Cleaning The JCW Alcantara Steering Wheel

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  1. #1
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    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 -



    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.



    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.



    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...



    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!







    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

    Bryce

    Devilish Detailing

  2. #2
    MINI Obsessed Craig's Avatar
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    Great guide Bryce . I just need to save up for an upgrade to my steering wheel


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  3. #3
    Site Owner badwolf340's Avatar
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    Great write up ,will have to try this and see if it will bring back my M wheel
    The cars in front are New MINI Scotland

  4. #4
    Site Owner MINI William's Avatar
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    Great right up Bryce. Would a similar method work on seats?
    Racing Grey F56 JCW GP 0370 - Chilli Red Mirror Caps, Custom OHC Alcantara Steering Wheel, Motech Performance By PiperCross Panel Filter, Custom GP Steering Wheel Spoke, Custom GP Stitched Carbon Side Scuttles, JCW Pro Mats, RSI C6 Carbonfibre Scoop, JCW Pro Stitched Carbon Boot Handle

    Ice Blue R55 Clubvan - JCW Shiftlight, JCW Carbon Fibe Handbrake, JCW Carbon Fibre Dash, JCW Steering Wheel, Recaro JCW Sportster CS, CoolerWorx ShortShifter, BC Racing Coilovers, JCW Brembo 4pots, HEL Braided Lines, JCW Front Bumper, MINI Challenge Splitter, White Rota Blitz

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by MINI William View Post
    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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  6. #6
    JCW Upgrade Blueboy's Avatar
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    Great bit of info!

  7. #7
    One half of Gobi and Sahara EcosseGP's Avatar
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    Top tip
    You only need two tools in life WD40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should use WD40 and if it moves and shouldn't use Duct Tape.

  8. #8
    Mark Johnston
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    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.

  9. #9
    Site Owner MINI William's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bryce@DevilishDetailing View Post
    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.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Thanks
    Racing Grey F56 JCW GP 0370 - Chilli Red Mirror Caps, Custom OHC Alcantara Steering Wheel, Motech Performance By PiperCross Panel Filter, Custom GP Steering Wheel Spoke, Custom GP Stitched Carbon Side Scuttles, JCW Pro Mats, RSI C6 Carbonfibre Scoop, JCW Pro Stitched Carbon Boot Handle

    Ice Blue R55 Clubvan - JCW Shiftlight, JCW Carbon Fibe Handbrake, JCW Carbon Fibre Dash, JCW Steering Wheel, Recaro JCW Sportster CS, CoolerWorx ShortShifter, BC Racing Coilovers, JCW Brembo 4pots, HEL Braided Lines, JCW Front Bumper, MINI Challenge Splitter, White Rota Blitz

  10. #10
    Under Investigation
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    Quote Originally Posted by M600-RKJ View Post
    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!

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