Scientists have determined that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is detectable for … [+]
It’s best practice to keep the interior of you car, truck, or SUV sanitized under normal circumstances to help prevent to spread of cold and flu germs, but it’s more crucial than ever with the coronavirus (COVID-19) hanging over our heads like the proverbial sword of Damocles.
It’s especially important if you share a vehicle with family members or give neighbors a ride to the grocery store – and it’s downright essential if you’re renting a car – but it’s still prudent if your hands are the only ones on the steering wheel. Scientists have determined that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is detectable in the air for up to three hours, and several days on plastics, which make up the majority of a vehicle’s interior surfaces.
For starters, it’s wise to keep disinfectant wipes with at least 70 percent alcohol and a travel-size bottle of hand sanitizer (provided you can find these items in stock at a local store) in your car for regular use. Drive with the windows open for a time to “air out” any residual virus droplets if there’s any suspicion it’s been occupied by someone who’s infected. Give your hands a good wash with the sanitizer before and after visiting a retail establishment or other public place.
Wipe down the obvious interior touch points with disinfectant wipes daily, and more frequently if you’re still commuting. Pay special attention to the steering wheel, where any cough or sneeze particles usually land. We’ve seen cautions that a steering wheel can have four times more germs on it than the average toilet seat.
Don’t forget the shift lever, window and mirror switches, door handles, armrests, seatbelt fasteners, air vents, audio and climate control switches and dial, and the rearview mirror surround. If you’re using a disinfectant spray, make sure you completely treat the surface and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth to ensure 100 percent coverage. Avoid touching your face before you get the chance to re-sanitize your hands. Give them a thorough wash once you get home.
In lieu of using sanitizing wipes, a vigorous scrub with good old soap and water can be used to clean hard surfaces, though you should avoid using products that claim to be “detergent free,” as they won’t be particularly effective. Though they’re especially adept at killing germs, don’t use bleach or hydrogen peroxide, as they can be harmful to your car’s interior, especially plastic faux chrome bits. Likewise, avoid using blue glass cleaning products that contain ammonia on anything but the windows and mirrors.
If your vehicle has leather upholstery, use a specific cleaner to treat those surfaces to avoid drying them out. We’ve seen suggestions to use makeup removal wipes to clean leather surfaces, as they contain moisturizers. Don’t scrub too hard, as that can harm the finish. If you’re cleaning cloth seats, use a bit of laundry detergent and a small amount of water to avoid over-sudsing the surfaces.
And be sure to wipe down you car’s gas cap and especially the fuel pump nozzle every time you go in for a fill-up, which on a good day can be a breeding ground for who knows how many patrons’ worth of germs.
Stay healthy everyone.
