Cleaning and maintaining a sanitized car is more important than ever with the current state of the country. Washing hands and disinfecting high-touched surfaces are two of the best ways to defend against spreading germs. Your car should also receive special treatment. It doesn’t take much for dust and dirt to accumulate every time you drive your vehicle. Frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, the steering wheel, the shift lever, and any buttons carry bacteria. Find a suitable area for a car wash that allows you to give your vehicle the bit of elbow grease it deserves. Below are a few suggestions to adapt to your next cleaning regimen to defend against spreading illness-causing germs:
- According to the CDC, alcohol-based solutions that contain at least 70 percent of alcohol are effective against COVID-19. Household cleaners that kill coronaviruses on hard surfaces at home are suitable cleaning agents for your car’s insides without damaging its interior.
- Using a microfiber cloth to clean and wipe surfaces is the most effective method because this fabric consists of tiny little loops that capture and sweep away dirt and dust particles. Friction from wiping or scrubbing cleaning also works hand in hand with the destruction of germs. Keep note that paper towels used on display screens or gauge clusters can leave scratches on the surfaces.
- If cleaning products aren’t handy, soap and water are just as effective for cleaning car interiors—especially fabrics and older leather. Ensure you do not flood your car with too much cleaning solution as you can cause electrical damage.
- Vacuum the floor and seats. Before you start, make sure the vacuum itself is clean and change the filter if necessary. Make a habit of vacuuming your car at least once a month because small dirt, grains of dust, and sand can become trapped in the carpet with frequent usage.
- Thoroughly wipe down the inside of your windows with a regular glass cleaner found at general grocery stores.
- Most experts advise against using any harsh chemicals on your vehicle interior. Bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia can cause irreversible damage.
These car cleaning suggestions will help keep your vehicle germ-free and sanitized for your next trip. There isn’t an amount of cleaning that can guarantee you won’t spread or catch COVID-19, but these suggestions may help minimize the risk or spread of the infection. Besides combating germs, your car will enjoy a new status as a mean clean driving machine.