Login
My Garage
New hero

Coronavirus Car Cleaning Tips: Protect Family & friends

By Stephen Turvil | April 2, 2020

Share

Why not leave a comment?

See all | Add a comment

Coronavirus car cleaning tips which might keep you, your family, and friends healthy (quick and easy).

Coronavirus Car Cleaning Tips: Protect Family & friends

Cleaning your car is a fast, simple, low cost job that might minimise the spread of coronavirus and keep loved ones safe. Handy if there are ‘essential’ trips that cannot be avoided. So, how might you clean your vehicle to minimise the spread of coronavirus? 

Coronavirus Car Cleaning Tips: Protect Family & friends Image

  • Clean first (then disinfect). It is hard to find disinfectant in the shops, so preserve resources and remove any typical dirt with standard vehicle cleaning products (or soapy water).
  • Disinfect after cleaning. Isopropyl alcohol is among the disinfectants that might kill coronavirus in your car.
  • Test disinfectant. Whatever disinfectant you choose, test it on a small, hidden part of each type of material in the car before applying throughout. Why? Because some disinfectants can be problematic. Bleach can discolour plastic, for example.
  • Focus effort. Whereas it is preferable to clean the whole vehicle, focus primarily on the parts that get touched most frequently. These include the: steering wheel, gear stick, parking brake, door handles, seatbelts, heater controls, etc.
  • Feed the leather. Consider whether your cleaning product has removed moisture from leather upholstery. If so, feed the leather to keep it comfortable, flexible, and attractive.
  • Beware moisture. Minimise how much moisture gets close to electrical items such as your window switches, heater controls, and stereo. Damp electrical components tend to behave erratically. Also, moisture can stain fabric seats.
  • Protect yourself. Wear gloves while cleaning the vehicle and wash your hands afterwards (with soap for twenty seconds).

Note too that coronavirus is a new, unprecedented issue and our understanding of it is still evolving. This article does not therefore contain medical advice. The National Health Service is the best place for that. However, car cleaning might be a further tool to tackle this virus and minimise casualties. Happy scrubbing!

Related Articles

UK EV drivers are doing more miles than petrol owners – stats reveal
Battery-electric cars are outdriving petrol vehicles. Discover why more drivers are choosing EVs for long trips.
Jul 18, 2025
Used Citroen sales suspended as 'stop-drive' airbag recall hits UK
Buying a used Citroen? It could be illegal to drive. Learn why dealers are pulling listings and what you should do next.
Jul 18, 2025
Don’t have a driveway? Oxfordshire's got a clever fix for charging your EV
A new scheme in Oxfordshire lets you charge your electric car at home without a driveway. Here's how it works and what it costs.
Jul 17, 2025
Solo drivers could be banned in Spain - Is the UK next?
Spain is considering new traffic rules, including a two-person car minimum. Could similar policies come to the UK? Here's what drivers need...
Jul 17, 2025