Can You Spray Alcohol to Disinfect Inside a Car?

[SanChristopher]

It is not advisable to use alcohol for disinfection inside a car. Since alcohol is a flammable and explosive liquid, it poses a risk of fire or explosion in the confined space of a vehicle. To avoid damaging the interior decorations, it is recommended to use disinfectants such as peracetic acid or chlorine dioxide for car interior disinfection. Additional information: 1. For surfaces inside the car such as door handles, steering wheel, windows, and seats, you can choose chlorine-containing disinfectants, chlorine dioxide, or disinfectant wipes for cleaning. 2. Private cars generally do not require disinfection. In open outdoor areas, it is recommended to open windows for ventilation. In underground parking garages, it is advisable to close the windows and turn on the air conditioning in recirculation mode for ventilation. Under the current COVID-19 pandemic situation, it is recommended that passengers sit in the back seat, and both passengers and the driver should wear masks.

[McRonan]

I usually pay special attention to interior cleanliness, but I really don't recommend spraying alcohol directly. The car cabin is relatively confined and enclosed, and spraying high-concentration alcohol may cause ignition if exposed to open flames or static electricity. Additionally, many interior materials can't withstand alcohol corrosion, especially genuine leather seats and steering wheels may turn white and harden, while the infotainment screen's coating could also dissolve. There are now specially designed vehicle disinfectant sprays that use quaternary ammonium compounds - just spray and wipe dry, they're safe and won't damage interiors. If you must use alcohol, I suggest using wipes for spot-cleaning metal components, then ventilate for at least 15 minutes. Key areas like door handles and steering wheels can be treated weekly.

[DelRiver]

As professionals in car detailing, we all know that alcohol is a killer for car interiors. Last year, there was a Mercedes whose dashboard coating was completely ruined because the owner sprayed 75% alcohol on it every day, costing over 8,000 yuan to repair. While alcohol does disinfect, excessive spraying on faux leather materials can cause cracking, and fabric headliners can turn yellow. If sprayed on electrical connectors, it may even corrode metal contacts. It's better to keep some car-specific disinfectant wipes on hand—they're ready to use and leave no residue. If you must spray, use a pump spray bottle with 70% alcohol, spray lightly from 20 cm away, and immediately wipe dry with a microfiber cloth. Never let it evaporate naturally.

[GemmaLynn]

Disinfecting the car with alcohol? A dangerous move! I've personally witnessed alcohol vapor concentration exceeding safe levels in a closed car during summer heat. A friend nearly singed his eyebrows when lighting a cigarette with a lighter. Plastic components like air vent grilles can become brittle and turn white when exposed to alcohol. The patina layer on steering wheels dissolves and turns sticky. Here's the correct approach: After parking and turning off the engine, open the windows for ventilation. Use alcohol wipes to unidirectionally clean frequently touched areas like gear shift levers and window buttons. Don't rush to close windows after disinfection—allow at least 10 minutes of ventilation for alcohol to dissipate. Actually, regularly replacing cabin air filters is more important than surface disinfection. Activated carbon filters like MANN-FILTER can effectively trap viruses.