It’s no question that COVID-19 has changed our world forever, with lockdowns still in place across the country. However, many of us will still be using our cars to travel for work or to purchase essentials. While we may not be comfortable with leaving our homes in general, our cars are thought of as a safe environment. Our cars keep us separate and away from people and contact with them. The fact however, is that cars are not as safe as we’d like to think. They can be full of germs and bacteria. For example a cars steering wheel alone is six times dirtier than a cell phone screen and four times dirtier than a public toilet seat. Upkeep of your car and keeping it clean is a must to keep you and loved ones safe while traveling. 

To keep your car sanitized be sure to regularly clean: car door handles (Inside and Out), Seat Buttons/Controls, Window Controls and even your car keys. Clean your hands with alcohol wipes, before and after driving, to be extra safe.

The gas station is another environment to be careful at. Gas pump handles are covered with germs. Studies conducted have determined that “gas pumps have 11,000 times the bacteria of a typical household toilet seat.” You should make it a habit to wash your hands after using the gas pumps. 

3 Car Cleaning & Safety Tips

  1. Carry alcohol wipes for disinfecting frequently handled areas such as: steering wheel, door handles, seat belts, car keys, and window controls, radio, and climate control.
  2. Don’t eat in your car, food left in the warm, enclosed space of your car can turn into an environment for bacteria.
  3. Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer for use each time you enter your car, this can also be used after filling up your car at the gas station.

If you have an older car, or a family car that has been thoroughly used and has become dirty and full of germs, you may want to consider donating your car to Jalopies 4 Jesus. Could be one less thing for you to worry about during these times and you will be supporting some of our partners as they seek to help our communities. We are all in this together.