SAFELY CLEAN YOUR VEHICLE INTERIOR

There is a lot of talk and information about defending against the spread of coronavirus in our homes, schools and places of business.  You’ve probably been instructed by dozens of experts how to properly wash your hands and which household cleaners can destroy a coronavirus.

But what about in your vehicle?

If you or someone that has been in your vehicle shows symptoms or may have been in contact with someone with symptoms, you should clean frequently touched surfaces such as;

-Steering wheels -Door handles

-Shift levers -lock/window switches

-Climate controls -Radio/touch screens

-Wiper/turn signal stalks -Seat adjusters

-Grab handles -Arm rests

-Seat belts -Seats

Compared to a bathroom or kitchen counter, the interior of your vehicle is less durable and can be more challenging to clean.  The good news however is that several of the cleaners we’re already using at home to kill coronavirus can also be used in your vehicle without causing damage when used correctly.

According to the CDC, alcohol solutions that consist of at least 70% alcohol are effective against coronavirus and most vehicle interior surfaces can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol.  The companies that provide many of the interior parts in our vehicles use isopropyl alcohol to clean these parts in their factories.  

Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or bleach inside your vehicle.  Even though these chemicals are known to kill coronavirus, they can damage your vehicle's upholstery.

Avoid ammonia based cleaners.  Ammonia can damage the anti-glare coating on a touch screen and cause window tint films to fade prematurely.  

Soap and water are safe for most interior parts - particularly fabrics.  It is however possible to soak through the upholstery and get water into the foam cushion underneath it.  This can lead to unpleasant smells later or possibly even mold growth so be careful. Use small amounts of water and lighter pressure to start.  

Leather interiors can be more fragile especially if they are showing signs of age like cracking.  Use milder soaps and light pressure. Most leather is dyed and being too aggressive can remove the dye.  Also, using a good leather conditioner after cleaning is recommended.

Using microfiber towels is best due to their design.  They can capture and sweep away dust minimizing possible damage unlike napkins and paper towels that have a much higher possibility of scratching the plastic surfaces.  

It is a good idea to keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your vehicle and wash your hands before and after driving.  This is actually good practice regardless as it can help keep your steering wheel, shift levers and other commonly used controls from getting dirty in general.