MA Auto Insurance Agent: How to Sanitize Your Car’s Interior
As we have all learned, there is a big difference between cleaning and disinfecting. If you want to learn how to sanitize the interior of your vehicle, it is essential to choose products that will disinfect without damaging the various materials used inside. Most cars have a range of materials to consider, including leather, imitation leather, vinyl, plastic, laminate, and upholstery. If you aren’t sure what is in your particular vehicle, you can always refer to the owner’s manual or contact the dealer directly. Auto insurance in New Bedford, MA is designed to protect you in the event of an accident or theft. The best New Bedford car insurance includes a well-designed policy with a reputable MA auto insurance agent and a comprehensive approach to preventive maintenance and cleaning.
How to Clean High-Touch Areas
If you aren’t familiar with the idea of high-touch areas in your vehicle, home, and public spaces, it is a good term to learn. High-touch refers to the things that people touch the most, making them more likely to be contaminated with COVID-19, germs, and other viruses. Inside your vehicle those items include the outside and inside door handles, the steering wheel, gear shift, radio buttons, climate control buttons, seat belts, seat upholstery, armrests, grab handles, adjustment levers, turn signals, and wiper levers. If there is anything else that you touch regularly, such as the garage door opener or a console where you keep sunglasses or anything else that you use, include that with your personal list of high-touch areas.
Currently, the number one recommended product to clean your vehicle is a soap, water, or product that contains at least 70 percent isopropyl alcohol. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), vehicle owners should apply the product and allow it to sit for at least 20-30 seconds before wiping it away to give it a chance to breakdown the virus. This is similar to washing your hands for 20 seconds before rinsing and drying. It is also suggested that you use a pair of disposable gloves and a toss-away cloth or wipe to do your cleaning. Properly dispose of all materials after you have finished and then wash your hands, wrists, forearms, and any other part of your body that may have come in contact with the vehicle before it was cleaned. Many people change clothes after disinfecting a vehicle, shopping at a grocery store, pumping gas, or doing any other tasks outside of the home. This is a good practice to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to you or anyone in your household.
Why Disinfect Your Vehicle?
Studies reveal that the average steering wheel has as much as four times the amount of germs as a public toilet seat. That is mind-boggling and a bit scary. Think about all the things we do in our vehicles, including picking up curbside orders and food for our families, drinking beverages during a commute, and touching so many things that our children and loved ones will come in contact with when we get home. Other areas that are highly concerning include touch screens and other electronics. We often touch them frequently without even thinking about it as we change stations on the radio or get GPS directions. Learning the difference between disinfecting and cleaning will go a long way toward protecting your family from Coronavirus, the Flu virus, and other concerns.
Products not to use when cleaning the interior of your vehicle:
- bleach and bleach products
- hydrogen peroxide and products made from hydrogen peroxide
- ammonia-based products
While these products can be effective for removing stains, cleaning glass windows, and other household chores, they can damage the interior materials of your vehicle. If not properly wiped and removed, some of these chemicals can also be hazardous to breathe in if the vehicle is used immediately after cleaning. Soap and water for upholstery or an approved disinfecting upholstery cleaner, along with alcohol-based products, are the best solution for nearly every type of interior material. However, it is always best to read the label and check with the owner’s manual or dealership if you have any questions. Consider keeping hand sanitizer, a mask, and disposable gloves, along with disinfecting wipes in your vehicle for regular use. Wipe down the steering wheel after every trip to the store or drive home from work just to make sure you are doing everything you can to prevent the spread of disease.
Get a FREE New Bedford Car Insurance Quote
If you would like to speak with a MA auto insurance agent about your existing policy or would like to get a quote for auto insurance in New Bedford, MA, contact Borden Insurance. Since 1909 we have proudly served Southcoast communities with quality New Bedford car insurance and homeowners insurance policies. Give us a call at 508-999-3636 to speak with a New Bedford insurance agent or to schedule a consultation to go over your existing coverage.