I'm interested to know if anyone has tried this method and how did it turn out? I'm trying to restore the leather steering wheel because I want it to look good, but more importantly, I've been noticing that I've been loosing grip while turning with one hand. Please let me know if this is a good idea. Thanks! How to: Restore your Leather Steering Wheel (for $4) - Chevrolet Colorado & GMC Canyon Forum
Interesting - I'd never thought about doing that - so I haven't personally. While it looks like it worked VERY WELL for the folks in that thread, I'd suggest a bit of caution - the Magic Eraser and similar products are very fine abrasives - like very fine grit wet sandpaper. That's how they work. So while they will indeed remove the top layer of grunge off your leather, they'll also remove any top layer of urethane sealer that may have been put there on purpose... and they'll also remove the top layer of leather. I'm not saying "don't do this"... I'm just saying be aware of what you're doing before you do it. I personally would probably try this myself if I had a crappy feeling steering wheel that I had been unable to get back to feeling like "leather" any other way. But I would NEVER use the Magic Eraser on a leather seating surface, etc. Fast way to screw up good leather. I don't know if the plain-ole OEM MINI wheels are urethane coated or not - they kinda feel like it. So I'm not sure what you'll end up with when you "sand" them....
A very insightful response. I think you've convinced me to try it myself. My main priority is to regain some grip to the steering wheel to avoid unnecessary accidents. I will report back after trying this possibly near the end of the week.
Both hands on the wheel eliminates slipping hands. :wink: I refinished an aftermarket wheel I found in a boneyard for my MG. Can't remember who offered the kit, but it worked very well. Good luck on your project.
To me, this is like blasting carpeted mats with the high-pressure hose at coin-op washes... If the mats are so screwed up that you are considering throwing 'em away and buying new ones, what can it hurt? If it cleans up your wheel and you get a few more years out of it before refinishing/recovering is needed, why not? I might suggest attempting this in 2 or 3 stages over several days. Try a gentle cleaning all over the wheel on day 1, doing less rubbing than you think is necessary to do the job. Then dry the wheel carefully and let it sit overnight to get thoroughly dry. Assess your work the next morning and try again on day 2, again stopping short of where you think you might need to be. Repeat as needed. This might prevent you from excess abrasion of the leather's outer surfaces. Like wet sanding a finish, you want to do JUST enough sanding to get the desired result and no more. The more you sand, the more you risk sanding through the finish. Once you get to a happy point, I might recommend a good leather specific treatment like Zaino's leather (my favorite, but expensive and you have to order online) or any leather specific treatment you can find locally. The 303 is a generic protectant and won't have the moisturizers that a natural product like leather will need.
I have been very happy with the results of a couple of leather cleaners.....even on a very grungy looking wheel. Have you tried any of the leather cleaners yet?
If the wheel is coated a leather cleaner won't be as good as good old 409. I'll give this a try on in a small spot on Julie's wheel next week.
I haven't tried that yet and I almost did yesterday but I held off hoping to see if I get more feedback on here. Also, if you have any brands you'd recommend, I'd be open to suggestions.
:cornut: Being an old soldier, you can't hardly beat saddle soap to remove the grunge and help restore the leather. Several soap sessions and after thoroughly drying, a rub down with a very small amount of mink oil. Old soldier method and not the 'new wave' answer but very effective. Jason
I would say it's pretty good. I wouldn't say my steering wheel looks brand new, but it definitely took the shiny plastic look away. I'm waiting to see the effects after a few days. I might still want to add leather conditioner. Here are the results:
Careful when you put a conditioner on there. Some are quite slippery and well... Nothing like going into a corner and having your hands slide off the wheel.
Not as long as you condition the wheel right after clean it you won't have a problem. I also have a JCW Alcantara wheel so only the 9 & 3 positions need cleaning.