Your car can quickly become a host to germs if not frequently cleaned. In fact, according to research, the average car contains more bacteria than a smartphone screen. Keep your car germ-free by practicing these five tips:
- Avoid eating in your car. Fifty-one per cent of drivers drop food in their cars, according to research. When cars left in warm environments start to heat up, the bacteria from food multiplies, causing mould to grow. If you must eat in your car, remember to immediately clean up any crumbs with wet wipes. Then, vacuum your car to remove any food crumbs stuck in tight spaces.
- Disinfect surfaces. Keep disinfecting wipes in the glove box, and make sure to wipe down the steering wheel, gear stick, door handles and dashboard once a week. This prevents bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella, from growing in areas frequently touched.
- Cleanse the air conditioning units. Bacteria and dirt that build up in air conditioning units and vents can spread germs around your car. Dust the vents with a feather duster and have the air conditioning system checked every two years to prevent microbe build-up.
- Monitor kids and pets. Cars that transport kids and pets tend to contain a multitude of germs. In fact, research found that child car seats contain 200 times more germs than a supermarket trolley. Use seat covers when transporting pets to reduce the number of germs they carry into your car.
- Guard groceries. Loading groceries into a germ-ridden boot, then putting these groceries onto a kitchen worktop can spread germs from your car to your home. Make sure to frequently vacuum the boot, and use a protective cover when transporting groceries.