Dr. Beasley's Microsuede Cleanser Review: A Specialist for Alcantara Wheels
Our Verdict
A water-based spray cleaner for Alcantara, Dinamica and Ultrasuede that removes body oil, sweat, food and drink without, Dr. Beasley's says, hardening or darkening the fibers. You mist lightly, wipe, let it dry and repeat. Ink and grease need the brand's separate spot remover, and it does nothing for other materials. For a matted steering wheel it is the right kind of tool.
Alcantara and its relatives look great new and matted, shiny and dark after a year of hands. The cause is body oil and sweat filling the fibers, and ordinary interior cleaners are either too weak to lift it or harsh enough to stiffen the nap. Dr. Beasley's Microsuede Cleanser is made for that one problem on that one family of materials.
What you get
A 12 oz spray bottle of water-based, surfactant cleaner, made in the USA, for Alcantara, Dinamica, Ultrasuede and other faux suedes. Dr. Beasley's targets it at organic contamination, meaning body oil, sweat, food and drink, and says it will not harden or darken the fabric. Steering wheels, shift knobs and seat inserts are the obvious uses, and it also works on household microsuede. It comes in sizes from 4 oz up to bulk for shops.
How it's used
The directions are short and worth following exactly. Mist the affected area without oversaturating it. Wipe gently with a clean microfiber towel to lift the contamination. Let it dry fully, and expect the surface to look slightly darker while damp. Repeat for heavier soil, but never re-apply to a wet surface. Test a small area first. Light, repeated passes are the whole method, because soaking microsuede is what damages it.
Where it falls short
It does one thing. Dr. Beasley's says inorganic stains such as pen ink or automotive grease need its separate Microsuede Spot Remover, and it offers a separate protection product too, so full care of an Alcantara interior means three bottles. A badly matted wheel may need several rounds with drying time between each. It is no use on leather or carpet, so it is an extra purchase on top of a general cleaner, and it is priced as a specialty product.
Who it's for
Owners of cars with Alcantara wheels, seats or headliners who want a cleaner formulated for the material. The main alternatives are Sonax Upholstery & Alcantara Cleaner, or CarPro Inside diluted 1:10 if you would prefer one concentrate for everything. Check price on Amazon
Pros
- Formulated specifically for faux suede
- Targets body oil and sweat
- Maker says no hardening or darkening
- Simple mist, wipe and dry method
Cons
- Ink and grease need a separate product
- No use on leather or carpet
- Heavy soil takes several dry-between passes