The coronavirus and its mutations have entered our lives. However we must be very careful as the virus can live in the air and on the surfaces between several hours and several days! Studies have shown that the coronavirus and its mutations (omicron, Delta) "live" up to 72 hours on plastics, 48 hours on stainless steel, 24 hours on cardboard and 4 hours on copper. It is also detectable in the air for three hours.
According to the scientists, the coronavirus, which can survive in plastic for 72 hours, sounds really scary. But what is more important is the amount of virus that remains on the plastic. It is less than 0,1% of the original virus material. Infection is theoretically possible but it is unlikely at the levels that remain after a few days and people should be aware of this!
In our car there are hundreds of plastic parts that can be touched by the driver or passengers and surely the owner must be very meticulous after each movement with the cleanliness of the passenger cabin and the plastic parts with which he comes in contact.
Newsauto.gr has prepared a list of plastic parts in which the coronavirus is likely to be present and need disinfection so that there is no risk of transmission of the virus.
The plastic parts that need thorough cleaning are:
- Door handles.
- Light, flash, alarm and wiper switches usually located behind the steering wheel.
- The Cruise Control switches
- Handbrake
- Gearshift
- Air conditioning switches.
- Switches for the interior lighting of the vehicle.
- Internal handles or hanger mounts.
- Plastic case for glasses.
- Sunshades.
- Touch screen that typically includes audio, GPS, and other functions.
- Seat belt and its release switch from the support point.
- Lighter.
- Ashtray.
- Lockers and other storage areas.
- Air ducts.
- Clock or trip computer adjustment switches.
- Be careful with the safety and protection caps on the tank.
- Wipers.
- The entire top of the dashboard.
- Seats
- Back or height adjustment switches.
- Steering wheel adjustment switch.
- Opening switches from the passenger compartment of the locks, refueling, opening the hood, windows, dimmer dimmer, lane change warning, ESP, driver change (if any).
- The engine start key or input and output card.
- The entrance and exit control from the garage of our house.
- The other keys we leave in the car.
- Credit cards and cash withdrawal cards or points cards from gas stations.
We also need to be very careful if we check or fill air in our vehicle tires as the valve plugs are plastic.
Another place that will need disinfection is the one where the shopping will be placed from the Super Market. In particular, if the driver chooses the luggage compartment, then it would be good after the transport of the products home to thoroughly clean the trunk. Now in case he chooses to take the shopping to the passenger cabin then the disinfection should be done immediately as the plastic bags may have carried the virus to the passenger cabin and the driver should clean immediately…
Ways to kill the virus - Beware of cleaners
Cleaning surfaces with disinfectant or soap is very effective, but it needs moderation inside the car as mold can form from water retention in seats or upholstery.
Consumer Reports, for example, advises using certain cleaning products that you already have at home. Alcohol solution with a content of at least 70% like isopropyl alcohol (also known as 99,5% alcohol) is effective against coronavirus and will not damage the main surfaces of your car. After all, this solution is used by car manufacturers and their subcontractors to disinfect parts.
To be even quieter, you can use alcohol to wipe the seat upholstery as well as other soft surfaces of the car. But be careful not to use a large amount and avoid absorbing it. Alcohol under normal conditions will not affect the skin or leatherette, but excessive use can discolor the material: so do not rub the seats or other surfaces covered with skin.
However, car owners should never use hydrogen peroxide (oxygen), which is likely to damage car surfaces.
Also do not use ammonium-containing cleaning products on touch screens in the car as they are more likely to not work.
At the same time, microfiber cloths are ideal as a means for cleaning all surfaces and for all cleaning methods.
Source: newsauto