Cleaning Your Car to Stop the Spread of COVID-19
At Faulkner Toyota Trevose, we stand with our neighbors throughout Trevose, Bensalem, Langhorne, and Philadelphia as we fight the spread of COVID-19. Though these times can often feel uncertain, we know by working together, brighter days lie ahead.
While we continue to closely follow the guidelines coming from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we realize there are extra steps we can take to help protect our families and friends. This involves limiting travel, regularly washing our hands for 20 seconds, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
One place that’s particularly important to sanitize is your vehicle. This involves using the right products and methods, not just to sanitize but also to protect your vehicle’s interior and exterior from damage.
To learn a few tips about how to keep your car safe, check out our guide and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions!
Which Cleaning Products Should I Use to Disinfect My Car?
While your monthly trip to the car wash takes care of any mud, dirt, and other road debris, it might not be enough to handle a virus like COVID-19. For best results, you’re going to have to rely on good old-fashioned elbow grease.
According to the CDC, the most effective way to sanitize non-porous surfaces is by using a cleaning solution that contains at least 70% isopropyl alcohol.* Non-porous surfaces include areas like your car’s door handles, windows, and any hard plastic inside the cabin.
You also can prepare a solution by mixing five tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water. It’s important to properly dilute any cleaning solution you make at home to avoid staining or discoloring your vehicle. You’ll also want to use a spray bottle, so it doesn’t create any spotty marks.
Using a microfiber cloth, thoroughly wipe down any areas that your hands or clothing come into contact with. Special areas to focus on include:
- Instrument panel and side windows
- Infotainment display and cupholders
- Sun visors, glove box, and storage bins
- Trunk lid, gas cap, and all exterior handles
How Do I Disinfect Leather Surfaces?
Like washing your hands, cleaning leather or fabric surfaces can be accomplished with soap and warm water solution. Remember; grocery bags, pocketbooks, and electronic devices can all carry the COVID-19 virus. So, it’s smart to clean any surfaces, including leather seats, where you tend to place these items.
While it might involve a little extra time and effort, gently scrubbing your seats can provide added peace of mind along with a shiny interior!
How Often Should I Disinfect my Car?
While states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware have placed temporary limits on business and travel, essential businesses—like grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical facilities— remain open to the public.
You should really try your best to limit the amount of time you spend outside your home. If you do need to go out, wash your hands and personal items before leaving and immediately after you arrive home.
This will not only help keep you safe but also reduce the likelihood of spreading COVID-19 throughout your car and house.
How Is Faulkner Toyota Trevose Fighting COVID-19?
For well over 80 years, the Faulkner Toyota Trevose team has put the needs and safety of our customers first. While our showroom is temporarily closed to the public, our service center remains ready to lend a (gloved) hand!
There’s no need to delay vehicle maintenance or repairs. After all, we know your vehicle still plays a vital role in your day-to-day life. To help keep you safe, we’re implementing strict social distancing measures for all drop-offs and pick-ups.
Our service team also fully disinfects every vehicle they work on, all while maintaining the highest level of hygiene. It’s our promise to deliver a vehicle you can feel 100% safe in driving.
Contact Us with Your Questions!
The team at Faulkner Toyota Trevose stands with you and your family as we face COVID-19 together. If you’re in Trevose, Bensalem, Langhorne, or Philadelphia and need automotive service or just the sound of a friendly voice, don’t hesitate to call or contact us online today!
* National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases