How To Wipe Out Germs Hiding Inside Your Car | All & About

Your car could be a breeding ground for unpleasant viruses and bacteria.

We all now know how to wash our hands properly while singing Happy Birthday twice, but are we aware of the hidden dangers lurking in our cars?

Here are just a few things to consider to help limit the spread of germs:

Disinfectant spray

Clean the dashboard, armrests, steering wheel, door frames and exterior door handles. You can buy sprays and disinfectant wipes specifically designed for car interiors but you don’t need a specialty product, as regular household sprays are also effective.

One important thing to avoid, is using too much water when cleaning your seats. Especially when it comes to cloth interior, excess water can seep into the cushions. This can cause the growth of mold and that musty smell you get if you leave your windows open in the rain.

When washing the seats of your car, it is best to wet a cloth or sponge with soap and water and gently wipe the seats in a circular motion. You do not want to leave excess soap or water, as it can take a long time to dry. Isopropyl alcohol can safely be used on non-leather seats, but it is only ideal for imitation leather.

Floor mats

remove, shake out and vacuum the floor mats. Treat spills and stains with a carpet cleaner; they are usually simple to apply and you just wipe away with a damp cloth.

Air-conditioning

over time your air-conditioner becomes a breeding ground for germs so it’s important to clean and replace filters within the recommended service intervals.