Can Alcohol Be Sprayed for Disinfection Inside the Car?
3 Answers
Alcohol can be sprayed for disinfection inside the car. Here are some precautions for spraying alcohol in the car: 1. Note that alcohol is a flammable and explosive product. If alcohol is sprayed for disinfection, it should be wiped dry immediately. 2. Try to spray on the surface of objects and avoid spraying on other hidden or hard-to-reach areas inside the car. 3. Before using alcohol to disinfect the vehicle, turn off the engine and keep it in a non-operational state. Also, ensure proper ventilation in the car. Since the flash point of alcohol is around 22°C and it evaporates quickly, car owners must ensure there are no open flames nearby, pay attention to the amount of alcohol used, and avoid excessive alcohol concentration in the air, which could lead to an explosion.
I learned my lesson last summer as a car owner. At that time, I read online that using alcohol for disinfection was convenient, so I sprayed a lot inside my car. After leaving the car under the sun for two hours, the dashboard almost got damaged because alcohol is highly flammable, especially in summer when the interior temperature can easily reach 50-60°C. The misted alcohol becomes dangerous when it comes into contact with static electricity or sunlight focus. Now, I’ve switched to using wet wipes for cleaning. If I do spray, it’s only a small amount on a cloth to wipe door handles, and I always make sure to open the windows for ventilation. If you really must use alcohol for disinfection, I recommend doing it with the engine off, the handbrake engaged, and ensuring there are no open flames like lighters nearby. Safety first, everyone!
I've been in the car detailing business for ten years and have seen many cases where owners damaged their interiors by using alcohol for disinfection. Alcohol can corrode leather seats, especially those with coated genuine leather, causing sprayed areas to gradually turn white and harden. Plastic components also suffer – excessive spraying on dashboard panels can easily lead to cracking. I recommend using 75% alcohol wipes for spot cleaning frequently touched areas like AC vents and steering wheels, but make sure to wipe dry immediately. Actually, a better solution is to purchase dedicated interior disinfectant sprays – many now use plant-based formulas that won't harm vehicles. During every interior cleaning service, I always remind customers not to spray any liquids on fabric headliners as they're particularly difficult to dry completely.
