Can Cars Be Disinfected with Alcohol?
2 Answers
Cars should not be disinfected with alcohol, as alcohol is a flammable and explosive liquid. In the confined space of a car, it can easily cause 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 like peracetic acid or chlorine dioxide can be used. For example, surfaces inside the car, such as door handles, steering wheels, windows, and seats, can be wiped with disinfectants or disinfectant wipes containing these components. In addition to disinfection, daily ventilation by opening windows in open outdoor areas is advisable. If in an underground garage, close the windows and turn on the air conditioning's internal circulation for ventilation. Moreover, direct contact of the interior with alcohol may cause whitening and other phenomena.
I have been working in automotive repair and believe that using alcohol for car disinfection is feasible but requires extreme caution. Car interiors, such as dashboards and door panels, are often made of plastic or synthetic leather, and high-concentration alcohol may cause these materials to age, crack, or fade. More seriously, alcohol is flammable, especially in high summer temperatures, where residual alcohol evaporation could pose a fire hazard. It is recommended to use 70% alcohol wipes only on hard surfaces like steering wheels and door handles for brief wiping, avoiding contact with leather seats or electronic screens. After disinfection, immediately open windows for ventilation to ensure complete alcohol evaporation. For daily disinfection, specialized alcohol-free car disinfectants are safer, such as products containing quaternary ammonium salts, which do not damage materials and effectively kill bacteria. In short, safety first—don't let quick disinfection ruin your beloved car.
