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Although South Africans are not travelling in their cars as much as they used to before the COVID-19 outbreak, the need to disinfect our spaces are more important than ever. With all the awkward nooks, corners, and crannies in a car’s interior, it can be difficult to do a proper job without spending an inordinate amount of time and effort. Using the right agents and equipment will make the job more worthwhile.
We know that ultra violet rays from the sun is a good virus killer, but parking it in the sun will not have any effect here if windows are tinted with UV blocking technology!
In the task of combatting any virus, it’s useful to understand the difference. While the words ‘sanitising’ and ‘disinfecting’ are used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing.
Disinfection is most appropriate for the interior of your car particularly for those surfaces that are touched frequently.
As a rule, viruses remain viable for longer on harder surfaces like plastic or steel than softer surfaces like fabric or fur.
When it comes to the coronavirus COVID-19, we do not really know the exact answer. There are also numerous factors to consider, such as sun exposure, temperature, and the absorbency of the surface. The latest analysis from the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that this virus can remain viable up to 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel – longer than copper (4 hours) and cardboard (24 hours).
Given that a car’s main components are made up mostly of plastic and metal, it makes sense to take some extra precautions.
Each time you reach home from a trip, use this checklist of the parts to clean and disinfect:
Note: Always read your car’s manual for recommended cleaning solutions. Some cars may disallow anything but plain water and a clean cloth. It’s best to steer away from harsh chemicals and strong detergents.
(Because this is a new strain of coronavirus, we cannot name or guarantee which products are effective nor to what degree against COVID-19.)
The following products might be very effective in killing viruses, but manufacturers may advise against using them to regularly disinfect your car’s interior.
Before beginning, wash your hands – by now you should know how and for how long. Then follow these steps:
Finally, wash your hands with soap and water.
That being said, let’s be frank, if washing our hands with good old soap and water will get rid of this novel coronavirus, then don’t stress if you can’t get hold of special disinfectors and sanitisers. Just wash thoroughly with a non-corrosive, pH neutral dishwashing liquid like PROBAC®, a locally produced cleaning product that cleans at microscopic level and keeps surfaces clean for days. And whatever you do, whenever you’re out shopping, don’t touch your nose, mouth, or eyes until you wash your hands!
If you provide transport to the public it’s even more important to follow these guidelines. As an essential services provider, remember that selected Supa Quick stores are open for business.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational or informational purposes only. We do not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. The views expressed in this article are the views of the author and not necessarily the views of Supa Quick.
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