Can alcohol be sprayed inside the car for disinfection?

[KatherineDella]

Alcohol can be used to disinfect the interior of a car, as it has sterilizing and disinfecting properties. However, it is recommended to use a wiping method instead of direct spraying. Precautions for using alcohol to disinfect a car include: 1. Alcohol is a flammable and explosive product, so it should be wiped dry immediately after spraying; 2. Ensure good ventilation by opening the car windows, and try to spray on the surface of objects, avoiding hidden or hard-to-reach areas inside the car; 3. After disinfecting the car, avoid smoking inside or closing the windows, as rising temperatures can reach the ignition point of alcohol, increasing the risk of explosion or fire; 4. After wiping with alcohol, special attention should be paid to leather seats, as they may be damaged.

[CoraLynn]

I did this last time when there was a strange smell in my car, and it almost caused a disaster. While 75% alcohol can indeed kill germs, spraying it directly in the car is like planting a time bomb. Alcohol vapor is highly flammable in an enclosed space, and even static sparks can crackle when opening the car door after wiping the steering wheel with alcohol. Moreover, the genuine leather seats and plastic dashboard in our cars can turn white and crack after alcohol spraying—my car’s navigation screen’s touch layer was ruined this way. Now, I’ve switched to using automotive disinfectant wipes for spot cleaning and always open the windows immediately afterward. If deep disinfection is necessary, I’d rather spend a bit more for professional ozone sterilization, which is safer and can also treat hard-to-reach areas like the AC ducts.

[Donovan]

As a long-distance driver, I want to remind everyone not to spray alcohol for disinfection extensively inside the car. Alcohol evaporates quickly and can leave residues at electrical connections, leading to poor contact or short circuits. It's recommended to use a zoned disinfection method: wash floor mats with disinfectant and let them dry, treat seats with professional foam cleaner, and use alcohol wipes for the steering wheel and gear lever. Remember to turn on the air conditioning's external circulation for ventilation for ten minutes after disinfection. Also, don't overlook the regular replacement of the cabin air filter for daily maintenance, which is much more effective than temporary disinfection.