Keeping your car clean and germ-free is always a priority. It is especially important during the outbreak of viruses like coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. A major consideration is choosing a cleaner that is strong enough to kill the virus without damaging the surfaces of your car’s interior. These tips will help you learn how to disinfect your car interior during the coronavirus.

What Cleaners Will Kill Coronavirus?

The first item to address is what types of cleaners will do the job of killing viruses. According to the CDC, alcohol solutions that contain at least 70 percent alcohol are effective against coronavirus. Many typical household cleaners that you probably already have around your home or can easily obtain will do the job. Pay particular attention to the parts of your car that are touched the most:
    • Steering wheel
    • Dash controls
    • Door handles
    • Gear shifter
    • Window controls
You will want to clean these areas most frequently. If you or anyone who has been in your car experiences symptoms, make sure you clean your entire car, especially those frequently touched areas listed above.

What About Soft Surfaces Like Seats?

For upholstery in your car, you need to be careful to avoid damaging the fabric. If you get too aggressive with soap and water, the suds you generate will seep into the fabric and be there forever. What you should do instead is gently scrub the surface of the material. You can use a rag with just a little water and laundry detergent. The same approach will help with the carpeted areas of your car floor and walls. For leather and imitation leather upholstery, you can take a similarly gentle approach but use dish soap instead. Scrubbing too vigorously can strip your upholstery of its protective finish and damage the color, so being gentle is important. Using a microfiber towel for all your interior cleaning is recommended to avoid damaging the materials in your car. An old rag or even a paper towel can be overly abrasive on the more delicate fibers of your car’s interior.

The Most Effective Way to Disinfect Your Car Interior During Coronavirus

To really make sure your car is disinfected, the most effective approach is to take your car to a professional at any Cascade Collision location. We have years of experience taking care of cars inside and out. During an outbreak like the coronavirus pandemic, keeping everything clean is vital. This includes your vehicle. To properly disinfect your car’s interior without damaging the surfaces, contact Cascade Collision. We can answer your questions and offer you a free quote.