How to safely disinfect your vehicle

We have been instructed to wash our hands on a regular basis and disinfect surfaces at home but as more people are starting to travel to and from their places of work in their personal vehicles, sanitizing surfaces inside your vehicle should also start becoming a habit. Inspired by recommendations set out by the U.S.-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vehicle manufacturers have been sanitizing vehicles before new owners take ownership without damaging or discolouring surfaces.

Firstly it is recommended that you wear disposable gloves during the sanitizing procedures. Using a soft or microfiber cloth dampened with soap and water, you can safely clean all the hard surfaces in the vehicle without risking damage or discolouring. While most disinfectants prove effective in sanitizing surfaces, some might cause harm to materials or surfaces found inside most vehicles and should be avoided.

Chemicals that should be avoided include; bleach, hydrogen peroxide, benzene, thinners or abrasive cleaners. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid ammonia-based cleaners and instead use screen wipes or a soft cloth dampened with soap and water to clean after which a dry soft cloth can be used to dry the surfaces. Alcohol-based wipes or sprays with at least 70% alcohol also prove effective while the alcohol will evaporate after application and is safe for use inside vehicles.

Surfaces to focus on while disinfecting is:

• Steering wheel
• Key and remote fob
• Exterior door handles (both sides)
• Trunk lid or lift gate grab areas
• Interior door pulls, both sides and interior door panels
• Start button, if equipped
• Rearview mirror, back and edges
• HVAC vents
• Gear selector
• Turn signal lever
• Windshield wiper controls
• Center stack knobs
• Center console and armrest
• Seat belt and buckle. Avoid harsh cleaners on the belt itself as they can degrade the fibers and the belt’s strength
• Parking brake handle, parking brake or release lever