The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shared washing hands, cleaning, and disinfecting surfaces are some of the best ways to defend against COVID-19 transmission. If you or somebody else who has been in your home or car exhibits symptoms of the coronavirus, you should be cleaning all the frequently touched surfaces.

“Current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings,” the CDC mentioned.

Ensure that you disinfect all the high-touch surfaces in the car interiors, including the steering wheel, wiper, touch screens, buttons, door handles, door armrests, seat adjusters and any other frequently touched surface inside your car.

Here’s a list of products that can keep the coronavirus at bay:

  1. Isopropyl alcohol- the most commonly used product which is effective and generally safe for all surfaces.
  2. Sodium hypochlorite, a.k.a. Bleach, is a broad-spectrum disinfectant that is effective against viruses, fungi, bacteria, and mycobacterium. A diluted bleach solution can be used for disinfecting surfaces against the coronaviruses.
  3. Hydrogen peroxide is very effective against rhinoviruses which cause the common cold and can be quite effective in destroying the coronaviruses. Since it is not corrosive, it can be used even on metal surfaces and can disinfect hard-to-reach crevices.
  4. Quaternary ammonium or Quats are potent disinfectant chemicals commonly found in wipes, sprays and other household cleaners that can destroy germs.

And here are some Dos and Don’ts to follow while using these products:

  • First off, clean your hands. With dirty hands, you can clean parts of your car interiors but you will actually put that dirt back on. And don’t forget to wash your hands before and after driving.
  • Always wear gloves while handling bleach and never let it mix with ammonia.
  • Use a microfiber cloth to clean and disinfect surfaces. The dirt and debris inside your car can stick to even the cleanest paper towels or napkins.
  • Don’t keep the bleach solution for longer than a day since it can degrade the plastic container.
  • Don’t use bleach to clean your faucets or stainless steel products since it can be harsh and cause discoloration or damage to the surface.
  • You don’t have to wipe off hydrogen peroxide since it can simply decompose into oxygen and water.
  • Don’t use Clorox wipes on any food-contact surfaces such as plates, cutlery or cutting boards. They can contaminate the food it comes into contact with.
  • While using alcohol can disinfect surfaces, it can be harsh on car leathers which can lead to discoloration and damage. You can use simple Ivory soap and water to clean car seats and other leather-trimmed interiors.
  • Likewise, bleach or hydrogen peroxide can damage your car’s upholstery and ammonia-based cleaners can damage the anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coatings on your car touch screens.
Workers are disinfecting buses and subway trains in Iran where more than a dozen people have died from the coronavirus outbreak. Duration: 00:43
Workers are disinfecting buses and subway trains in Iran where more than a dozen people have died from the coronavirus outbreak. Duration: 00:43 AFPTV / Majid SOURATI
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