{"id":146971,"date":"2020-03-27T14:23:41","date_gmt":"2020-03-27T18:23:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/\/?p=146971"},"modified":"2021-03-05T09:22:08","modified_gmt":"2021-03-05T14:22:08","slug":"car-clean-coronavirus-outbreak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/car-clean-coronavirus-outbreak\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Steps to Keep Your Car Clean During the Coronavirus Outbreak"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul><li><em>Follow these five simple tips to keep your car clean during the Coronavirus outbreak.<\/em><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>With the rise of COVID-19 cases around the country, many are disinfecting everything they come in contact with. Along with household items and devices, don\u2019t forget about your car and the unknown germs you could be bringing in and out.<em> Properly&nbsp;<\/em>sanitizing the most frequently touched parts of your car is important. However, your interior is made up of a number of materials which should be treated differently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we get too deep into this, let me start by sharing that, as a best-practice across the board, I always recommend deferring to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/oralhealth\/infectioncontrol\/faqs\/cleaning-disinfecting-environmental-surfaces.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"the cleaning standards (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"rank-math-link\" data-lasso-id=\"22335\">the cleaning standards<\/a> set by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the EPA. These are good guidelines to follow, and will help you keep your car clean during the Coronavirus outbreak.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cleaning vs. Disinfecting <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like doorknobs, counters, smartphones and everything else you touch, it\u2019s important to extensively clean and disinfect the interior of your car. According to the&nbsp;CDC,&nbsp;cleaning removes dirt, germs and other impurities (rather than killing them), and reduces the risk of spreading infection by lowering the number of&nbsp;germs on a given surface. Disinfecting DOES kill germs on surfaces and is a very necessary step when you\u2019re trying to <a aria-label=\"avoid the spread of illness (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/prepare\/cleaning-disinfection.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"rank-math-link\" data-lasso-id=\"22336\">avoid the spread of illness<\/a>, especially during the Coronavirus outbreak. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luckily, properly cleaning and disinfecting your car is not super intricate and, with just a few key steps, you can do your best to greatly reduce all threats in no time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"688\" src=\"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-7-1024x688.jpg\" alt=\"Follow these five simple tips to keep your car clean during the Coronavirus outbreak. \" class=\"wp-image-146985\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-7-1024x688.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-7-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-7-770x518.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-7-1536x1033.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-7-500x336.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-7-293x197.jpg 293w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-7-1400x941.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-7.jpg 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption> Follow these five simple tips to help keep your car clean during the Coronavirus outbreak. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step #1: Select The Right Products <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Check the&nbsp;<a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link rank-math-link\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/pesticide-registration\/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2\" target=\"_blank\" data-lasso-id=\"22337\">EPA\u2019s list<\/a>&nbsp;of registered disinfectants that meet the criteria for the Coronavirus outbreak. Ideally, you want an EPA-approved cleaner or disinfectant that is also appropriate for addressing each type of material found inside your vehicle. Yes, this might mean using more than one product! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While combination cleaners can cover several or multiple areas, any car lover will tell you it\u2019s better to use specifically catered cleaners. This is the best way to protect and preserve your interior. You don&#8217;t want to ruin your interior while you are in the process of cleaning and disinfecting. For quick reference, check out the guidelines below: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>For all interiors:<\/strong> Across the board, always try to avoid any and all solvents including acetone, alcohols, and kerosene. They can be very harsh and aren\u2019t a good fit for your car\u2019s delicate interior materials.<\/li><li><strong>For vinyl and synthetic interiors: <\/strong>These are both easy to disinfect, as they don\u2019t absorb anything. But, as always, avoid using cleaners containing alcohol or bleach. Be extra cautious of plastic compounds, which are used frequently in door panels, dashes, and consoles. Those guys are especially vulnerable to alcohol-based cleaners which can soften and discolor them.<\/li><li><strong>For leather interiors:<\/strong>&nbsp;If you choose to use an alcohol or detergent-based cleaner on leather interior panels or seats, it\u2019s helpful to apply a leather conditioner afterward to restore moisture so your leather doesn&#8217;t dry up. Some kits, like <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"rank-math-link rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2yeuQQk\" target=\"_blank\" data-lasso-id=\"22338\">this one from Chemical Guys<\/a>, have both the leather cleaner and conditioner. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-5-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-146983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-5-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-5-770x514.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-5-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-5-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-5-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-5-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-5-293x196.jpg 293w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-5-1400x935.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-5.jpg 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Use the attachments on your vacuum to &#8220;get between the cracks.&#8221; <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step #2: Vacuum Thoroughly <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Spend time getting into the difficult, narrow, and cramped areas of your vehicle. Look for areas that often accumulate the most dirt, debris, and dust. Getting rid of that stuff first will make cleaning and disinfecting the surfaces of your car much more effective. <strong>Another helpful tip:<\/strong> if your vacuum has multiple attachments, use them to really gain access to those deep crevices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You don&#8217;t have to drag your house vacuum out to the garage either. There are handheld units, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/37czawO\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener noreferrer\" class=\"rank-math-link\" data-lasso-id=\"22339\">HOTOR Car Vacuum Cleaner<\/a>, that are more portable and easier to use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step #3: Consider What You Touch Most<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Give your seat belt buckle, shift knob, all door handles, steering wheel, and dashboard controls a generous wipe down with antibacterial products. For touchscreens (another high-contact spot!) you need to be mindful of too much moisture, which can damage electronic components. Use a microfiber cloth that\u2019s made for screens and spray disinfectant on the cloth, rather than directly on the screen for more control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re uncertain about how specific surfaces will respond to harsher cleaners and disinfectants, test the product first on less visible areas before performing a more thorough cleaning. This may take more time, but it will save you unwarranted trips to the shop and unnecessary spending! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-146982\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-500x334.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-550x367.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-585x391.jpg 585w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-600x401.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-623x416.jpg 623w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-700x467.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-750x501.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-524x350.jpg 524w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-770x514.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-1536x1026.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-293x196.jpg 293w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4-1400x935.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Car-Cleaning-4.jpg 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The shifter is one of the most commonly touched parts of your car.  During the Coronavirus outbreak, make sure to wipe it down, along with other frequently touched areas, inside your car. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step #4: Keep Your Hands Clean <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Especially during this time, it\u2019s crucial to sanitize all surroundings and practice good hygiene on a daily basis to reduce the spread of germs. When you\u2019re going in and out of your vehicle, apply hand sanitizer when you can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step #5: Limit Your Travel if Possible <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re running errands, limit the amount of stops you make, which will also minimize how frequently you\u2019ll need to clean your interior. If you are using a <a aria-label=\"car sharing service (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" class=\"rank-math-link rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/best-car-sharing-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-lasso-id=\"22340\">car sharing service<\/a>, then it might be a good idea to carry sanitizing wipes with you and give everything a once-over before taking off. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When in doubt, check in with the&nbsp;CDC for the latest guidelines surrounding the Coronavirus outbreak. Although it may sound obvious and overstated, avoid touching your face and try to be mindful of all best practices you can take to keep yourself and those around you as healthy as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Richard Reina is the Product Training Director for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/carid.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">CARiD.com<\/a>, and Automoblog&#8217;s resident expert on the classic and collector car market. He enjoys restoring and driving old cars with a special love for anything Italian. Richard is also passionate about music and is a huge Beatles fan.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">More Info About The Coronavirus Outbreak<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/about\/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fprevention-treatment.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-lasso-id=\"22342\">Steps to avoid infection<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the World Health Organization:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/health-topics\/coronavirus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-lasso-id=\"22343\">Understanding the Coronavirus<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From our home state of Michigan:&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/documents\/coronavirus\/MDHHS_Interim_Recommendations_for_COVID-19_final_683589_7.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" data-lasso-id=\"22344\">Recommendations from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (PDF).<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Follow these five simple tips to keep your car clean during the Coronavirus outbreak. With the rise of COVID-19 cases around the country, many are disinfecting everything they come in contact with. Along with household items and devices, don\u2019t forget about your car and the unknown germs you could be bringing in and out. Properly&nbsp;sanitizing the most frequently touched parts of your car is important. However, your interior is made up of a number of materials which should be treated [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":116,"featured_media":146982,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[43510],"tags":[],"model":[],"acf":[],"modified_by":"Carl Anthony","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/146971"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/116"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=146971"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/146971\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/146982"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=146971"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=146971"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=146971"},{"taxonomy":"model","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/model?post=146971"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}