can you use lysol in your car

[Aurora]

Using Lysol disinfectant spray in your car is possible, but it requires extreme caution. Directly spraying most standard Lysol products on car interiors is not recommended due to the risk of damaging sensitive surfaces like leather, vinyl, and touchscreens. The proper method involves spraying a small amount onto a microfiber cloth first and then wiping down hard, non-porous surfaces. You must never use it on upholstery or while inside the vehicle, and always ensure the car is well-ventilated afterward.

The primary risk lies in the chemical composition. Many disinfectants, including some Lysol varieties, contain chemicals like alcohol and ammonium compounds that can degrade materials over time. Leather can become dried out and cracked, while the anti-glare coatings on screens can be permanently damaged. For upholstery, the moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth deep within the fabric or foam.

Common Car Interior Surface	Risk Level from Direct Lysol Spray	Recommended Cleaning Agent
Leather Seats	High (dries, cracks, discolors)	pH-neutral leather cleaner
Vinyl Dashboard	Medium-High (can cause fading/stickiness)	Diluted all-purpose cleaner
Fabric Upholstery	High (moisture penetration, mold risk)	Fabric-safe disinfectant spray
Touchscreen Display	Very High (can strip coatings)	Isopropyl alcohol (70%) on microfiber cloth
Hard Plastic Trim	Low-Medium (wipe quickly)	Diluted all-purpose cleaner

A safer approach is to use products specifically designed for automotive interiors. These are formulated to be effective without harming the materials. If you must use a household disinfectant, the spray-onto-cloth method is the only safe way. The key is to target high-touch areas like the steering wheel, gear shifter, and door handles, avoiding prolonged contact with any surface. Always follow up by wiping the area with a cloth dampened with plain water to remove any residual chemicals.

[EvangelineMarie]

I'd be careful. I tried it once on my dashboard and it left a weird, streaky film that was tough to get off. Now I just use a damp microfiber cloth for dust and a dedicated interior wipe for the steering wheel and console. For me, it's not worth the risk of ruining the plastic or leather. A quick wipe-down with the right stuff keeps it clean and smelling fresh without the worry.

[DaisyMarie]

As a general rule, avoid spraying anything chemical directly inside your car. Check the Lysol can's label for warnings about surfaces like leather or plastics. The safest method is to spray the disinfectant onto a cloth away from the car, then wipe down hard, non-porous surfaces like door handles and window switches. Immediately follow with a water-dampened cloth to rinse. This minimizes the risk of damaging your interior while still disinfecting high-touch points.

[SpencerLynn]

I keep it simple. A mixture of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle works great for wiping down hard surfaces and is much gentler. For a fresh scent, a drop of essential oil on a cotton ball placed in a cup holder does the trick. It’s effective, cheap, and I never have to worry about my dash getting sticky or my leather seats getting damaged. Sometimes the old-fashioned solutions are the best and safest for your car.

[EdwardMarie]

Focus on what matters: killing germs without causing harm. Look for an EPA-approved disinfectant that is proven to be effective and safe for various surfaces. Many brands now offer disinfecting wipes that are less saturated and safer for use on car interiors. The goal is to reduce the risk of damaging expensive components. A targeted approach—cleaning just the high-contact areas with a pre-moistened, automotive-safe wipe—is a much smarter strategy than fogging the entire cabin with a harsh spray.