Quck answer
Properly disinfecting your car is important to maintain a clean and safe environment. According to experts, here are the steps to follow:
1. Start by cleaning the high-touch surfaces with soap and water. This includes the steering wheel, door handles, gear shift, and touchscreen.
2. Use an alcohol-based disinfectant wipe or spray on these surfaces. Make sure to cover all areas and allow the disinfectant to sit for the recommended time.
3. Don’t forget about the interior fabric and upholstery. Use a fabric-safe disinfectant spray and wipe down the seats, carpets, and headliner.
4. Pay attention to the air vents and ducts. Use a specialized car disinfectant spray or an air purifier to eliminate any lingering pathogens.
5. Finish by cleaning the windows and mirrors with a glass cleaner.
Remember to disinfect your car regularly, especially during flu seasons or periods of illness. Stay safe and keep your car germ-free!
A recent study by Car Rentals LLC found that the average car interior is 2,144 times dirtier than a typical smartphone, with the steering wheel being four times dirtier than a public toilet seat. During the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it’s essential to know how to properly clean and disinfect your vehicle.
Even if you’re not using your car as often due to social distancing measures, it’s crucial to ensure that your car is clean and free of germs. We consulted healthcare professionals and a car detailing expert to provide you with the best advice on how to disinfect your car.
How Often You Should Clean Your Car
Larry Kosilla, founder of car detailing company Ammo NYC, recommends cleaning and disinfecting your car based on how often you use it. He suggests doing it at least once every one to two weeks. However, if you frequently transport many people, especially children, it’s best to clean it more often. Kosilla emphasizes the importance of both cleaning and disinfecting the car, following the CDC’s guidelines for households.
Disinfecting During the Coronavirus Pandemic
During the pandemic, you should limit your car usage to essential trips only. Dr. Shan Soe-Lin, an expert in microbiology and public health, advises disinfecting your car before and after each trip.
Focus on High-Touch Areas
Dr. Tobi Schmidt, a personal health advisor and educator, stresses the importance of disinfecting high-touch areas in the car. These areas include the steering wheel, cup holders, seat belts, door handles, gear shifter, and audio controls.
How to Clean Your Car
Consult your car’s manual for the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. Different cars require different cleaning products to avoid damaging fabrics and surfaces. Microbiologist Jason Tetro suggests using disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium compounds, and phenolics that are compatible with various textiles and surfaces. Always read the label before using any product.
For detailed instructions on cleaning and disinfecting your car, refer to Kosilla’s step-by-step video guide.
The video recommends using a car interior-specific cleanser for cleaning, but if you don’t have one, soap and water can be used. However, be cautious not to over-soak the area, and use a microfiber towel to scoop up the lather after scrubbing. For disinfecting hard, non-porous surfaces, it’s best to use an EPA-recommended product. Make sure to read the label to ensure it’s safe to use in the car and not on a hot surface. Let it sit for a specific amount of time to sanitize or disinfect. For porous surfaces, there is no disinfectant that’s safe to use across the board. Instead, deep-clean the surfaces and test an EPA-recommended disinfectant wipe to make sure it won’t stain or lighten any fabrics. Cover fabric seats with a machine-washable cover and launder them with normal laundry soap and hot water to disinfect them. For touchscreens, use a non-ammonia, basic window cleaner or screen-specific cleaners, or a light mist of water on a microfiber towel to clean fingerprints off. Wear gloves, safety glasses, long sleeves, and a face mask when cleaning and disinfecting cars to prevent self-contamination and protect against harmful product chemicals.
What other measures should be taken?
If you have to use your car, ensure that you wear clean gloves or wash your hands before and after using it. You can also carry a bottle of hand sanitizer in case you don’t have access to soap and water during your trip.
You might overlook another crucial aspect of your car: the keys. Just like your car, make sure to clean and disinfect your keys before and after each use.
Lastly, in Kosilla’s video, he stresses the need to be cautious at the gas pump. Avoid touching the pump handle or buttons directly – use a glove, wipe, or any other available item. According to Car Rentals LLC, the gas pump handle has 11,835 times more germs than a public toilet seat.
The bottom line: Clean and disinfect your car. To clean, use soap and water along with a microfiber towel. For disinfecting, follow the EPA’s recommendations and the car manufacturer’s guidelines. Always read the product label and test the substance on a small part of the car fabric before use.