Sticky Steering Wheel

Do not use rubbing alcohol to clean your steering wheel. Isopropyl alcohol has the potential to release plasticizers which make plastic and vinyl steering wheels more sticky, and will dry out leather.

First off, you'll want to figure out both the material of your steering wheel and the cause of the stickiness, as the solutions will vary greatly depending on the composition of the surface. The chart below should direct you to the best solution for the given material and likeliest culprit:

Material	Cause	Solution
Plastic	Dirt/Grime	Soapy Hot Water
Plastic	Heat	Plastic Conditioner
Leather	Dirt/Grime	Clean & Condition
Leather	Wear	Leather Conditioner
Leather	Heat	Sunscreen Conditioner

The most common cause of a sticky steering wheel is dirt and grime buildup. As lotions, dirt, grease, and skin oil from your hands get deposited onto the steering wheel every time you drive, the accumulation of

Heat can cause plastics and vinyls (polymers) to break down in one of two processes. Photodegradation is when the polymer is exposed to UV-rays like sunlight. Thermal degradation is caused by heat. Your steering wheel is exposed to both if it stays parked outside, particularly if you live in a warm climate like San Luis Obispo, California.