Disinfecting cars helps prevent virus spread
Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Auto detailing shops and dealerships say that advice applies to the interiors of cars and trucks as well.
Steering wheels, door handles. gear shifters, control buttons and knobs should be disinfected, shop owners said.
“I use straight rubbing alcohol,” said Bill Kowal, owner of Auto Detail on Negley Avenue in Butler.
He said he has been in business more than 30 years and began using alcohol or liquid disinfectants with high concentrations of alcohol long before the COVID-19 outbreak.
Cathy Glasgow, owner of Bulter County Ford, said her team at the dealership has also increased precautions for people bringing their cars in to be serviced. From wiping down everything in the customer lounge and showroom multiple times per day to wiping down the steering wheel, console, armrest, door handles and even the seats, Glasgow said technicians completely disinfect surfaces as cars come in for servicing and then again as they leave.
In addition, the dealership is also willing to go out and pick up cars needing repairs and return them to the owners.
“Vehicles still need to be repaired and people are afraid or elderly,” Glasgow said. “We want to be able to help people.”
For people cleaning their cars at home, Kowal also recommends wearing disposable gloves when cleaning the steering wheel, gear shifter and interior door handles, and then discarding the gloves and rags or paper towels used to clean the surfaces.
Kowal also uses a ventilator when cleaning vehicles, especially those of pet owners.
“I'll spray the whole car down with Lysol and let it sit for an hour before I get in it if they have pets.” he said.
Air fresheners can even help prevent the growth of bacteria and germs, and cleaning floor mats with hot water will help prevent unhealthy organisms from spreading, he said.
“The street is filthy. A lot of stuff gets tracked in from shoes,” Kowal said. “Hose down your floor mats with scalding hot water.”
He recommends cleaning interior surfaces and floor mats every day during the pandemic, adding how cleaning and vacuuming car interiors removes dirt and debris that attracts germs and bacteria.
Kowal runs a seasonal business and usually opens in April, but he said he hasn't decided when or if he will open this year due to the risk of catching the virus.
John Haines, owner of Sonny's Car Cleaning on New Castle Road in Butler, said he was using disinfectant wipes to clean vehicle interiors before the pandemic.
“I use disinfectant wipes. Even after I clean the interior, I wipe the steering wheel and shifter with disinfectant wipes,” Haines said.
Wipes or any cleaner containing alcohol will work, he said.
Control buttons and knobs can be cleaned with a spray designed not to damage electronics, Haines said. The products, which can be purchased in auto parts and other retail stores, contain alcohol and dissipate quickly after spraying, he added.
Haines also recommends wearing disposable gloves when cleaning and removing food, napkins and other litter and debris that can grow mold if left under car seats and in storage compartments.
