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smelly steering wheel

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by fortheanimals, Oct 17, 2010.

  1. fortheanimals

    fortheanimals Junior Member

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    hi all,

    does anyone else have issues with a stinky steering wheel? sometimes, i notice a unpleasant smell from it, especially when the car has been in the sun. when it's cold enough, it doesn't seem to smell at all. i know this is due to buildup of oils and whatnot from my hands.

    i occasionally clean the wheel with baby wipes. that just minimizes the smell. anybody else?

    and yes, i do wash my hands several times a day. i don't think i have particularly sweaty palms.

    i drive and '05 with no accessories on the steering wheel.
     
    #1 fortheanimals, Oct 17, 2010
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I haven't noticed that this is a problem. Since the steering wheel is covered in a plastic, maybe the baby wipe chemicals are incompatible.

    You might try a moistened paper towel with a couple drops of dishwash soap to clean off the plastic, followed with another moistened paper towel to clean off the soap. See what comes off the wheel. Good luck.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Oct 17, 2010
  3. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

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    After you get it clean, always wear washable gloves when driving. The wheel will never smell. Bonus: no fingerprints on plastic surfaces.
     
    #3 richard schumacher, Oct 17, 2010
  4. Econ

    Econ Member

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    Make a solution of Dawn Dish washing soap and work that into the wheel with a turkish face cloth or something like that. Rinse with clear water and dry with a dry turkish towel.
     
    #4 Econ, Oct 17, 2010
  5. Tekdeus

    Tekdeus Shifted to Green

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    A friend of mine who wears heavy cologne drove my Prius, and now, even after 2 weeks, my hands smell like cologne every time I drive from touching the steering wheel. Even alcohol wipes didn't get the smell out. Strange!
     
    #5 Tekdeus, Jan 20, 2011
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