As the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions are lifted and cities across India see relaxations on movement, people are gradually bound to get behind the wheel. While it isn’t advisable to step out just yet, do take out time to take necessary precautions by cleaning, sanitising, and disinfecting your car to ensure all around safety before hitting the road. No matter how advanced or expensive your vehicle is, it's hard to predict unseen viruses or contagions.
Here's a detailed DIY Guide on how to sanitize and take care of your car during COVID-19:
Knowing the Difference
Cleaning physically removes germs with soap and water but does not kill them. Sanitising lowers the number of germs and kills bacteria, and thus the risk of spreading infection. Disinfecting uses chemicals to kill bacteria, viruses and fungi, further complementing the cleaning and sanitising.
What to Use
Be sure to choose a disinfecting spray safe for your vehicle’s interior. Household cleaning products contain ingredients like bleach, acetone, chlorine, and ammonia, which will damage the interior materials and paint of your vehicle. To take disinfecting your vehicle to the next level, purchase a disinfectant germ fogger.
How to Use
When cleaning using detailing products, do not spray directly onto surfaces like the dashboard. Spray products into a microfibre towel and then apply to the surface. While you’re at it, take the dirt from fabric seats and headliner with a quick vacuum. If you have access to a wet vacuum with shampoo it will garner better results. And don’t forget a quick wash of regularly-touched exterior surfaces, specifically door handles.
What About Leather?
Try the product of your choice – again, free of harmful ingredients like bleach, acetone, chlorine, and ammonia – at the rear portion of the steering wheel and wait for its effects to materialise. If there is no stain, or any discoloration on the leather you can continue using the product. Much like using the detailing products, DO NOT spray onto the surface, but spray into a clean micro-fibre towel and gently apply the product.
Disinfecting
You’re now ready to disinfect your vehicle. Hard surfaces like plastic buttons and knobs can be wiped down with a bleach-free disinfectant wipe or apply your disinfecting spray onto a microfibre cloth. Given how often you probably interact with your infotainment screen, be it an infotainment touchscreen or otherwise, opt for an electronic-specific non-toxic device-cleaning wipe.
Where to Use
This list might seem extensive, but it’s by no means comprehensive. Anything you find yourself touching throughout your day should be wiped down, and a solid place to start is to think of the first thing you touch as you approach your Ford, to the last thing you touch before getting out.
Key/Key FOB
Exterior Door Handle
Interior Door Handle
Lock and Unlock Buttons and Interior Door Release
Seatbelt and Seatbelt Buckle. Also include the release button
Push-to-Start Button, or Ignition Area
Rearview Mirror, and Automatic Side Mirror Buttons
HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) Buttons
Radio Buttons and Knobs or Infotainment Touchscreen
Gear Selector
Parking Brake Lever
Steering Wheel and Wheel Mounted Buttons
Signal and Wiper Stalk
Headlights Knob
Centre Console and Cup Holders
Other areas to disinfect
Window Buttons
Terrain Management System (TMS) Rotary Knob
Glove Compartment Handle
Tailgate/Hatch Release and Power Close Button
Power Folding Third Row Buttons
Fuel Cap
Once you have finished disinfecting the car, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap. In fact, this step-up in personal hygiene is a habit that should be continued even after the Covid-19 pandemic is over.
So, take the time to clean and sanitize your car to get it ready for the post-lockdown world.
Article Courtesy: Ford India
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