Disinfecting your car amid the pandemic, without damaging it

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought some wholesome changes to our lives and the way we approach hygiene and cleanliness, hasn't it? On top of the social or physical distancing that we have started following, washing and sanitizing our hands at regular intervals, wearing face masks and disposable gloves, and also sanitizing the stuff that we touch in our daily routine has now become an integral part of our lives.

With that said and understood, if you use a car in your daily life for commuting and other purposes, it's going to be necessary for you to disinfect you ride every now and then to keep it safe and secure for you as well as others who are going to ride along with you. For starters, the following are the most important surfaces and areas that need to be disinfected and sanitized in and on your car for a safe ride.

• Steering wheel
• Exterior door handles
• Trunk lid or liftgate grab areas
• Interior door pulls
• Key and remote fob
• Parking brake lever
• Interior door panels
• Rearview mirror
• HVAC vents
• Gear selector knob
• Turn signal lever
• Start/stop button
• Seat belt and buckle
• Windshield wiper controls
• Center stack knobs
• Center console and armrest

Since you are familiar with the major parts and surfaces to be disinfected, it is important to get hold of an effective disinfecting agent. Many organisations have stated that alcohol-based wipes and sprays which contain around 70% Isopropyl alcohol are highly effective in not only removing many stains, smudges, and residues but also in killing bacteria and viruses present on various surfaces both inside and outside of your car.

"Most common disinfectants are effective, but some are not ideal for vehicles, including bleach, hydrogen peroxide, benzene, thinners, or abrasive cleaners that can damage upholstery and interiors", said Nissan. And, we have included this quote in order to let you know that using Isopropyl alcohol and other abrasive cleaners or disinfectants on leather upholstery, seat belts, and other soft surfaces may lead to the deterioration of fibres and dye of these surfaces.

So, while you can easily use Isopropyl alcohol-based cleaners for disinfecting the likes of the steering wheel, dashboard, armrests, centre console, seat controls, gear level, cup holders, doors panels, various handles, HVAV grilles, rearview mirror, and many other surfaces, it will be better for you to equip yourself with a soft cloth moistened with a mixture of soap and water for cleaning the leather upholstery and other soft-touch panels present inside of your car. Also, don't forget to wear disposable gloves and face mask while cleaning and disinfecting your beloved ride.

In case you find the process of disinfecting your car too complicated and time-consuming, you can always give a call to the professional folks, who will be more than happy to visit your place and give your ride a thorough cleaning, and also disinfect it properly. Also, avoid taking your car to the contaminated spots and try not to take more than the prescribed number of co-passengers with you while travelling. With no signs of the COVID-19 pandemic ending soon, take care of yourself, your family, and follow all the protocols advised by the authorities for a healthy and corona-free life.