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Worried About Germs in Your Car? Disinfect Them Using These Tips

By Juhi Walia
18 August 2022, 1:38 PM

Our cars run in all environments and are prone to dust and germs. People prefer clean and fresh vehicles but tend to keep car windows closed throughout the journey. This might lead to the multiplication of germs inside your car. Therefore, it becomes quite important to disinfect your car regularly. 

While people love to bask in the sun in their homes, they want to stay away from sunlight in every way possible during car journeys. Sunlight kills all kinds of microorganisms, and when you shut the path of sunlight, the germs tend to multiply. Don't worry! We have got you covered. This guide will help you disinfect your car and kill the germs that might be present inside the vehicle.

Ways to Kill Germs in a Car 

The germs in your car pose serious health threats, and you must treat them as soon as possible. There are several ways of killing the germs in your car. Some of the effective ways are listed below:

Get Rid of the Dust

Dust is a common sight inside and outside the car as it operates in a harsh external environment throughout the day. Also, dust facilitates the movement of different germs and brings them to your vehicle. Dust is a home for several microorganisms, and when it gets trapped in a closed surrounding, the microorganisms multiply faster. 

Therefore, you should regularly clean the dust on all surfaces inside and outside your car. You can use a brush to reach tricky spaces. A large piece of cloth will come in handy for cleaning large surfaces. You can also take the help of a vacuum cleaner to clean your seats.

Expose the Car to Sunlight

Sunlight is the best cure for germs. Most germs are destroyed if they are exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, if your car needs thorough disinfection, you can park it under direct sunlight. While sunlight might be a good option, you should also couple it with a few other solutions. You can keep the windows open to let fresh air enter the space. However, there might be areas that sunlight cannot reach. You can use a tiny brush to wipe these areas clean. 

Change the Air Filter

An air filter cleans the air inside the car. Hence, it has large deposits of dust on its surface. Sometimes the volume of dust is so high that it might block the filter. There are cases where the problem of germs and dust increase because of a faulty filter.

You must consider cleaning or replacing the air filter if you sense that the car's cooling system is ineffective. Also, if unpleasant air starts circulating within the vehicle, it's time to check the air filter. As a precautionary measure, you should replace the air filter every 6 to 8 months.  

Use a Disinfectant Spray 

There are several disinfectant sprays available on the market. These sprays have a formulation that can kill germs up to 99%. You can use a surface disinfectant from a trusted brand and spray it on all the car parts. You can wash your car with water and let it dry. Once the car is dry, you can spray the disinfectant on the seats, the plastic parts, the metal body, etc.

The best part about using a disinfectant spray is that they come in various fragrances and will keep your car fresh for the next few days.

Use Disinfectant Wipes and Gels

There are several disinfectant wipes and gels on the market. They will wipe the surface off and remove any harmful germs sticking to the vehicle's exterior. However, the best part about these wipes and gels is that they are multi-utility products. They not only disinfect your car but also add to its shine.

You can use these wipes to clean surfaces directly with the driver and the passengers. Some of these surfaces include armrests, handbrakes, steering wheels, etc.

Clean the Upholstery

Cars in India have different fabric products like cushions, seat covers, neck rests, etc. These fabrics can be a breeding ground for germs if not cleaned regularly. You can remove the dust using a brush or a cloth and then use a vacuum cleaner to clean the surfaces of these objects thoroughly.  

However, you should avoid using water to clean these surfaces as the damp fabric can create a smell and become a home for mould and fungus. However, if you still want to clean these fabrics with water, you can wash them and then dry them under the sun before you place them inside the car again.

Final Words

The accumulation or the growth of germs inside the car's body is a major problem. They can affect your immunity and cause other health issues like colds, allergies, etc. Therefore, it is your responsibility to keep your car clean and disinfected so that it does not become a breeding ground for different germs.

 It will help if you are mindful of the materials used to clean and disinfect the car. Using an unsuitable product can damage the vehicle's surface or parts. However, using the equipment recommended in this post, you can have your car free from germs.

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FAQs

1. How frequently should I disinfect my car?

You should disinfect your car twice a week. However, if you travel a lot by car, you can increase it to three times.  

2. Can I use vinegar to clean my car?

Vinegar contains acid and can cause a reaction if you use it on the car's surface. Therefore, you must avoid using vinegar or acid to clean your vehicle.

3. Will dust in the air filter affect the performance of a car AC?

If dust gets stuck in the air filter, the effectiveness of the air-conditioning system will reduce to a great extent.  

4. How does mould breed in a car?

If you leave food particles inside the car, they will become mould. Mould is a hub for all kinds of bacteria.

5. What are some areas in the car that I should regularly disinfect?

You should disinfect surfaces that you are in touch with constantly. These surfaces include a steering wheel, armrest, window buttons, etc.

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