Cleaning alcantara on steering wheel.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
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2012 E550 Cabrio
Cleaning alcantara on steering wheel.
Hi all. Just wondering if there is any way to clean up the alcantara on my steering wheel. I just picked up my second C63, an '09 with about 16000 miles, and the wheel is kinda matted and crappy looking. What makes it bug me even more is that the rest of the car is absolutely mint, and this really drags it down.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Ponte Vedra Beach FL/ Hampstead, London, England
'84 380 SL/ '02 XK8
Often a ‘worn’ Alcantara ® covering is caused by the nap becoming flattened, in most cases it can be revived simply by cleaning with the correct chemicals and using a napping brush. As a general rule when cleaning Alcantara ®, etc you should only to use products specifically designed for this type of fabric. Avoid using a product designed for cleaning leather. It's also important to do a patch test before cleaning any fabric to make sure the colour or integrity of the fabric won't be damaged. To do this, apply your cleaning product to an inconspicuous area to see what the effect will be.
Use a napping brush to raise the pile and loosen / separate the fibres. Remove pilling with a single-sided razor blade and then apply a suitable cleaning solution on to an applicator pad and apply to one area at a time (do not over-wet the fabric or use wet steam).
Localized stains can be treated with a dlimonene (citrus) based cleaner (P21S Total Auto Wash) ensure surface is dry before use by leaving window cracked/open. Avoid alcohol, strong solvents or spirit based cleaners (particularly perchloroethyene and trichlorethylene). When cleaning a surface with finished leather / Alcantara, tape of the Alcantara to avoid cross contamination by products.
"Alcantara Cleaning and Care" - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ml#post1455020
Use a napping brush to raise the pile and loosen / separate the fibres. Remove pilling with a single-sided razor blade and then apply a suitable cleaning solution on to an applicator pad and apply to one area at a time (do not over-wet the fabric or use wet steam).
Localized stains can be treated with a dlimonene (citrus) based cleaner (P21S Total Auto Wash) ensure surface is dry before use by leaving window cracked/open. Avoid alcohol, strong solvents or spirit based cleaners (particularly perchloroethyene and trichlorethylene). When cleaning a surface with finished leather / Alcantara, tape of the Alcantara to avoid cross contamination by products.
"Alcantara Cleaning and Care" - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ml#post1455020
Thread Starter
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2012 E550 Cabrio
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From: NY
2001 Porsche 911 Turbo (heavily modified)
So it seems alcantara on my steering wheel is flaking off. I have never seen or hear of this. It feels as if the left hand side is worn down/burnt. It feels very uncomfortable against the hand but the right side is still mint. Tried Sonax alcantara cleaner and the left still feels like if someone burnt hairs and shaved some of it. It is very odd. Do you believe Mercedes would warranty this?
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From: 🇨🇦
W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
Mine is the same, after only a few months.
I didn't want to use a Magic Eraser, so here's what I did, which worked well:
- use a toothbrush, dry, to brush off dirt and dust
- wet toothbrush in warm water with a drop of dish soap in a mug
- gently brush so the fibers come back up
- let air dry before using
I didn't want to use a Magic Eraser, so here's what I did, which worked well:
- use a toothbrush, dry, to brush off dirt and dust
- wet toothbrush in warm water with a drop of dish soap in a mug
- gently brush so the fibers come back up
- let air dry before using
Last edited by Surge; Apr 30, 2016 at 12:40 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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2012 E550 Cabrio
Lets face it, other than the fact that its grippy its a dumb material for this type of usage. Sweat, oils etc and anything suede like just don't mix. I carry a few nitrile gloves in the glove box for times when I think Ill get my hands dirty just cos of this wheel.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: 🇨🇦
W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
Alcantara. It's the auto business' biggest unknown scam.
Think about it - it's synthetic leather, that costs more as an option than real leather!
Car makers get to save by not using real leather, and the hapless buyer thinks he has a "special" and more costly material.
What a joke.
Think about it - it's synthetic leather, that costs more as an option than real leather!
Car makers get to save by not using real leather, and the hapless buyer thinks he has a "special" and more costly material.
What a joke.
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From: Olathe, KS
'13 C63 AMG P31
Some great info here https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...eel-issue.html. I use
and
. Soft brushing then just use a cloth to dab/dry it off. Will be a little tacky/stiff for a day or two after but wow, it makes a huge difference afterwards. Usually clean mine about every month or so.
Last edited by INS1GNIA; May 9, 2016 at 01:59 PM.
Super Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 536
Likes: 41
From: Perkasie, PA
2014 C300 Sport
Alcantara. It's the auto business' biggest unknown scam.
Think about it - it's synthetic leather, that costs more as an option than real leather!
Car makers get to save by not using real leather, and the hapless buyer thinks he has a "special" and more costly material.
What a joke.
Think about it - it's synthetic leather, that costs more as an option than real leather!
Car makers get to save by not using real leather, and the hapless buyer thinks he has a "special" and more costly material.
What a joke.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,818
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2012 E550 Cabrio
Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 128
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From: Seattle WA
AMG SL63
I went through the process outlined here
just last weekend.
Used Woolite dark colors detergent as the liquid cleaner, and lots of warm water.
After drying with a third fresh towel, used a hair dryer and suede brush gently lift the nap while drying.
It looks and feels like new!
Used Woolite dark colors detergent as the liquid cleaner, and lots of warm water.
After drying with a third fresh towel, used a hair dryer and suede brush gently lift the nap while drying.
It looks and feels like new!
