How to keep your vehicle sanitized for your family's protection

Quick facts

  • Steering wheels, door handles, and shift knobs are the highest-touch surfaces in a vehicle
  • Alcohol-based cleaners (at least 70% isopropyl) are effective on hard surfaces and most infotainment screens
  • Avoid bleach-based products on vinyl, leather, and fabric. They cause premature cracking and fading
  • HEPA-filter cabin air filters can reduce airborne particulates including pollen and some pathogens

During the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone has been cleaning and sanitizing our hands, door knobs, glasses, countertops, tables & chairs.  But do you think about how many germs could be in your vehicle. Carentals.com performed a study that showed a steering wheel of a vehicle has 4 times more germs than a public toilet seat.  It is easy to bring germs into our car with the fact that we are in and out of dozens of places where we can pick up germs that transfer to our car.

To be prepared having a good supply of cleaning wipes, tissue and spray cleaner for your heating ventilation and air conditioning vents are some great supplies to keep on hand.  You can then easily keep your vehicle wiped down often.  Keeping gloves and masks in the car for when you go into a store or business, can also help to protect us and others.  Also checking to see if your vehicle has a cabin air filter to make sure it is kept clean so it can keep filtering the air that is circulated inside the cabin of your vehicle. Usually they are replaced about every 12 months or 10,000 to 15,000 miles.  During this pandemic it might be recommended to replace it a little more often.

If it recommended to wipe down all the main touchpoints in your vehicle each time you drive it. Steering wheel, seat belts, gear shift, radio, heater controls, light switches, wiper switch, window switches, dash, door panels and inside and outside door handles. If we all do this it will help to reduce the spread of the Corona Virus. Happy Motoring!

Frequently asked questions

Common questions

Is it safe to use hand sanitizer to clean my car interior?

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used on hard surfaces like steering wheels and door handles in a pinch, but dedicated automotive interior cleaners are a better choice. Sanitizer contains alcohol that can dry out leather and certain plastics over time. Avoid spraying it on touchscreens with anti-glare coatings. Use a microfiber cloth and wipe rather than spray for better control.

How often should I clean my car interior for hygiene?

Wipe down high-touch surfaces (steering wheel, gear shift, door handles, buttons) weekly during cold and flu season or whenever someone in the vehicle has been sick. A full interior cleaning every one to two months is sufficient for most families. Replace the cabin air filter annually to keep the air circulation system from recirculating dust and allergens.

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