Although mass transportation has been suspended while the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is in effect, private car owners can still travel to some extent. So when it comes to making important trips to a grocery store, hospital, food establishment, or any other provider of basic needs, you need to make sure your car is clean and germ-free at all times to keep you and your loved-ones safe against the dreaded coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and other harmful organisms. Here are seven useful tips to help you do just that.  

Wash up before each trip

Before you start your travels, it’s a good idea to take a thorough bath first. If you’re in a hurry, you can wash your hands carefully instead. For added protection, make sure to use anti-bacterial cleaning products. It also helps to plan your trip so you can reduce the possibility of interaction. When you get back home, do some disinfecting again before interacting with any family member.  

Clean and disinfect your car

According to a year-old study about germs in cars, your car’s steering wheel is actually four times dirtier than your toilet seat. It goes without saying that you need to keep your steering wheel, as well as the rest of your car’s surfaces, clean and disinfected. Disinfecting wipes are the best tools to use for the job, but you can also use disinfectant sprays followed immediately by wiping with a clean, dry cloth. Make sure to double down on the most-used surfaces, including the door handles, shift knob, control buttons, touchscreens, cupholders, seats, etc. Wherever your hands come into contact, you should make a point to wipe down that surface.  

Vacuum regularly

Despite your best efforts, dust will eventually gather in your car interior. That’s because your cabin is far from completely sealed, and dust and germs can still find their way through your car’s ducts, nooks, and crevices. As often as you can, make it a point to vacuum your car regularly. Once a week is a good habit, but feel free to increase the frequency the more often you use your car, or if you’re a frontliner during the quarantine period. Don’t forget to vacuum under the mats and other hidden spaces. If you don’t have a car vacuum, you can air out your vehicle and dust off the surfaces with all the doors open. This method works as a great alternative when vacuuming isn’t possible.  

Sanitize your air conditioning unit

Your car’s air conditioning system is responsible for circulating the cabin air. If it’s not clean, then you can bet that you and your passengers are going to inhale whatever viruses and bacteria is in the air. Especially now that summer is upon us, it’s a good time to give your AC system a good cleaning, as you will surely use it every time you take your car out. Pay close attention to the cabin filter—if it’s dirty, clean it or replace it. It’s also a good idea to spray disinfectant on the filter before returning it.  

Keep hygienic products handy

While traveling, make sure you have these items with you in your car: hand sanitizer/spray, sanitary wipes, and a box of tissue. Keep these items always on hand for easy cleanups when needed. While you’re at it, place a small trash bin inside your car for throwing away your used hygienic products. That space behind the center console on the rear passenger side is a good place for this. Make sure to empty your trash bin every time you get home from a trip.  

Quarantine your car

The best way to make sure your car doesn’t spread any disease is to not use it at all. During this quarantine period, it’s best to reduce your vehicle use to only when necessary. If you can, walk to the grocery store or food establishment where you buy your daily needs. After days upon days of getting locked up inside your home, you certainly need the exercise. Not to mention, you’re helping the environment a lot. Have you noticed how the smog has cleared during ECQ? Some netizens sure did. We are now on the second week of ECQ. Use these tips to keep your vehicle virus-free and keep your family safe from harm while the ECQ is in effect. Hopefully, this troublesome disease doesn’t extend its stay, and we can all go back to living our normal lives. Until then, stay at home, keep safe, and don’t forget to wash your hands.  

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