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Steering 20 April 2026 4 min read
Looking after an Alcantara steering wheel
Alcantara looks incredible new and awful after two years of neglect. Five minutes of care a month keeps it factory-fresh.
What kills Alcantara
- Hand cream / sunscreen / fast-food grease — soaks in, can't come out.
- Sun: UV destroys the fibres, causes hardening and shine.
- Aggressive cleaners: anything alkaline (above pH 10) flattens the nap.
Monthly routine (5 minutes)
- Soft brush across the surface to lift the nap.
- Spray a dedicated Alcantara cleaner on a microfibre — not on the wheel directly.
- Wipe in one direction, let dry.
- Brush again to restore the nap.
What to avoid
- Leather cleaner (wrong material).
- Steam (felts the fibres).
- Excess water (leaves rings).
Done monthly, an Alcantara wheel will look fresh for 5+ years even on a daily-driven car.
Filed under Steering
See the steering service page