The Coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc around the globe, and most parts of India are once again experiencing lockdowns or restrictions. Maintaining proper hygiene is one of the most effective ways to combat COVID-19 transmission. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, disinfecting high-touch surfaces is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of coronavirus (CDC).
Workstations, laptops, desks, public transportation, and even cell phones should all be sanitized. Personal vehicles are also one of the most common modes of transportation, and they have the potential to spread viruses.
Disinfecting Frequently Touched Surfaces
To reduce the risk of spreading infection, frequently touched surfaces such as the steering wheel, door handles, shift lever, any buttons or touch screens, wiper and turn signal stalks, passenger and driver door armrests, grab handles, and seat adjusters should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
According to the CDC, alcohol solutions containing at least 70% alcohol are effective against coronavirus. Isopropyl alcohol can clean nearly every interior surface of a vehicle for the most part.
Although bleach and hydrogen peroxide are effective against coronavirus, they will permanently damage your vehicle. The upholstery will disintegrate as a result of the stronger cleaners’ damaging properties. For the insides of your car, it’s best to use alcohol-based cleaners. Ammonia-based cleaners can damage anti-glare and anti-fingerprint coatings on car touch screens, so they should be avoided.
Servicing the air conditioning system
Because comorbid diseases are linked to many of the COVID-19 related deaths, it’s a good idea to clean out your HVAC system of any bacteria or fungi. Professional maintenance should be performed on the system. If you go the DIY route, make sure to clean the air filter and spray the air-conditioning vents (including the rear AC vents) with any of the car care brands’ cleansing agents.
Cleaning the upholstery
Clean the headrests, seatback pockets, backrests, and armrests. Alcohol and soap water can both be used on leather and leatherette (vinyl) upholstery, as well as fabrics.
Repeated use of alcohol or aggressive soap scrubbing on leather upholstery can cause discoloration, so use caution. Special products, such as conditioners, can be used after disinfection to ensure that the leather’s quality is preserved.
Fabric upholstery has its own set of issues. Too much soap water will not only stain the fabric, but it will also seep into the cushioning, aggravating the situation. The trick is to dampen a cloth for wiping down the seats with a small amount.
If you’re still worried, you can always hire a professional to do steam or dry cleaning for you.
Practicing social distancing
The most effective way to limit the spread of the disease is to avoid unnecessary human interactions, which can be extended to your vehicle use as well. To begin, avoid handing your car over to a valet. Maintain a safe distance from pump attendants at gas stations, and consider paying with digital wallets.
After your home and office, you probably spend the majority of your time in your vehicle. If you or anyone else who is experiencing symptoms has traveled by car, disinfecting the cabin is even more important. To ensure the safety of passengers, fleet operators must perform frequent sanitization. So, to reduce the risk of contagions and stay safe, follow these steps.