Welcome and thank you for checking out our blog! This post is our third in a series of posts that will explore the dirtiest places found in different environments. Environments such as your office, your home, the airport, etc. Click here to follow us on Facebook or click here to connect with us on LinkedIn to be alerted when those posts become available.
Every day, millions of people travel in a car. In fact, the average person spends about 3 years of their life in a car! Have you ever stopped to think about how clean the inside of the car is? Most people care for the outside of their car by washing and waxing, but don’t think to disinfect or clean all the parts on the inside that they come into contact with on a daily basis. In addition, many people eat and drink in their cars and any crumbs/spills contain and harbor more bacteria that we think!
Germs:
Most of the germs on these surfaces are due to improper hand washing techniques but can also occur from coughing, sneezing or food/drink:
- Door Handle
- Cup and change holders
- Steering Wheel
- Gear shift
- Windows
- Windshield wipers
- Various knobs
What can you do to help?
First and foremost, the biggest thing you can do is wash your hands! Make sure you are washing your hands after being in your car or traveling in someone else’s vehicle. Using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds helps cut down on germs.
Most of the dirtiest places are easy to clean! Keeping disinfectant wipes in your car and occasionally wiping down these surfaces will keep them clean and prevent the spread of germs. Due to the amount of time people spend in their car, it is recommended that you clean the inside of your car monthly.
Vacuuming your car weekly will help prevent germs as well. Make sure to vacuum seats, floor mats and under the floor mats as well. This will remove any crumbs, dirt or even pet hair inside the vehicle. If food or drink leaves a stain on any fabric surface, make sure to clean quickly. Also make sure you shampoo your carpets and seats regularly if you eat or drink inside your car!
Octagon Building Care is a leader in commercial cleaning and building solutions for Fort Worth, Arlington, and Dallas. Follow us on Facebook for more great information.