With the developing situation surrounding coronavirus and COVID-19, now is a great time to practice good habits of cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces we come in contact with on a daily basis. While you’re probably already well-aware of proper techniques for washing your hands (20 Seconds!) and which household cleaners are capable of combating coronavirus, you may be unaware of how to properly clean and disinfect the interior of your vehicle.
Here are our recommendations:
Simple Soap and Water
Products like bleach are recommended for cleaning and sterilizing most of the surfaces in your house, but they can be a bit “harsh” for the interior of your vehicle and even damage or stain upholstery, so if you plan on using it, you’ll want to consider spot-testing in an inconspicuous area first.
Alternatively, a gentle soap like Ivory dish soap, some water, a clean cloth and a little elbow grease can provide a similar result and still help make a major difference in cleaning and disinfecting your vehicle’s interior. Just be careful not to rub too vigorously, or you could risk removing the dye from a leather interior. For those of you with cloth interiors, consider using a wet/dry vacuum so that you can effectively shampoo your seats, floor mats, carpets and any other high-contact areas (such as center console armrests) and then make sure they are vacuumed dry to minimize residual moisture and allow the surface to dry as easily as possible.
ProTip: Tint World® also offers cleaning, detailing, and disinfecting services – including an interior Ozone treatment that helps further sanitize and deodorize your vehicle. Contact your local Tint World® for more information.
Another Word About Leather
Leather interiors need a little extra love and care beyond the above! Whether or not you’ve already added a protectant to your leather interior, follow up thorough soap-and-water cleanings with an application of high-quality leather cleaner and leather conditioner to avoid drying and cracking and help with preservation.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Isopropyl alcohol is another good choice for cleaning your vehicle’s interior, especially for consoles with touchscreens or other high-touch panels. Per the CDC, a solution of at least 70% alcohol – albeit also somewhat harsh, has been found to “inactivate” viruses like coronavirus. Start with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and particles, then thoroughly go over high-touch surfaces like your steering wheel, turn signal, gear shift, door handles, window switches, and center console areas with an alcohol-based solution of at least 70%. As previously mentioned, you’ll want to consider spot-testing in an inconspicuous area before performing a full-on application.
Don’t Forget to Wash Yourself
Once you’re finished washing your vehicle’s interior, don’t forget to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before touching anything in your home. For added good measure, consider changing into some clean clothes, too.
We’re hoping all our valued customers are staying safe and healthy during this time. Taking these precautions into consideration can help you reduce your chances of exposure, while also lowering the chance of passing anything on to friends and family.
