I've been trying to get the top of my steering wheel clean(or at least cleaner than it is) using the hot towel trick, and it seems to get better after a few rounds of cleaning with lots of dirt coming off on the towel, but then as soon as I condition it it turns dark again. I've tried Leather CPR, KR Conditioner, and Meguiars Aloe all of which produce a similar result. It seems to get the darkest (but also the best sheen) with the Leather CPR. Any ideas on what I'm doing wrong? Is there just more dirt on there that I need to work out? Any tips/tricks would be greatly appreciated.

 

That leather has likely been more heavily saturated with body oils and other grime... that or that particular area has received higher abrasion and thus, the leather isn't the same consistency in that area.

I have one spot on my wheel that is very similar that I struggle with as well...