Cleaning and Sanitizing Your CarTips on How to Clean Your Car
At Herb Chambers INFINITI of Westborough, we understand the concerns our clients have about exposure to coronavirus. As such, our INFINITI dealership in Westborough, MA, is here to provide you with some pointers on how to keep your vehicle clean of germs and bacteria. If you have any questions about how to properly care for your vehicle's exterior and interior surfaces, please feel free to reach out.
How Long Does the Coronavirus Survive on Surfaces?
According to the National Institutes of Health, the coronavirus 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?
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. Keep disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer in your INFINITI at all times, so you can be ready to wipe down surfaces as needed.
How to Disinfect Surfaces in My Car
The most important areas of your INFINITI to keep clean are the dashboard and the steering wheel. Bacteria tends to collect in these spots, as air is cycled throughout the vehicle. To clean your dash, simply use soap and water. Dampen the surface of whatever you'd like to clean, then scrub for 20-30 seconds. Make sure to pay extra attention to the areas you touch most frequently, including your steering wheel and dash. Other high-touch surfaces can include:
- 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
Do I Need to Disinfect My Car's Exterior?
Thanks to the sun and other weather elements, germs are less likely to live on the exterior of your INFINITI. That being said, it's still smart to disinfect the areas you touch most frequently, including door handles, handle buttons and the gas cap.
Are There Disinfectants I Should Avoid Using in My Car?
If you want to avoid damaging your INFINITI 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.
How to Clean Leather Seats in My Car
Do you have leather seats in your INFINITI? It's important to note that you should only use leather cleaner to ensure they maintain their appearance. Don't have leather cleaner? You can make your own by mixing one part water with two parts vinegar. After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner if possible.