Can Alcohol Be Used for Car Disinfection?
3 Answers
Cars should not be disinfected with alcohol because alcohol is a flammable and explosive liquid. In the confined space of a car, it can easily lead to the risk of fire and explosion, and it may also damage the car's interior components. Therefore, the use of alcohol is not recommended. For car disinfection, alternatives such as peracetic acid or chlorine dioxide can be used. For example, surfaces inside the car like door handles, steering wheels, windows, and seats can be wiped with disinfectants or disinfectant wipes containing these ingredients. In addition to disinfection, it is advisable to regularly open windows for ventilation in open outdoor areas. If in an underground garage, close the windows and turn on the car's air conditioning in recirculation mode for ventilation. Furthermore, direct contact of the interior with alcohol can cause whitening and other damage.
Can you use alcohol for car disinfection? Of course, 70% alcohol has good sterilization effects. I often spray it on door handles and steering wheels for disinfection, especially after the pandemic—I wipe them down before getting in the car every time, and it feels much cleaner. However, you need to be careful: alcohol is flammable, and when the car interior gets hot in summer, opening the windows for ventilation can easily cause a fire. My car almost smoked once. Additionally, interiors like genuine leather seats may dry and crack, and plastic parts might fade. Long-term use isn’t worth damaging your beloved car. Now, I recommend alcohol disinfectant wipes or diluted solutions, operating in a shaded area for better safety. Disinfection is important, but don’t overlook risk balance—choosing the right tools can save a lot of trouble.
Speaking of car disinfection, I've tried alcohol but it's not very reliable. In high temperatures, the enclosed space inside the car combined with alcohol's strong volatility means even a single spark could cause a fire. I once had a close call in the garage that nearly started a small fire. Additionally, it's highly corrosive to materials: leather surfaces become rough, and rubber seals age quickly. Personally, I think professional car disinfectant sprays are a better choice—they have gentle formulas that don't damage the interior. When disinfecting, ensure good ventilation to avoid inhaling irritating fumes—health should always come first. Choosing the right method is key to driving with peace of mind.
