If you’re managing a fleet of vehicles, regardless of size, you’re likely struggling to keep up with the current cleaning and disinfection standards. Cars are infamous for being microbial breeding grounds and COVID-19 has shined a light on the need for sanitization and disinfection strategies going forward.
With plenty of articles out there about DIY solutions, what is the best choice for disinfecting your vehicle without damaging its value?
Professional Disinfectant Services vs. DIY Solutions
Typical household disinfectant products, such as Lysol or Clorox, can be effective at fighting COVID-19 but harsh on vehicle interiors.
Plus, most of the items are out of stock across the country, including isopropyl alcohol, leading consumers to turn to homemade disinfectants that commonly combine water and bleach. This method can be effective for households, as it’s easy to produce and reliably destroys viruses and bacteria. However, while this solution works in the bathroom or kitchen, bleach can easily damage the fabrics and upholstery materials in a vehicle. It can also cause dashboards and other hard surfaces to fade, leaving your vehicle looking old and reducing your resale value.
If you’re looking to minimize the stress of managing each vehicle’s cleanliness, then it’s crucial to find a universal option that can disinfect and treat dashboards, carpets, and various types of seats with the attention they deserve.
Effectiveness and Efficiency
The most effective approach for vehicle interiors, as well as some homeowners, is to rely on specialized cleaning services for efficient disinfection. In most cases, these can rely on professional spray disinfectants or chlorine dioxide gas, a safe biocide, which is used as an effective dispersal method for large-scale surfaces, such as doors, dining areas, and shared spaces.
While our knowledge about the impacts of aerosolized gas as disinfectants is continuing to expand, there’s recent evidence to support regular use for your vehicle. A 2017 study from Frontiers in Microbiology found that “fogging with disinfectants containing chlorine dioxide and hydrogen peroxide—chemicals commonly used in commercial applications—was able to inactivate viruses studied and get to hard-to-reach places.”
Not only is it important to routinely disinfect those high touch areas, like your steering wheel or center console, but the service needs to be appropriately conducted as well. This includes the following:
- Proper training for the use of disinfectants
- Responsibly utilizing personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, goggles, and masks) based on each cleaning scenario
- Carefully removing and disposing of used protective equipment
- Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, immediately after removing equipment
- Keeping hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol nearby
Strategy for Moving Forward
The best way to navigate the pandemic while being mindful of employee health and your fleet’s cleanliness is to take a combined approach. We’ve previously discussed ways to protect drivers from COVID-19, but those methods are universal for everyone right now.
If you’re looking for a dependable supplier of powerful disinfection solutions that also protect your vehicles' hard and soft surfaces, as well as ventilation systems, then the Spiffy Disinfection Store is here to help. Don’t just clean your vehicles; disinfect and protect.
Posted in Disinfection
