Can alcohol be used for disinfection inside a car?

[VanWalter]

Alcohol can be used for disinfection inside a car. Different concentrations of alcohol serve different purposes. To achieve a disinfecting and sterilizing effect, you need to purchase medical alcohol with a concentration of 75%. Car owners should also pay attention to certain aspects when using alcohol for disinfection. Due to the high concentration of alcohol and its rapid evaporation, 75% ethanol disinfectant has a flash point of around 22°C, so it is important to maintain ventilation inside the car. Additional information: 1. It is best to use a towel dipped in alcohol to wipe the interior of the car instead of directly spraying alcohol inside, as this avoids excessive alcohol concentration in the air, which poses a fire risk. When wiping the interior of the car, remember to turn off the engine first and wait until the engine and interior equipment have stopped working before proceeding. 2. Since alcohol is an organic solvent, car owners with leather interiors should avoid wiping leather materials, as this can damage the interior. Additionally, chrome-plated and painted parts inside the car may fade due to alcohol corrosion, so car owners should also avoid wiping these areas when cleaning the interior.

[DeManuel]

Using alcohol for car interior disinfection, I've personally found that caution is needed. 75% alcohol can effectively kill bacteria and viruses, and it works quite well—for instance, during the pandemic, I often used alcohol-soaked cotton pads to wipe the steering wheel and door handles. However, higher concentrations or pure alcohol may damage materials: leather seats can become stiff, plastic parts may develop micro-cracks, and films may bubble. Once, I accidentally sprayed alcohol on the center console screen, causing the coating to peel off, and the repair wasn't cheap. It's best to test on a small area first, ensure good ventilation during use, and avoid inhaling fumes or strong odors. Extra care is needed if children are present, as residual alcohol can irritate their respiratory systems. I recommend using specialized car disinfectant sprays with gentler ingredients that won’t harm the interior, or diluting alcohol to below 70%. Regular ventilation by opening windows or using UV lamps for disinfection is a safer alternative. Also, clean the AC filter periodically to prevent bacterial buildup. In short, alcohol is usable but not the ideal choice.

[DiJonathan]

I think in-car disinfection is important, especially now with the focus on health. Using alcohol can disinfect quickly and is suitable for wiping high-touch areas like gear levers and buttons. However, there are significant risks: alcohol is flammable, can easily evaporate and produce odors in enclosed spaces, and may cause skin allergies with excessive contact. I have personal experience—after wiping, the plastic on the door panel turned white, and I regretted not using a dedicated cleaner first. When there are child seats or pets in the car, avoid alcohol eroding the padding material. It's best to dilute it to 60-70%, use a soft cloth to wipe lightly instead of spraying, and ventilate for half an hour before getting back in the car. I recommend eco-friendly disinfectant products without corrosive properties. Don’t forget to clean the tires and floor mats to prevent dirt from circulating. Safety first is the key consideration.

[BrynleeMarie]

From a disinfection perspective, alcohol is highly effective as it can rapidly deactivate pathogens. However, automotive interior materials like synthetic leather and vinyl are prone to aging when exposed to alcohol. I've seen a friend's car develop white spots after using alcohol, which was counterproductive. It's best to use it sparingly on metal components and opt for neutral cleaners for interior surfaces.