You may have revered your car as the one place you could hide from Covid (as long as you sit in silence), but keeping your guard up inside your vehicle is also important. And while we’re well-versed in handwashing, mask-wearing, and social distancing, we may not have given as much attention to keeping the insides of our cars safe.
Here are some quick tips to help you keep your vehicle clean during Covid-19 courtesy of the experts at KBB.
Disinfectant Wipes For The Win
You don’t need to buy special cleaning supplies just because you’re disinfecting the inside of your car. Most manufacturers use disinfectant wipes to wipe down steering wheels, radio/audio controls, turn signals, and other highly used areas of your vehicle’s interior. If you frequently use it, it’s best to wipe it down.
If you do want to purchase a kit that includes everything you need, plus a little bit more, then consider RideKleen’s PureProtect Kit. It includes the cleaner, disinfectant bottle, microfiber cloth, gloves, face mask, and hand sanitizer. The residual effect of the disinfectant slows down the growth of mold, mildew, and germs for up to 30 days from treatment. RideKleen is available in single-use kits or in bulk (for rideshare companies, dealerships, and the like.)
But Don’t Use Bleach or Peroxide
Will it kill coronavirus? Sure. Will it also destroy your vehicle’s interior? Most definitely. Also avoid ammonia-based cleaning products as they cause the vinyl to become sticky.
Throw Away Disposable Masks
Single-use masks should be thrown away after each use. For convenience, keep a box in your glove compartment so that you’re not tempted to use one after it has already been worn.
Avoid Large Bottles of Sanitizer
It’s tempting to park a giant bottle of sanitizer in your passenger seat for easy use, but it could actually cause a bigger mess if you’re not diligent. Heat can cause the sanitizer itself to increase in volume, which will cause the bottle to expand. The result? Sanitizer leaking everywhere and an afternoon spent soaking up half a gallon of Purell from your vehicle’s upholstery. Keep a small container in a temperature-regulated place for safe storage.
If you need to take a driver improvement course online due to the pandemic, A1 Driver can help! We offer flexible online training that meets the requirements of Virginia Driver Improvement education.