can you use precor plus fogger in a car

[William]

No, you should not use a Precor Plus fogger in a car. These devices are designed for large, open, and well-ventilated commercial or industrial spaces, not the small, enclosed, and complex interior of a vehicle. Using it in a car can be ineffective for proper disinfection and, more importantly, poses significant safety risks, including potential damage to your car's interior and harm to your health.

The primary active ingredient in Precor Plus is sumethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, along with an insect growth regulator. These chemicals are not intended for direct application on surfaces you frequently touch, like a steering wheel or dashboard. The fog can settle on these surfaces, leaving a residue that can be harmful upon skin contact. Furthermore, the aerosol propellants and chemicals can be flammable, creating a fire hazard in a confined space.

A major concern is the lack of ventilation. A car's cabin is a sealed environment. Even after fogging, it's difficult to achieve the air exchange needed to make the space safe for occupants. Inhaling the residual pesticide mist can cause respiratory irritation, dizziness, or other adverse health effects. For proper disinfection, especially against viruses, the EPA recommends products from its List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19) that are approved for use in vehicles and on specific interior surfaces.

Disinfection Method	Suitability for Car Interiors	Key Considerations
Precor Plus Fogger	Not Recommended	Designed for large spaces; chemical residue harmful on contact surfaces; significant inhalation risk.
EPA List N Disinfectant Wipes/Sprays	Highly Recommended	Target specific high-touch surfaces (steering wheel, handles); no lingering airborne particles; safer for occupants.
Steam Cleaning	Good for certain surfaces	Effective for upholstery and carpets without chemicals; risk of damaging electronic components or sensitive materials.
Professional Auto Detailing	Best for thorough jobs	Experts use appropriate, automotive-grade products and equipment for a deep clean and disinfectant application.

The correct approach is to use disinfectants specifically labeled for automotive use. Focus on wiping down high-touch points like the steering wheel, gear shift, touchscreens, and door handles. Always follow the product instructions, wear gloves if recommended, and ensure the interior is well-ventilated during and after cleaning.

[DelTalia]

I tried using a regular household disinfectant fogger in my minivan once, thinking it would be a quick way to sanitize after the kids were sick. Big mistake. The smell was overwhelming and lingered for days, making my eyes water. I was nervous about the chemical film it left on everything, especially the kids' car seats. I switched to simple disinfectant wipes for the handles and steering wheel. It's safer, faster, and I don't have to worry about what my family is breathing in.

[VonAllison]

As someone who pays close attention to product labels, the instructions on a Precor Plus fogger clearly state it's for large, open areas. A car's cabin is the exact opposite. The chemicals are not approved for use on porous materials like car seats or the plastics on your dashboard. They can cause discoloration, degradation, and leave a toxic residue. For a car, you need a targeted approach with approved automotive or household disinfectants applied directly to surfaces with a cloth.

[LeJosephine]

Frankly, using an industrial fogger in your car is a dangerous overcorrection. You're introducing a concentrated pesticide into a tiny, sealed box. The health risks from inhalation far outweigh any perceived benefit. These devices are for warehouses, not for where you eat your breakfast. If you're concerned about germs, the most effective method is mechanical cleaning: vacuuming, followed by wiping down high-contact surfaces with a appropriate disinfectant spray. It's simpler and vastly safer.