The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an uptick in cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in homes, restaurants and businesses. Health experts at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend we keep our environments as clean as possible to prevent further spread of the virus.

While we often remember to disinfect countertops and doorknobs, one of the most common areas that people touch are their vehicles, especially interiors.

Frequently disinfecting your car’s interior can help curb the threat of contracting the virus, but you need to make sure you are cleaning it properly. Here are some great tips on how to disinfect your interior surfaces without causing damage.

Identify Frequently Touched Surfaces

Before you decide on what disinfecting agent or agents you will need, figure out what surfaces need the most attention.

Easy to remember surfaces include your steering wheel, door handles, information screen, turn signal and windshield wiper controls, center console, air vents and cupholders. But don’t forget about your seat adjustment handles, seats (front and rear), glove compartment, seat or door armrests and mirror.

Depending on how many people ride in your car, it is a good idea to consider a weekly “deep clean” where you disinfect every area of the vehicle. Daily spot sanitation can be beneficial when you’re on the go.

Choose the Right Disinfectant

How you clean your vehicle’s interior will largely depend on the type of materials inside your car.

Using 70% isopropyl alcohol as a disinfectant for vehicles with cloth seats is a great solution to kill bacteria. You can also use it to disinfect hard surfaces, like your dashboard and steering column. Take a soft cloth (preferably a microfiber cloth) and gently rub the solution around in a circular motion or wipe while applying minimal pressure. If your vehicle has imitation leather seats or a wrap on a steering wheel, isopropyl alcohol will also work, but be careful not to use this product on actual leather as the components could deteriorate the protective coating that was applied by the manufacturer.

For leather, and even as an extra cleaning solution on other types of material, consider using a cloth or sponge with soap and water. Just like washing your hands, applying both and creating friction are still found to be among the most effective way to kill the coronavirus. But be careful not to oversaturate your interior materials. You don’t want to leave a lasting odor or soak the soap, which can create suds.

Pro-tip: Never use hydrogen peroxide or bleach to clean your vehicle’s interior. While both are also disinfectants, they create a risk of causing damage.

Continue Best Disinfecting Practices

If you’ve taken the time to properly disinfect your vehicle, make sure you continue to keep it a safe space by repeating the process. Before you enter your car, always take the time to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Sometimes, it’s just not possible. While not as effective as hand washing, hand sanitizer does help. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer or sanitizer wipes in your car and use them regularly.

Additionally, if someone has been in your vehicle and is showing symptoms or has COVID-19, seek help from medical professionals immediately and disinfect your interior.

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Keeping your vehicle safe is a priority so make sure you have a good backup plan. At Insure On The Spot, we are trusted by over 1 million Chicago families for their auto and SR22 insurance needs. Contact us today for a free insurance quote. We will provide you with a quality and affordable insurance plan.