Can Alcohol Be Sprayed in Cars for Disinfection?
2 Answers
Alcohol can be sprayed in cars for disinfection, but it should be noted that alcohol is a flammable and explosive product. If alcohol is used for spraying disinfection, it should be wiped dry immediately and placed in a well-ventilated environment with the car windows open. Alcohol should be sprayed on the surface of objects as much as possible, and not on other hidden or hard-to-reach areas inside the car. After disinfection inside the car, it is essential not to smoke or close the car windows, as the rising temperature may reach the ignition point of alcohol, which can easily lead to the possibility of explosion or fire. After wiping with alcohol, if the car has leather seats, they may be damaged. To achieve the effect of disinfection and sterilization with alcohol, car owners need to use medical alcohol with a concentration of 75%. If the alcohol concentration is too low, it will not have the effect of disinfection and sterilization.
As a regular driver who often eats in the car, I've always been concerned about disinfection. I used to spray alcohol directly inside the car, thinking it would quickly disinfect and kill germs. However, after one such attempt, white residue and slight corrosion marks appeared on the plastic parts of the interior, leaving a sticky feel. While alcohol is effective at killing viruses and bacteria, it can significantly damage the car's leather, plastic, and rubber components, leading to discoloration, aging, or even dissolving the surface coating. More dangerously, alcohol is highly flammable, especially when used in a car during hot summer days—any cigarette butt or static spark could potentially cause a fire. Now, I've switched to using car-specific disinfectant wipes or diluted alcohol (70% concentration) sprayed onto a microfiber cloth to wipe key areas like the steering wheel and door handles. Afterward, I make sure to ventilate the car for half an hour before using it again, ensuring both safety and protection for my car's interior.
