1LE Join Date: May 2009 Location: Spring Hill FL Posts: 424	For anyone really concerned about maintaining the life of your suede steering wheel and shifter I recommend getting a good pair or leather driving gloves. I bought a pair off amazon for less then $40. It keeps the sweat and dirt from our hands off the wheel!

08-10-2017, 08:16 AM	#5
Bad Anvil Garage Drives: 2000 GMPPSV SS & 2020 2SS Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Zionsville, IN Posts: 679	Its not actually suede. That would degrade pretty rapidly. The material is called 'alcantara' and is 100% man-made. 68% polyester and 32% polyurethane. I try not to hold it in the same place all the time, moving my hands frequently when driving. Wash your hands before you drive and it should hold up a long time. I wouldn't recommend a suede brush on it either... may do more harm than good. Compressed air maybe...

08-10-2017, 10:01 AM	#7
ninetres Drives: Crush ZLE M6 \| 2000 Corvette FRC Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Cencal Posts: 1,659	If mine looks to need freshening up at some point, I plan on using a soft bristled suede brush. I have them for shoes. They can possibly do damage as the are VERY soft. If it ever actually needs cleaning I'll start with damp microfiber. If that isn't enough Sonax offers an Alcantera cleaner. But for the record I've NEVER seen the word Alcantera used at GM. I've seen "micro suede" I believe it was.

08-10-2017, 01:23 PM	#11
thescreensavers Drives: SW 1SS 1LE / Jeep XJ Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: WPB,FL Posts: 799	I use a horse hair brush and Glen E's woolite water mix works great.

08-10-2017, 04:45 PM	#12
Adam's Polishes Drives: The shiny ones. Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: In the detail shop! Posts: 5,979	Check out this thread, it may help you! http://www.adamsforums.com/topic/916...rior-surfaces/

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