Can Alcohol Disinfect a Car?
2 Answers
It is not advisable to use alcohol for disinfection inside a car. Since alcohol is a flammable and explosive liquid, using it in the confined space of a car can pose a risk of fire or explosion. Below is relevant information about car disinfection: Ozone Disinfection for Cars: Ozone disinfection utilizes the car's air conditioning circulation system. By introducing a specialized disinfectant into the circulation system, it can eliminate odors inside the car and provide certain disinfection effects against amines, nicotine, bacteria, etc. Chemical Disinfection: Chemical disinfection involves using disinfectants such as peracetic acid, Lysol, and 84 disinfectant to wipe and clean frequently touched areas inside the car, like door handles and the steering wheel, which can also achieve some disinfection effects. Photocatalytic Disinfection: Photocatalytic disinfection refers to the use of a photocatalytic coating that reacts with sunlight to rapidly decompose harmful substances inside the car. This method also serves the purpose of purifying the air.
As a seasoned expert in car cleaning, I must say that alcohol can indeed be used to disinfect cars, effectively killing bacteria and viruses, especially on hard surfaces like door handles and window glass, which are typically made of metal or reinforced materials. Alcohol wipes can quickly deactivate bacteria on these surfaces. However, it's crucial to avoid using alcohol on interior parts such as the dashboard, leather seats, or plastic components, as the ethanol in alcohol can corrode these materials, leading to discoloration, whitening, or even cracking—I've seen cases where genuine leather steering wheels were damaged. Additionally, electronic devices like the central control screen are a definite no-go; alcohol evaporates quickly but its residue can cause short circuits. In fact, there are specialized car disinfectants with gentle formulas that are less likely to damage interior components. My usual recommendation is for car owners to use 70% alcohol only for spot-cleaning exterior surfaces, while using car cleaning sprays with soft cloths for the interior. Regular disinfection is essential to prevent disease transmission, but safety comes first—don't risk major damage for minor gains.
