How long after spraying alcohol in the car can you start the engine
4 Answers
After disinfecting the vehicle interior with alcohol, it generally takes about 10 minutes for the alcohol to evaporate. Here's how to properly disinfect a car interior with alcohol: Use a towel soaked in medical alcohol, 84 disinfectant, or Lysol solution (note: 84 disinfectant must be diluted according to the ratio specified on the packaging label, and Lysol should be mixed with water to create a 1%-3% solution). Wipe down interior components with the towel: Remember that medical alcohol is flammable, so ensure proper ventilation during cleaning and keep the engine turned off. Avoid using disinfectants on genuine leather upholstery. After cleaning, leave the car doors open: Allow the vehicle to ventilate for some time to eliminate any residual disinfectant odor.
I've dealt with similar situations before, and it really depends on ventilation and the amount of alcohol used. If there's good ventilation, like open windows or air conditioning, waiting 5 to 10 minutes should be enough for evaporation. But if the car is sealed, you might need to wait over 15 minutes. Remember, alcohol vapor is highly flammable when exposed to sparks, so don't rush to start the engine. Always check for wet spots and odors inside the car first. I recommend setting a timer on your phone after spraying alcohol to avoid any careless mistakes. By the way, 70% alcohol is the standard for disinfection, but excessive spraying increases risks. It's better to use a small amount, spray, then step away for fresh air before returning to drive. This short wait could save your life.
Sigh, last time I sprayed alcohol for disinfection in my car and rushed to start the engine right after. The engine almost caught fire upon ignition, which scared me so much that I immediately turned it off. Since then, I always patiently wait for about 10 minutes until I can't smell any alcohol before driving. Ventilation is key—it's best to open the windows or turn on the fan to let the air circulate. Actually, there's no need to over-spray for disinfection; a few light sprays are enough, and wiping the surface dry afterward is even safer. Many accidents in life are caused by impatience, so safety should always come first.
The risk of ignition after spraying alcohol is too high, as alcohol vapor can easily ignite, potentially damaging components or even causing the entire vehicle to catch fire. You must wait until the alcohol has completely evaporated—specific timing depends on the environment: 5-8 minutes in well-ventilated conditions, or up to 10 minutes on hot, humid days. When handling such situations, I always emphasize turning off the engine before spraying, avoiding sitting inside the car immediately after spraying, stepping out for fresh air, and then checking for dryness to ensure no residue remains before restarting.
