Cleaning The JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel

[Bryce]

Hi Guys,

I thought I'd share a little something I did this morning with a spare 15 minutes I had. My steering wheel has picked up a lot of dirt and grime and is looking a little worn. Alcantara can be a little tricky to maintain but here is some tips.

The patient -

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s389/bryce92/IMG_5545_zpsfqenyyff.jpg (http://s1049.photobucket.com/user/bryce92/media/IMG_5545_zpsfqenyyff.jpg.html)

As you can see the Alcantara is matted. All the fibres are flattened and being held down by grime and oils.

As Alcantara is one of the most sensitive materials used in the manufacture of vehicles I thoroughly recommend you purchase a mild Alcantara specific product. My favourite by far is the Colourlock Sensitive Textile Cleaner which is gentle but effective but also low foaming, which means, there is no need for any heavy extraction or need for additional water which can have an adverse effect on Alcantara.

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s389/bryce92/IMG_5546_zpsmaedesnp.jpg (http://s1049.photobucket.com/user/bryce92/media/IMG_5546_zpsmaedesnp.jpg.html)

I start by lightly misting the product over the Alcantara surfaces and allowing a 2-3 minute dwell so the cleaners can get to work breaking down the grime and oils. This is then lightly agitated by a soft brush. There is no need for any stiff scrubbing brushes, this will only wear the material.

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s389/bryce92/IMG_5549_zpsuhe5cers.jpg (http://s1049.photobucket.com/user/bryce92/media/IMG_5549_zpsuhe5cers.jpg.html)

I then wrap a clean microfiber towel around the wheel and in an action as to rev a motorbike with light pressure, I work my way around the wheel to soak up the product and pull out the dirt.

Gross...

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s389/bryce92/IMG_5547_zpskix93dtb.jpg (http://s1049.photobucket.com/user/bryce92/media/IMG_5547_zpskix93dtb.jpg.html)

This is followed up by another clean microfiber towel in the same action to dry the material.

The result, a clean, non-matted steering wheel that feels brand new!

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s389/bryce92/IMG_5550_zps31t78wn9.jpg (http://s1049.photobucket.com/user/bryce92/media/IMG_5550_zps31t78wn9.jpg.html)

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s389/bryce92/JCW%20Collage_zps9plylgbq.jpg (http://s1049.photobucket.com/user/bryce92/media/JCW%20Collage_zps9plylgbq.jpg.html)

http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s389/bryce92/IMG_5552_zpsyydrpzuh.jpg (http://s1049.photobucket.com/user/bryce92/media/IMG_5552_zpsyydrpzuh.jpg.html)

With the gentle cleaning ability of the Colourlock solution, this can be used regularly to clean Alcantara. I would avoid any heavy cleaning solutions that are not Alcantara specific, It is a super sensitive material and the risk of damage is great.

Thanks for reading :thumbs up:

Bryce

Devilish Detailing

[Craig]

Great guide Bryce [emoji106]. I just need to save up for an upgrade to my steering wheel [emoji23][emoji2]


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[badwolf340]

Great write up ,will have to try this and see if it will bring back my M wheel

[MINI William]

Great right up Bryce. Would a similar method work on seats?

[Bryce]

Great right up Bryce. Would a similar method work on seats?

It will yes. The trick is to not over saturate the seats with the solution. Use a dab and twist method with the MF to remove solution. No aggressive rubbing.


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[Blueboy]

Great bit of info!

[EcosseGP]

Top tip [emoji106][emoji106]

[M600-RKJ]

Nothing more satisfying than cleaning up filthy alcantara. I remember we got an audi s line in as a trade in and the wheel was so filthy it looked like worn leather. A good bit of elbow grease and it looked brand new. My wrist was aching for days mind you haha.

[MINI William]

It will yes. The trick is to not over saturate the seats with the solution. Use a dab and twist method with the MF to remove solution. No aggressive rubbing.


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:thumbs up: Thanks

[Bryce]

Nothing more satisfying than cleaning up filthy alcantara. I remember we got an audi s line in as a trade in and the wheel was so filthy it looked like worn leather. A good bit of elbow grease and it looked brand new. My wrist was aching for days mind you haha.

I find any big turnarounds very satisfying. I remember we had an RS6 in and you could run your nail over the Alcantara seats and steering wheel and pull out a black gunge. The client was expecting to replace them but with some hard work and dedication, we were able to bring them up like new. Its all about the correct products and techniques!

[Mon the fish]

Great job, have ordered some of that stuff for myself [emoji106]

Have you/do you do leather repair/touch-up? I love seeing what can be done to old and cracked leather

[maxibaby01]

Great tutorial, thanks!
I've got two steering wheels with alcantara on them and this was my biggest fear, cleaning it!
I'll be ordering some of that cleaner pretty soon...[emoji4]



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[danny_hawkes]

I'll be trying that later cheers :thumbs up:

[Bryce]

Great job, have ordered some of that stuff for myself [emoji106]

Have you/do you do leather repair/touch-up? I love seeing what can be done to old and cracked leather

It is a string being added to my bow this year. I am actually hosting a leather repair training day on the 7th of March. Rich March is flying up from UK Detailing to take the class. If attending is something you would be interested in, let me know :)

- - - Updated - - -

Post up your before and after pics guys :thumbs up:

[Mon the fish]

Can't make that date, sorry but looking forward to seeing the results.

Did my wheel last night, but it was dark and the car is now back in storage so I've no idea how it turned out [emoji23]

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