The Coronavirus is affecting the whole world, and we all need to take the necessary precautions so that we can keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. We know all about wearing masks and sanitizing our hands along with anything we bring from outside. However, one of the things that many people overlook is the car.
While most people do disinfect the handles, it’s crucial that we keep the whole car sanitized, both inside and out. There are a number of ways to do this, but not all of them are effective. So, let’s take a look at the five best ways to keep your car as free from the Coronavirus as possible.
Keep Vacuuming and Scrubbing
Whatever model your car might be, it will attract dust particles, which will accumulate inside it. Even if it looks clean, the car might be harboring plenty of particles, some of which could be carrying infections.
The best way to minimize infections is to constantly vacuum your car. Plus ensure that you scrub everything from the floor mats to the lever, pedals and carpets. In addition, use soapy water to thoroughly clean your car seats. Furthermore, you can also get some pros to disinfectant-clean it.
Clean High-Risk Surfaces
There are various surfaces in your car that you touch more than the rest. They include the buttons, steering wheel, gear shift, interior and exterior door handles, knobs and screens. It’s best to use an interior cleaner on these surfaces to minimize the risk of infection. If you don’t have the required cleaner at hand, not to worry! You can simply make your own ammonia-based solution; it will still get the job done.
A word of caution, though: if you decide to use the ammonia-based solution, dilute it heavily then apply it on a cotton cloth or a cleaning pad. Using either of these will keep your car’s display glass from sustaining any unintended damage. We also don’t suggest spraying directly on these surfaces; wiping them gently is the way to go.
Sanitize Your HVAC Unit
The HVAC is one of the riskiest units in your car. Since it circulates air in your cabin, it can easily carry virus particles. So, sanitizing it is crucial.
The recommended way to sanitize it is to deep-clean the entire unit, especially the air filter. And after finishing with the air conditioner, we suggest removing and cleaning the cabin filter. You can find it just behind the glove compartment. By cleaning the HVAC Unit thoroughly, you will greatly lessen your chances of getting infected by the virus when you’re driving; and you’ll even get rid of any mold or bacteria that might have formed.
Clean Low-Risk Surfaces
While it’s important to prioritize sanitizing the high-risk areas, you should not ignore the other surfaces. They typically include the window glass, the headrest and the headliner. You should clean these surfaces with as much attention as you’d give high-risk surfaces.
In addition, we recommend always having wet wipes, a mask and hand sanitizers in your car. Whenever you touch a surface, use them so that you minimize your chances of contracting the virus or any other infections. You can also wipe down any suspicious surface with a wet wipe, just to be on the safe side.
Avoid Chemicals
Hydrogen peroxide and bleach will undoubtedly get rid of any coronavirus particles. However, they will also undoubtedly deal damage to the interior of your car. In particular, they are harmful to the plastics and vinyl that are incorporated into most current cars.
The best solution is simple: soap and water. Soap can easily break down coronavirus particles, which is why the CDC recommend it so much. It’s also important that you avoid scrubbing too hard. This might remove some of the dye or surface coating.