How to Clean Your Car for Coronavirus
Tips on How to Clean Your Car
At Hutchinson Kia of Albany, we fully understand the concerns our customers have about exposure to COVID-19, or coronavirus. To do their part in staying healthy and slowing the spread of the virus, many people in Albany, GA, are taking extra precautions. People are using hand sanitizer frequently, cleaning any items they purchase and wearing gloves while out in public. What's also important to remember, though, is that every time items are brought into your car, there's a chance of germs being introduced. According to the World Health Organization, studies suggest that the coronavirus may live on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. That means that you should be sanitizing the interior of your car to kill any germs it may have collected on your last visit to the grocery store or pharmacy.
How Long Does Coronavirus Survive on Surfaces?
One of biggest challenges in disinfecting your car is that its interior contains a variety of different surfaces. From the soft leather seats to the plastic on the dash, you'll find that you may need several different tools for washing your car. According to National Institutes of Health, the virus that causes COVID-19 is stable for up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic or stainless steel. Another study suggests that similar viruses can live on "inanimate surfaces like metal, glass or plastic for up to nine days."
What's the Best Way to Sanitize My Car's Interior?
Before you begin sanitizing your vehicle, be sure to wash your hands. If you have them, it's a good idea to wear disposable gloves. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work well for sanitizing your vehicle. Just be sure to read the product's label to make sure it's safe for the surface you're planning to use it on. If you have enough to spare, keep disinfectant wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your car so you can wipe it down frequently.
How to Clean Leather Seats in My Car
Before using any type of leather cleaner, be sure to spot test it on a hidden area to ensure it will work well for your specific seats. When you're cleaning, use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the leather. If you don't have any leather cleaner on hand, you can mix two parts vinegar with one part water to make your own solution. If you can, apply a leather conditioner after cleaning.
How to Disinfect Surfaces in My Car
If you want to avoid damaging your Kia model's interior surfaces, don't use bleach or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect. These can damage the vinyl and plastics in your cabin. You should also avoid any ammonia-based cleaning products used to clean glass, as they can break down the vinyl on the dashboard. Heat and light may then cause your dashboard to become sticky.
- Door Handles
- Door Buttons
- Key Fob
- Steering Wheel
- Inside Door Buttons
- Seat Belts
- Gear Shifters
- Touchscreens
- Buttons on the Dash
- Buttons for Lights
- Buttons for Windshield Wipers
- Glove Compartment
Are There Disinfectants I Should Avoid Using in My Car?
To ensure your leather cleaner works on your car's seats, spot test it in a hidden area first. Then, once you start cleaning the seats, do so with a microfiber cloth to avoid causing any scratches. If you don't have any leather cleaner, mix one part water with two parts vinegar to make your own. Once you're done cleaning, apply a leather conditioner, too, if you have any.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.