CORONA-ERA CAR WASH TIPS: HOW TO KILL THE VIRUS WITHOUT DAMAGING THE INSIDE OF THE CAR

26.03.2020

Handwashing, cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces are some of the best ways to prevent the spread of coronaviruses.

WHAT ABOUT THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF THE CAR?

If you or someone else in your car has symptoms of the disease, you need to clean all the touch surfaces including: steering wheel, door handles, all buttons, touch screen screens, gear lever, wiper lever, turn signals, backrests armrests, seat adjusters, seat belt, points out Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at the Consumer Reports auto test center.

In case you are a taxi driver or you are driving a large number of passengers, driving a rented or shared car, or if you live in an environment where there are many cases of coronavirus, regular cleaning and disinfection of the above areas is mandatory.

How do you protect these surfaces from damage?

Many household cleaners that kill coronavirus on hard surfaces can also be effective for cleaning the inside of the car without damaging it.

An alcohol solution containing at least 70% alcohol is very effective. For the most part, virtually any interior surface of a vehicle can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol, according to Jeff Stout, Chief Innovation Officer at Yanfeng Automotive Interiors.

Do not use bleach or hydrogen peroxide inside the car. Although they can kill the coronavirus on the surfaces, they are likely to cause damage to the upholstery of your car.

Do not also use ammonia-based cleaners on touchscreen screens.

Soap and water

Proper washing with soap and water can also destroy the virus on the inside of the vehicle. The corona has a protective sheath that helps it infect other cells, and by destroying that sheath it can be disarmed. Soap and water are safe for most car interiors - especially for fabrics and older skin that may have already started bursting. Just be sure not to push them too hard, points out Larry Kosila, president of AMMO NYC.

Microfiber cloths

Both Stout and Lunch advise cleaning all surfaces with a microfiber cloth, because it is made of a fabric that consists of tiny loops that trap and wipe away dust and dirt particles before scratching their delicate or shiny surfaces.

After you have finished cleaning, remember to wash your hands before and after driving. You should keep this good habit in mind regardless of the coronavirus outbreak.

- Number one is to wash your hands! Says Kosila. -You can clean the steering wheel, but if you have dirty hands, you will return that dirt. Handwashing is still one of the best ways to defend yourself against COVID-19. says Thomas.