Your plush steering wheel cover has been through it all, the cozy late-night drives, the little smudge from your favorite snack or that one time you swore you wouldn’t spill your bubble tea (but totally did). It’s been your soft and fluffy co-pilot through every adventure, and now it deserves a little clean up!
It’s the cutest little co-pilot, always along for the ride! But just like any beloved plushie, it needs a little care to stay fluffy and clean. This guide has everything you need to keep them looking as cute as possible. Let’s get into it!
What NOT to Do
Before we dive into the cleaning magic, here are a few things to avoid so your steering wheel cover stays in perfect condition:
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No machine washing
The rubber lining could get misshapen, and the plush could lose its softness.
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No fabric softeners
They can mess with the fluffy texture.
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Avoid using hot water
Stick to cold water as the heat can shrink or damage the plush.
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Don't scrub or wring out the cover
Be as gentle as possible as rough handling can cause matting or wear out the plush.
Now that we know what not to do, let’s talk about how to properly care for your plush steering wheel cover!
Everyday Care & Maintenance
Brushing for Fluffiness
Using a soft-bristled brush, lightly brush the plush in a downwards motion, avoiding the embroidered areas. Brushing helps prevent your plushie from matting and keeps the fluff looking and feeling new. We recommend brushing your steering wheel cover whenever it starts looking or feeling a little flat!
Spot Cleaning
For the tiny smudges, light stains or dirt.
- Dampen a soft cloth with cold water and a small drop of mild detergent.
- Gently dab the spot (no scrubbing).
- Wipe away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.
- Let it air dry completely before using again.
Deep Cleaning - Hand Wash Guide
If your steering wheel cover's starting to look or feel too well-loved, it’s time for a deep clean!
Step 1: Prepare the Bath
- Fill a sink or basin with cold water.
- Add a small amount of mild detergent.
- Swirl to mix.
Step 2: Gentle Hand Washing
- Submerge your steering wheel cover in the water.
- Using your hands, gently agitate the cover
- Use your fingers to softly work out the areas that need more attention
- Avoid scrubbing, just gentle movements.
- Let it soak for a few minutes before moving to the rinse.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly
- Drain the soapy water.
- Rinse under cold, running water until all detergent is gone.
- If it still feels slippery, rinse again, leftover soap can make the plush stiff!
Step 4: Remove Excess Water
- Gently press the cover between your hands to squeeze out as much water as you can.
- Do NOT wring or twist—this can damage the plush fibers and rubber lining.
Step 5: Drying the Right Way
- Place it on a drying rack or hang it safely.
- Keep out of direct sunlight.
- Ensure that it's completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
Step 6: Fluff It Back Up
Once it's dry, the plush might look a little flat. To fix this:
- Use a soft-bristled brush.
- Softly brush in even strokes, carefully avoiding the embroidered areas.
- Watch the fluff bounce back!
