Sanitizing Effective Sanitizing During the Covid Season 19

Effective car cleaning during Covid 19 pandemic
Latest update date: February 03, 12

Clean and disinfect cars is the process of cleaning and destroying bacteria, viruses, mold and other pathogens on car interior and exterior surfaces. This helps ensure the space inside the car is always clean, safe and prevents infectious diseases, especially in hot and humid weather conditions or when many people use it.

In the context of a pandemic COVID-19, maintaining personal hygiene and surroundings has become a top priority. For car owners, properly cleaning and disinfecting their vehicles is not only a preventative measure but also a social responsibility. This article will provide you with detailed and scientifically-based instructions to protect yourself and your family from the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus through car cleaning.

Effective car cleaning during Covid 19 pandemic
Effective car cleaning during Covid 19 pandemic

The importance of car cleaning during the epidemic season

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the SARS-CoV-2 virus can survive on surfaces from several hours to several days, depending on environmental conditions. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that the virus can exist:

  • On plastic: up to 72 hours
  • On stainless steel: up to 48 hours
  • On cardboard: up to 24 hours

This shows the importance of regular cleaning of surfaces in the car, where many different materials are present and in frequent contact with humans.

- Effective Cleaning and Disinfection of Cars During the Covid 19 Pandemic
How to clean/disinfect cars during the Covid 19 epidemic

Recommended car cleaning frequency

Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and automotive experts, we recommend the following cleaning schedule:

Level of use Cleaning frequency
Use daily 2-3 times/week
Use occasionally 1 times/week
Useless 1 time/2 weeks

Key areas need cleaning and disinfection

1. Car keys

Why it's important: The car key is the first and most frequent contact item with the user's hand.

According to a study by the University of Arizona, car keys contain an average of 66 CFU (colony forming units) per cm².

How to clean: Use a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe to clean thoroughly.

- Effective Cleaning and Disinfection of Cars During the Covid 19 Pandemic
Clean car keys

2. Door handles and control buttons

Why it's important: These are frequently touched surfaces and can be places where bacteria and viruses accumulate.

How to clean:

  • Use a disinfectant solution containing at least 70% alcohol
  • Pay attention to small gaps and corners
- Effective Cleaning and Disinfection of Cars During the Covid 19 Pandemic
Clean car control buttons

3. Steering wheel

Why it's important: The steering wheel is where the driver's hands are in constant contact throughout the driving process.

According to CBS News, car steering wheels can contain up to 700 different species of bacteria, 9 times more than public toilet seats.

How to clean:

  • Use specialized disinfectant solution for cars
  • Thoroughly clean all surfaces, especially the grooves and buttons on the steering wheel
- Effective Cleaning and Disinfection of Cars During the Covid 19 Pandemic
Clean car steering wheel

4. Carpets and seats

Why it's important: This is where dirt, food debris and bacteria from shoes brought in accumulate.

How to clean:

  • Use a high-powered vacuum cleaner
  • Spray specialized disinfectant solution for car interiors
  • For leather seats, use specialized cleaning products to avoid damaging the surface

5. Air conditioning system

Why it's important: The air conditioning system can be a place for bacteria and mold to accumulate and spread in the cabin air.

According to a study by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, car air conditioning systems can contain up to 2.5 million colony forming units (CFU) per cm³ of air.

How to clean:

  • Replace the air filter periodically (usually every 6 months or 10,000-15,000 km)
  • Use specialized air conditioner cleaning solution
  • Turn on the outside air mode and run the fan at its strongest for 5-10 minutes before turning off the machine
- Effective Cleaning and Disinfection of Cars During the Covid 19 Pandemic
Clean the air conditioning system

Effective steps to clean and disinfect your car

Preparing instruments:

  • Disposable gloves
  • Khẩu trang
  • Disinfectant solution contains at least 70% alcohol
  • Microfiber towels
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Pressure sprayer (if any)

External cleaning:

  • Wash the car with water and specialized soap
  • Pay attention to high-contact areas such as door handles and rearview mirrors

Interior cleaning:

  • Vacuum the entire cabin, including seats, carpets, and crevices
  • Clean hard surfaces with disinfectant solution
  • Pay special attention to the steering wheel, gear lever, dashboard, and touch screen

Disinfect the air conditioning system:

  • Spray air conditioner cleaning solution into the air vents
  • Turn on the air conditioner in internal air mode and let it run for 10-15 minutes

Complete:

  • Let the car dry naturally or dry with a clean towel
  • Turn on the ventilation fan to circulate air before use

Important note

  • Do not use cleaners containing ammonia or chlorine as they can harm car interior surfaces.
  • Avoid getting electronic parts such as buttons on the control panel wet.
  • Wear gloves and a mask during cleaning to protect yourself.
  • Change wipes regularly to avoid spreading bacteria from one area to another.

Regularly and properly cleaning and disinfecting your car not only helps protect you and your family's health during the COVID-19 epidemic, but also maintains the car's good condition. By following the above instructions and creating regular cleaning habits, you can safely use your vehicle without worrying about the spread of viruses and bacteria.

- Effective Cleaning and Disinfection of Cars During the Covid 19 Pandemic
Notes when cleaning cars during the Covid 19 epidemic season

Frequently asked questions

1. Which disinfectant solution is most effective for cleaning cars?

Disinfectants containing at least 70% alcohol are recommended by the CDC as most effective. Alternatively, a solution containing 0.1% sodium hypochlorite (diluted household bleach) is equally effective. However, caution should be used when using bleach to avoid damaging interior surfaces.

2. How to safely clean the touch screen and electronic control panel?

How to clean the touch screen & electronic control panel properly:

  • Use a soft, damp (not wet) microfiber towel.
  • Avoid using solutions containing ammonia or alcohol
  • Use specialized cleaning solution for electronic screens
  • Wipe gently in circular motions

Note: Do not spray solution directly on the screen to avoid damage to electronic components.

3. Is it necessary to use an ozone machine to disinfect a car?

Ozone machines can be effective in disinfecting air and surfaces in cars. However, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ozone use can be harmful to health if not done properly. You should consider carefully and only use this service from certified professionals.

4. How to clean the ventilation and air conditioning system effectively?

How to safely clean ventilation & air conditioning systems. effective:

  • Replace the cabin air filter as recommended by the manufacturer
  • Use a specialized air conditioner cleaning spray, spray into the air vents when turning on the internal air intake mode
  • Run the fan at highest speed for 5-10 minutes to remove moisture
  • Use a professional air conditioning system cleaning service every 12-18 months

5. How to clean leather seats safely and effectively?

Cleaning leather car seats includes steps:

  • Use specialized cleaning solution for car leather seats
  • Test on a small area before use
  • Wipe gently with a damp microfiber towel
  • Use specialized lotion after cleaning to protect the surface

Note: Avoid using solutions containing alcohol or strong detergents on the leather surface.

6. Is it necessary to change the engine air filter more often during the epidemic season?

Although engine air filters are not directly linked to the spread of viruses, maintaining good engine performance can help reduce emissions and improve ambient air quality. The manufacturer's maintenance schedule should be followed, usually every 30,000-45,000 km or 24-36 months.

7. How to effectively clean and disinfect car keys?

How to effectively clean & disinfect car keys:

  • Use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes for cleaning
  • Pay attention to carefully cleaning the openings and buttons
  • Let dry naturally before using
  • Avoid soaking the key in solution to protect electronic components

Note: For smart keys, care should be taken to avoid damaging the sensors and electronic circuits. Additionally, you can refer to some Car cleaning and deodorizing tips Simplest & most effective, applied by many drivers.

If you don't feel confident enough to perform the deep cleaning process yourself, don't hesitate to contact professional car care centers like Thanh Phong Auto. With a team of well-trained staff and modern equipment, we are committed to providing your beloved vehicle with a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection process, ensuring safety during the epidemic season.

5/5 - (1 votes)

LEAVE COMMENT

Your email will not be displayed publicly. Required fields are marked *



Cars Care Service Price Sheet At Thanh Phong Auto HCMC VietNam:

* The cars that we have mechanics: Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Kia, Daewoo, Hyundai,Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, Porsche, Chevrolet, Rand Rover, Innova, Fortuner, Vios, Fiat, Bugatti, Ferrari, Bentley, Hummer , Chrysler, Dodge, Renault, Cadillac, Volvo, Subaru, Daihatsu, Ssangyong, Roll-Royce, Peugeot, Smart Fortwo, Tobe M'car, Luxgen, Zotye, Haima, Geely, Baic, Hongqi, Cmc, Mini Cooper, Buick, Opel, Acura, Aston Martin, Vinfast, TQ Wuling, BYD.

 

To keep your vehicle running properly at all times, we offer a number of services that are carried out by our certified, expert auto service and repair technicians who have years of experience performing everything from oil changes to a complete engine overhaul.