Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
We know the importance of washing hands, social distancing, and sanitizing surfaces to prevent the
spread of coronavirus; but what steps should we take to keep our vehicle’s interior properly clean and disinfected?
The next time you get in your vehicle pay attention to all the surfaces you touch on an average trip.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol solutions that contain at least 70 percent alcohol should be effective at killing the coronavirus. This means nearly every interior surface of your car can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol-based cleaners you may already use around the house. If you are low on supplies, at least use mild soap and water to clean. You should avoid bleach or hydrogen peroxide products, as they could easily damage the upholstery.
Murray Guari recommends that you consult with your auto dealer or vehicle manufacturer on which cleaning and disinfecting products to use on your vehicle, as cleaning agents will differ, depending on the type of upholstery you have.
When cleaning you should wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). When using chemical cleaning agents remember to have adequate ventilation – keep doors or windows open. Once completed, gloves and other disposable PPE used for cleaning and disinfecting the vehicle should be removed and disposed of properly and you should wash your hands thoroughly or use an approved alcohol-based hand sanitizer, following the CDC guidelines.
When disinfecting, focus on hot spots like door handles, steering wheel, window controls, locks, shifter, touch screens, radio controls, windshield wiper and turn signal stalks, cup holders, door armrests, air vents, seat adjusters, headrests, dashboard, and gas cap. If you drive your car daily, the CDC recommends cleaning touched surfaces daily.
Additional information and resources can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
