Cleaning Your Car
Tips on How to Clean Your Car
At Premier Lincoln, we fully understand the concerns our customers have about exposure to COVID-19, or coronavirus. Many people around Brooklyn and all across New York City have been very proactive in helping to reduce the risk of germ exposure outside their homes. This includes wearing gloves and facemasks, frequently using hand sanitizer and sanitizing items they purchase while running errands. However, don't forget that any items you purchase and load into your vehicle are touching the interior of your car. According to the World Health Organization, studies suggest that the coronavirus may live on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. That means that you should be sanitizing the interior of your car to kill any germs it may have collected on your last visit to the grocery store or pharmacy.
How Long Does Coronavirus Survive on Surfaces?
Your Lincoln car's interior contains a variety of different surfaces, from soft leather seats to plastic on the dash. Because of this, you'll find that you may need several different tools for washing your car. According to the National Institutes of Health, the virus that causes COVID-19 is stable for up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic or stainless steel. Another study suggests that similar viruses can live on "inanimate surfaces like metal, glass or plastic for up to nine days."
What's the Best Way to Sanitize My Car's Interior?
First and foremost, wash your hands before you begin to sanitize your vehicle's interior. Disposable gloves are also great to use if you have them. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work well for sanitizing your vehicle. Just be sure to read the product's label to make sure it's safe for the surface you're planning to use it on. For added safety, keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes in your car so that you can wipe it down as needed while on the go.
How to Clean Leather Seats in My Car
Always spot test leather cleaner on a hidden area to ensure it works with your specific seats. It's also smart to use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the leather. A simple mixture of one part water and two parts vinegar is a great solution if you don't have any leather cleaner on hand. Be sure to apply a leather conditioner after cleaning, too, if you can.
How to Disinfect Surfaces in My Car
The most important areas of your Lincoln to keep clean are the dashboard and the steering wheel. Bacteria tends to collect in these spots, as air is cycled throughout the vehicle. To clean your dash, simply use soap and water. Dish soap also works if you dampen the surface and scrub for 20-30 seconds. Pay attention to your dash and steering wheel, too, as you'll want to frequently use disinfectant on these high-touch places and others. Additional high-touch surfaces can include:
- Door Handles
- Door Buttons
- Key Fob
- Steering Wheel
- Inside Door Buttons
- Seat Belts
- Gear Shifters
- Touchscreens
- Buttons on the Dash
- Buttons for Lights
- Buttons for Windshield Wipers
- Glove Compartment
Do I Need to Disinfect My Car's Exterior?
Due to weather elements such as sunshine and rain, germs are less likely to live on the exterior of your vehicle. However, it's still wise to disinfect areas that are frequently touched, such as your door handles, handle buttons and gas cap.
Are There Disinfectants I Should Avoid Using in My Car?
If you want to avoid damaging your Lincoln's interior surfaces, don't use bleach or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect. These can damage the vinyl and plastics in your cabin. You should also avoid any ammonia-based cleaning products used to clean glass, as they can break down the vinyl on the dashboard. Heat and light may then cause your dashboard to become sticky.