I'm the same as you teddy, I have plastic wheels for my wheel-pooper, and my chinese is sticking with plastic too, but my two hamsters I can trust not to mucky up their wheels are getting wooden ones
You could also plasticote the wheel to make it wipe-able.
And Wofunny..I really need a wheel stand for my cage! I haven't gotten around to getting a new gluegun...or any DIY skills..
I am going to put one in all of my hamsters cages..because they tend to bury their wheels a lot
And the alterations to the original look awesome..love the cool down tile..
bet he'll love it