Can Alcohol Be Sprayed Inside the Car?

[SanJack]

Alcohol can be sprayed inside the car, but the vehicle must be turned off and kept in a non-operational state. It is also important to ensure proper ventilation. Since 75% alcohol has a flash point around 22°C and evaporates quickly, car owners must ensure there are no open flames nearby and control the amount of alcohol used to avoid excessive air concentration, which could lead to an explosion. Ethanol, commonly known as alcohol, is a flammable, volatile, colorless, and transparent liquid at room temperature and pressure. It has low toxicity, and pure liquid should not be consumed directly. It has a distinctive aroma with a slight pungency, a mildly sweet yet spicy taste, and is flammable—its vapor can form explosive mixtures with air. It is miscible with water in any proportion.

[JaceLynn]

I don't recommend spraying alcohol directly inside the car, especially high-concentration types, because it's highly flammable. Imagine this: the car interior is small, summer temperatures are high, and with sunlight exposure or engine heat, alcohol vapor could instantly ignite if it encounters cigarettes, ignition devices, or static sparks—how dangerous! Additionally, alcohol is quite damaging to some interior materials. Long-term contact with plastic dashboards and leather seats can cause them to dry out, crack, or fade, while electronic screens may corrode or short-circuit. I've seen a friend's car suffer button malfunctions after spraying alcohol, costing hundreds to repair. If you really need to disinfect, I recommend using alcohol wipes for gentle wiping or opting for alcohol-free professional cleaning sprays—apply them to a cloth first before wiping surfaces to avoid direct spraying. Ventilating the car for a while after cleaning is also crucial. Safety first!

[Jan]

As a car owner, I have to admit that occasionally spraying a bit of alcohol on interior surfaces is acceptable, but extreme caution is required. When I use it, I turn off the engine and lightly mist hard surfaces like the steering wheel or door handles from a distance using a spray bottle, wait a few seconds, then wipe dry with a cloth to minimize residue. Never spray directly on electronic devices or soft upholstery—liquid can accumulate in seams like seat crevices and cause malfunctions. It's best to check the owner's manual first, as some vehicles specifically warn against chemical solvents. In winter, I ventilate by opening windows, and in summer, I choose shaded areas to prevent high-temperature ignition risks. Honestly, I find disposable disinfecting wipes more convenient—they're hassle-free, equally effective, and save effort. Regular cleaning while parked improves cabin air quality and makes driving more pleasant.

[DiNoah]

With over a decade of car repair experience, I've seen plenty of incidents caused by reckless alcohol spraying inside vehicles. When alcohol is sprayed onto dashboards, plastic components become brittle upon contact, and stuck buttons are both troublesome and costly to repair. Short circuits due to moisture on circuit boards are even more common, especially near air conditioning vents. High-concentration alcohol evaporates quickly and can ignite, posing extreme danger when the engine is running. My advice: if you must disinfect, apply a small amount to a cloth first before wiping—never spray directly at the AC system. Regular cleaning with water or professional cleaners is far safer. Proper interior maintenance beats reckless experimentation; don't save pennies only to spend dollars later.