How do you disinfect your car without damaging the surface?
- Buy The Right Materials
- Leather Interior Cleaning
- Upholstery Cleaning
Disinfecting your vehicle without damaging the surface is very doable. If you haven’t done this yet, you should consider it as a part of your car maintenance routine. The virus itself can stick to surfaces and it can be stuck there for days. Your car is one of the most vulnerable and high-touch. Disinfecting your car can ensure that you don’t bring the virus within your home. Here’s how you can do it easily and effectively.
Buy The Right Materials
What kind of cleaning agents are you planning to use? First, you will need to determine the type of upholstery you have within your car. You may risk damaging it if you use the wrong one. The safest disinfectant is isopropyl alcohol. This is safe to use on most interiors. These are also used to add the final touches before the car is shipped out. It’s a versatile and affordable solution that can remove stains, smudges, residue, and viruses. You’re cleaning and disinfecting at the same time. However, do take note that it can be problematic to use on leather. Leather has a protective coating that needs to be maintained, the stripping nature of alcohol might cause some damage to it.
Instead, use alcohol to wipe down the hard surfaces of your vehicle. Include high touch areas like your steering wheel, seat adjusters, shifters, doors, handles, and cup holders.
Leather Interior Cleaning
Don’t ever underestimate the power of soap and water. This is the safest and most efficient way to clean any surface. For leather, you can get a deep clean while still maintaining the quality of the material. Use a mild soap and water solution if you want to be extra careful. When cleaning, avoid scrubbing too hard. Too much suds and water can be a problem. Use the right amount of friction to kill the virus.
Upholstery Cleaning
Car interiors are built with durability in mind. However, if you use harsh scrubbing or rough cleaning materials, you could potentially cause discoloration and scratches. Clean the surface with a gentle circular motion to ensure a thorough yet gentle clean. Keep this in mind and avoid using too much water. Cloth upholstery can soak up the excess and can contribute to the growth of mold if it doesn’t dry properly.
When washing the seats, a wet microfiber cloth or sponge works well for the job. There’s no need for fancy tools. You can use what you have at home. Make sure that you don’t leave excess residue. It will take some time to dry. You may opt to use a clean, high-quality microfiber cloth to help it dry faster.
Key Takeaway
Now that you know about disinfecting your vehicle without damaging the surface, you can make this part of your routine to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Remember to treat your surfaces with a lot of care to prevent discoloration and scratches. You have the materials you need at home to ensure that your car is COVID-19 free.
