What to Use for Disinfection in the Car?
4 Answers
You can use disinfectants to spray and wipe the car for disinfection. The following disinfectants are recommended: Peracetic Acid: A 0.5% peracetic acid solution can be sprayed on the exterior and interior surfaces of the car for disinfection, but ensure ventilation for at least half an hour afterward. Due to its corrosive and bleaching properties, it's advisable to remove items and clothing from the car beforehand. After disinfection, wipe down the metal parts of the car. Lysol: This is a compound preparation of cresol and potassium soap, soluble in water, capable of killing bacterial propagules and certain lipophilic viruses. For car disinfection, use a 1% to 3% solution for wiping or spraying. For hand disinfection, soak in a 2% solution for 2 minutes, then rinse with clean water. Note that using Lysol with soap or laundry detergent reduces its bactericidal effectiveness. 84 Disinfectant: Typically, this disinfectant contains 5% chlorine and must be diluted with 200 parts water. Undiluted, it can be corrosive. Experts note that 84 Disinfectant is non-volatile and effective against viruses like hepatitis through soaking, but it has little effect on airborne droplets. Principle of Disinfectants: They work by destroying the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in a short time, rendering them non-viable.
I often clean my car myself and recommend using alcohol-based disinfectant sprays or wipes. A 70% concentration effectively kills bacteria without damaging the interior. When using, spray on the steering wheel, door handles, and seats, then wipe evenly without leaving residue. Remember to open windows for ventilation to dissipate the smell and avoid alcohol corrosion on leather or plastic. UV-C ultraviolet lamps are also highly effective, especially for hard-to-reach corners, but don't expose for too long to prevent material aging. Once a week is sufficient, with higher frequency when carrying more passengers. Avoid bleach or strong acids as they can easily damage colors and materials. The key to car disinfection is attention to detail. Regular cleaning reduces allergy and virus risks—health comes first.
As a seasoned driver, I always keep disinfecting wipes in my car, like Lysol or Clorox brands, which are readily available in supermarkets. The process is simple: after starting the car, first wipe down common contact points such as the gear shift and touchscreen, wiping from top to bottom to prevent water accumulation. Let it dry thoroughly and ventilate for a few minutes, and you're done. Do this every two to three days to maintain hygiene, especially during flu season. You can also use a spray to disinfect the air inside the car quickly. Be careful not to spray too much liquid into the gaps of the dashboard to prevent short circuits. Regularly clean the carpets by vacuuming before spraying disinfectant to avoid mold growth. Safety and ease of use are key, and making it a habit is effortless.
Nowadays, smart disinfection products are trending. I bought a UV light box to hang in my car—just open the app and set it to shine for 20 minutes, and it's done. It's worry-free and highly efficient! For daily use, I simply wipe high-touch areas with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. I choose neutral, odorless disinfectants to avoid damaging the leather interior. Technology has made disinfection much easier, with convenient phone control. I maintain a frequency of once or twice a week, and consistency is key.
