Can alcohol be used for disinfection inside a car?
2 Answers
Alcohol can be used for disinfection by spraying inside a car, but it should be noted that alcohol is a flammable and explosive product. If alcohol is sprayed for disinfection, it should be wiped dry immediately, and the car windows should be opened in a well-ventilated environment. It is recommended to spray on the surface of objects and avoid spraying on hidden or hard-to-reach areas inside the car. To achieve the disinfection and sterilization effect, car owners need to use medical alcohol with a concentration of 75%. If the alcohol concentration is lower, it will not achieve the desired disinfection effect. Alcohol molecules have strong penetrating power, allowing them to pass through the bacterial membrane, enter the interior of the bacteria, and coagulate the proteins that form the basis of bacterial life, thereby killing the bacteria. Before using 75% alcohol to disinfect the car, the owner should turn off the engine and ensure the car is in a non-operational state. At the same time, it is important to maintain ventilation inside the car. Since the flash point of 75% alcohol is around 22 degrees Celsius and alcohol evaporates quickly, car owners must ensure there are no open flames nearby and pay attention to the amount of alcohol used to avoid excessive alcohol concentration in the air, which could lead to an explosion.
Using 75% alcohol for disinfection inside the car is very effective in killing germs, especially during the pandemic. Wiping frequently touched areas like the steering wheel and door handles can reduce infection risks. However, safety precautions are crucial as alcohol is highly flammable. Spraying it in a closed cabin without proper ventilation or in the presence of lighters or static electricity from electronic devices can easily lead to fires or explosions. I always open the windows for ventilation, ensure the car is turned off and stationary, and avoid dangerous actions like smoking. Additionally, alcohol can potentially damage some car materials, such as causing leather seats to fade or making dashboard plastics brittle and prone to aging. Long-term use might lead to higher repair costs. It's advisable to test on a small, inconspicuous area first before applying it to important surfaces. Compared to alcohol, dedicated car disinfectant sprays are gentler, though slightly more expensive, but safety should never be compromised. Regular cleaning can also extend the lifespan of the interior, making it a simple and cost-effective practice.
