Disinfecting auto interior

[bofh]

I'm wondering which products might be suitable for disinfecting automotive interiors from bacteria and viruses like influenza.

I think this is relevant when buying a used car or getting through flu season.

The Centers for Disease Control publish a nice article on chemicals that are effective against viruses (https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/disinfection-methods/chemical.html) in general. In short, here are the layman's names of what they mention: alcohol, chlorine, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde (Cidex), hydrogen peroxide, iodine, ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA), peroxide, phenolic compounds, and ammonia (quarts). (at least 3 of these are new words for me...)

I wonder if any automotive interior cleaners include these elements. My quick survey of a few SDS sheets makes me think "no". In fact, panel wipe is the only thing on my detailing shelf that mentions any of these (alcohol) though the concentration is less than what the CDC recommends. And, I'm not sure if I want to use Eraser on my auto interior.

So: what happens if I use a household Clorox wipe on my dash plastic and leather seats? Terrible idea or no big deal?

[FUNX650]

I'm wondering which products might
be suitable for disinfecting automotive
interiors from bacteria and viruses
like influenza.

I think this is relevant when buying a
used car or getting through flu season.

So: what happens if I use a household
Clorox wipe on my dash plastic and
leather seats? Terrible idea or no big deal?

•Clorox/(Bleaches) for disinfecting vehicle
interiors from influenzas/bacteria?
-Nope; Never!
-Bleaches tend to “bleach-out” vehicle interior
surfaces. (Please: Don’t ask me how I know.)


•Instead:
-I’ve been using Lysol spray disinfectants on/in/
around vehicle surfaces (and the house) for
eons without ever noticing any harmful effects.


•Here’s what the Lysol I currently use
takes care of:

https://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/12E040BA-BAB9-4BA9-B6D1-8C84CA8CE2D1.jpeg

https://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/07E99C81-00A0-4E27-9B8C-EA10A515942E.jpeg


Bob

[DBAILEY]

SprayNine APC would be a good choice. Works well on interiors. No ill affects.

[57Rambler]

I'm wondering which products might be suitable for disinfecting automotive interiors from bacteria and viruses like influenza.

I think this is relevant when buying a used car or getting through flu season.


In general, worrying about disinfecting a car's interior is of no use unless an infected person has been in the auto within the last few minutes to hours (varies depending on the bacteria or virus involved).

Here's a good guideline as to how long certain infectious agents can "live" on surfaces and still be able to transmit infection.


How long do bacteria and viruses live outside the body? - NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/infections/how-long-do-bacteria-and-viruses-live-outside-the-body/)


If you still feel the need to disinfect a surface, I would second the recommendation of Lysol. I've never had it harm anything with the exception of I wouldn't recommend using it on a screen/touchscreen. I also prefer using the spray can form, and if I need it in a wipe form I just spray some on a paper towel or cloth. The pre-moistened towelettes (Lysol and other brands) seem to dry up in their containers too easily.

[ducksfan]

I don't know how well it works, but TriClean by Gtechniq might be something to check out.

[FUNX650]

:idea: This stuff may do the trick:

https://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/99DC4C96-A7E3-4299-BEDA-99DFADABC564.jpeg

{Can you believe the shameless
audaciousness of this guy?}

<smh>


Bob