Coronavirus update: How to keep your car clean and germ-free
With Perth and the majority of the world on lockdown due to the outbreak of COVID-19, it’s important that we are all doing our best to ensure the health and safety of our families and our communities.
In a series of experiments, research recently published by The New England Journal of Medicine on 17/03/2020, discovered that COVID-19 can still survive for hours without a host on certain types of surfaces.
- Virus remained viable in air for 3 hours
- Can be still detected up to 72 hours later on stainless steel and plastic surfaces
- Can survive on copper for up to 4 hours and up to 24 hours on cardboard
With the majority of the interior of your vehicle made of plastic, we’ve come up with a list of ways to keep your car clean, disinfected, germ-free and to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
In addition to the necessary steps to practicing good hygiene for coronavirus as outlined by the Department of Health — Australia as of 25/03/2020, here’s what you need to do.
How to disinfect your vehicle’s interior and prevent the spread of COVID-19
- Wipe down and disinfect all interior and exterior door handles and keys/ keyfobs
- Disinfect the inside of your windscreen using alcohol wipes
- Vacuum your car regularly, including the upholstery
- Disinfect all surfaces that are’ high’ touched such as steering wheels, gear knobs, consoles, screens, and car switches
- Use disinfectant wipes to clean the dash and door panels
- Be sure to clean your vehicle’s air conditioning, wiping down vents and removing and cleaning the cabin filter (you may need a professional to do this)
- Always wash your hands before and after driving
What car cleaning products to use during the coronavirus outbreak
What to do
- To kill the COVID-19 virus, dilute bleach with a bit of water and use it in a spray bottle. Avoid spraying bleach directly onto a surface that may be damaged by it.
- Household detergent is excellent for ridding surfaces of bacteria, viruses and germs. Dilute with water into a spray bottle and wipe down with a damp cloth.
- Alcohol wipes and isopropyl alcohol with a damp cloth can be safely used on hard surfaces in the vehicle’s interior and cleaning upholstery.
What to not to do
- Do not scrub too hard when cleaning leather surfaces
- Avoid excess soap and water, as this can cause growth of mould if it seeps into the upholstery
- Avoid using harsh chemicals
What to carry in your car at all times
- Keep a set of alcohol/ disinfectant wipes to clean highly touched surfaces of the interior
- Keep a bottle of hand sanitiser at all times and use before/after driving, as well as everytime you go out. Eg. a trip to the supermarket.
If you’re unsure on what products to use, always read the owner’s manual before washing the interior of your car or consider having it done by a professional detailer.
Read our article on how to care for your car interior for more general advice on cleaning.
Note: As the situation evolves it’s important to stay up to day with the latest advice and prevention methods outlined by the Australian Government in relation to the spread and clinical management of the deadly Coronavirus.
At Dean’s Auto Glass we have introduced additional measures in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) to ensure the health and safety of our community so that we can continue to serve you and future clients.
We will be closely monitoring developments and will continue to be guided by the advice and directives of the Australian Government.
How Dean’s Auto Glass is Responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19)