What are you guys finding the best way to keep a steering wheel looking new. My wife tends to use hand cream (don't they all) which causes the leather to look shiny and smooth instead of soft and supple.

Thanks in advance.

My wife tends to use hand cream (don't they all)
I don't. :dunno

If you think it's hard to keep a leather steering wheel clean, try the Alcantara-wrapped wheels in the M3 ZCP and E46 330i ZHP cars.

Try wiping down the steering wheel with a damp, clean cloth on a weekly basis. That should help to reduce the amount of hand cream residue that builds up on it. The stitching can be cleaned out with a toothbrush and a mild cleaner. Do some searches in this sub-forum; I think someone used Oxi-Clean on the tricolor stitching with good results.

Driving gloves also help keep hand oils and creams off of the leather, but that one could be an uphill battle. Tell your wife the gloves will enhance her grip on the steering wheel. :)

I use Woolite mixed 1:4 with warm water. I wipe the wheel down with a MF towel and use a little plastic brush for the stitching.

and they always seem to want to put it on right before they get in the car, doesn't even get a chance to soak in...

thanks for the tips

Every Bimmer that comes in our shop get the steering wheel cleaned along with the rest of the interior.

I use a horse hair brush and a solution of household liquid dishwash soap and warm water. I lightly scrub the wheel with the brush and use a terry towel to remove the solution/dirt/hand oils. Then I use compressed air (or a shop vac if I'm driveway detailing) to dry and get solution out of switches.

Works well and gives the car a "new car" feel.

Totoland