March 17, 2020—Consumer Reports has released a report on how to clean cars without damaging interior surfaces. Now, shops can take this advice when cleaning customers' cars and their own shops.
Washing hands and cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces are two of the best ways to defend against spreading the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a customer or someone else who has been in their car shows symptoms of the illness, shops should clean frequently touched surfaces, including the steering wheel, door handles, shift lever, any buttons or touch screens, wiper and turn signal stalks, passenger and driver door armrests, grab handles, and seat adjusters, according to Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center.
And same goes for taxi or ride-hailing vehicles, especially with the influx of different passengers they carry in their vehicles.
According to the CDC, alcohol solutions that contain at least 70 percent alcohol are effective against the coronavirus. Nearly every interior surface of a vehicle can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol. However, the report says to not use bleach or hydrogen peroxide on the inside of vehicles.
When it comes to cleaning your shop, the report suggests to clean all surfaces with a microfiber cloth. Once shops are finished cleaning, make sure you and your employees wash their hands, as it's one of the best ways to defend yourself and your customers against COVID-19.
Keep up with our latest coverage on the coronavirus outbreak and how shops can best defend themselves and their businesses against the impact.
