Is it enough to just vacuum and wipe your car down? What other measures can you do to ensure that your vehicle is clean and free of disease-causing germs? Are there other ways to maintain the cleanliness and safety of your vehicle?
These are the common questions that must run in the minds of vehicle owners everywhere. Recent events have brought more attention to maintaining good health. It has also spurred a more conscious effort in people to maintain cleanliness in the areas or things around them, including the vehicles they use.
From personal habits to car services that help maintain the condition of vehicles, there are ways that you can keep your car clean and safe so you can breathe safely and freely. We will present you some of the tips in this article that we did in collaboration with dtservicecentre.com.
Healthy Car, Healthy You
Despite lockdowns happening in numerous cities and areas around the world, transportation remains to be one of the services that are still needed. From transporting essential goods and services to ferrying health care workers and other personnel, vehicles are instrumental in responding to the needs and requirements of citizens.
As local or national quarantine restrictions are being slowly lifted or relaxed, people will also need to start using their vehicles to go where they need to. If you are one of the many who will start driving your car for work or to conduct essential business, then you would want to make sure that your car is as safe and germ-free as possible.
Maintaining a clean and safe in-car environment will help you keep your own personal health in good condition. How you use and take care of your car during these unprecedented times will spell a huge difference in caring for you and your loved ones’ health and well-being.
Here are some of the top tips that you can do to keep your car clean and safe so you can also be safe too:
1. Practice Personal Vehicle Hygiene
Cleaning your vehicle is the first step to ensure that you have a safe cabin environment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cleaning can help in the removal of filth and impurities from surfaces. While cleaning alone does not kill germs, it can reduce their number and lower the risk of spreading infection.
To clean your vehicle, make sure to get rid of visible trash or litter. Cleaning also includes wiping or washing away dust, dirt, or grime from both the interior and the exterior of the vehicle.
For hard or non-porous surfaces, you can use soap and water to clean the dirt away before you go to the next stage of disinfection. For soft or porous surfaces such as textile car seat covers or rugs, then you can wash them using soap and warm water. Just make sure to check the most appropriate temperature or washing instructions as indicated in the manufacturer’s guide.
Refrain from shaking out the dirt before you launder the items as it can disperse any pathogens in the air. Also, make sure to dry out laundered items completely.
2. Use the Right Cleaning Tools
Another factor that you should take note of is the proper use of cleaning materials.
When you want to be extra cautious, you can wear gloves and protective clothing before you do the cleaning and disinfection of your vehicle. This is especially important if you are handling solutions that may cause allergies or burn your skin upon contact. Make sure you also wash or bathe after doing so.
Soap and water may be used for cleaning but if you want to disinfect, then you may have to use EPA-approved disinfectants. You can also use a diluted household bleach solution if it’s appropriate for the surface to be cleaned. You can mix five tablespoons of bleach for every gallon of water or four teaspoons of bleach for every quart of water.
When using cleaning and disinfection products, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. There are proper directions on how to apply these products as well as for instructions for the right amount of concentration and observance of contact time.
3. Observe Proper Health Etiquette
The cleanliness and safety of your cabin are also reliant on how the passengers practice proper health etiquette.
Do not use the car when you are sick. Whatever may be causing your illness may be passed on to other passengers should they use the car with you or after you, especially if the ailment you have is contagious. It is best to stay at home when you have a mild cough or fever (37.3°C and above).
Also, avoid going in the car with dirty hands. Observe proper handwashing. If water and soap are unavailable, you can use an alcohol-based (at least 70% alcohol) sanitizer. Do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible.
Everyone should also practice respiratory etiquette. The mouth and nose should be covered using the crook of the elbow or with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Soiled tissues must immediately be disposed of in your car’s trash bin. Soiled tissues and other litter may also be temporarily thrown inside a paper bag to be disposed of in trash upon alighting the vehicle.
4. Get Your Car Sanitized and Disinfected Professionally
If you really want to be sure that your vehicle is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, you can also avail yourself of deep cleaning car services. There are reputable car service centers that can do an intensive detailing of your car. More importantly, they also offer vehicle disinfection services, typically for free.
As cleaning is not enough to get rid of harmful bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms that may cause you to get sick, you should also have your car disinfected. Disinfection may involve using medical-grade UV light and ozone technology to eliminate these pathogens and reduce the risk of contagion.
Professional sanitation and disinfection will also ensure that your car is well taken care of since these auto experts know which methods to use so as not to damage any interior or leather surfaces.
5. Take Advantage of Relevant Car Services
You also do not have to huff and puff just to ensure that your car is clean and germ-free. All you need to do is dial up your trusty service car center and avail yourself of services that make it easy for you to enjoy a clean car.
You can conveniently have your car picked up for cleaning, disinfection, or other car maintenance services. It can then also be delivered back to you at no cost. Just schedule an appointment and you can send off your car to the experts.
Driving Safely to Good Health
When you want to ensure that you and yours are safe and healthy while inside the car and after using it, you also have to do your part. Make sure to practice good hygiene and health etiquette as well as have your vehicle cleaned and disinfected properly.
The road to good health may not be as paved and rocky at the moment but you can do your part to make the journey bearable. A conscious effort is needed to drive yourself to the pink of health.
