Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 by Not Forgetting These High-Touch Car Surfaces

The coronavirus (COVID-19) can survive on different types of surfaces for several hours to days, depending on the material. Exposure to UV light can kill the virus faster, but there is still a risk it could be active on surfaces inside vehicles due to the UV-block glass used on modern automobiles.
All it takes is touching the surface with a bare or gloved hand and then rubbing the eyes, scratching the nose, or covering the mouth if you cough or sneeze, and you could be infected. To avoid spreading the virus, you need to make sure you and your staff know how to disinfect cars and properly sanitize your customers’ vehicles.

Most car wash owners and staff are aware of cleaning the door handles and steering wheels since these are commonly touched surfaces. Yet, what about these other high-touch car surfaces? Are you remembering to disinfect these too?

1. Touchscreens

2. Radio Controls

3. Climate Controls

4. Air Vents

5. Seat Adjustment Knobs, Switches, and Handles

6. Glove Box Latch

7. Center Console Latch

8. Rear Seat Air Vents

9. Interior Lighting Controls/Buttons

10. Electric Window and Door Lock Buttons

11. Manual Window Cranks

12. Trunk Release Button

13. Gas Tank Cover Release Button

14. Rear Seat Heating/Ventilating Controls

15. Rear Seat Climate Controls

16. Rear Seat Infotainment Systems/Touchscreens

17. Handles/Clothes Hangers Above Car Doors

18. Rear View Mirror

19. Sunglass Holders

20. Gear Shifters/Knobs

21. Key Fobs

22. Sunroof Controls

23. Turn Signal/Windshield Wiper Controls

24. Seat Belts

25. Seat Belt Release Buttons

26. Headrest Adjustment Buttons

27. Rear Seat Release Pull Straps

28. Baby/Toddler Car Seats

29. Interior Windows

30. Door Locks

How many of these high-touch surfaces do you remember to clean? Most of these things are easy to clean with disinfecting wipes that kill viruses and bacteria. For cloth surfaces, spraying them with an approved disinfect spray product, but not oversaturating the material, is effective at disinfecting it.

Are There Any Auto Interior Cleaning Supplies to Avoid?

Most auto interior cleaning supplies are formulated to clean, disinfect, and sanitize your customers’ vehicles safely without damaging their interiors. Many common household EPA-registered disinfectants will work fine at sanitizing vehicles. However, you should avoid those products that contain hydrogen peroxide or chlorine bleach.

Additionally, if you use ammonia-based glass cleaners, avoid getting these onto the plastic, vinyl, and leather surfaces. Ammonia can cause damage to these types of surfaces. It is better to spray the glass cleaner onto a microfiber cloth, and then wipe down the windows rather than spraying the windows and wiping.

For leather seats, you need to make sure to use a product that will not damage the leather. Many products that are okay to use on plastic or vinyl may not work for leather. A great alternative that kills the COVID-19 virus is to use a 1:2 ratio of water and vinegar.

After disinfecting leather seats and surfaces with this mixture and wiping them dry with a microfiber cloth, make sure to apply a leather conditioner right away. By remembering all these high-touch surfaces and using the right auto interior cleaning supplies, you can help do your part to help control the spread of COVID-19.

For wholesale pricing on auto interior cleaning supplies, vending products, car wash towels, COVID-19 essentials, hand sanitizer, microfiber cleaning towels, car wash supplies, and car wash replacement parts, please feel to browse and shop online at Superior Car Wash Supply today!
You may also contact us at 800-554-9274 if you have further questions or need help placing an order.