How to disinfect your car without damaging it

How to disinfect your car without damaging it

MANILA: As we entered the age of the pandemic a few months ago, even at the outset we were all encouraged to thoroughly wash our hands, observe hygiene, and other safety protocols such as physical distancing.

Nissan disinfecting 2

This new era has also been marked by new trends such as the wearing of face masks, face shields, and disposable gloves as standard accessories, nay, requirements for anyone who ventures out. We are also encouraged to always have a bottle of sanitizer with us. Then, anything that goes into the outdoors warrants subsequent disinfection to reduce the risk of carrying the dreaded coronavirus

Vehicles should naturally receive the same sort of protection and sanitization. But Nissan Philippines says that some cleaners can actually harm your vehicle interior, and thus shares tips on how to disinfect your ride safely.

First things first

Prior to starting, wear disposable gloves for your protection. Then you can start to wipe down surfaces using a soft or microfiber cloth dampened with soapy water prior to disinfection. This can be used for hard surfaces.

Nissan says that “most common disinfectants are effective, but some are not ideal for vehicles, including bleach, hydrogen peroxide, benzene, thinners or abrasive cleaners that can damage upholstery and interiors.” Bear in mind that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that alcohol-based wipes or sprays with at least 70% alcohol are effective against the coronavirus. These can also be safely used in your vehicle.

For car screens, shelve ammonia-based cleaners and, rather, use screen wipes or a soft cloth dampened with soap and water to clean; then dry with a clean, soft cloth.

Nissan disinfecting 3

Key surfaces to disinfect

  • Steering wheel
  • Key and remote fob
  • Exterior door handles (both sides)
  • Trunk lid or liftgate grab areas
  • Interior door pulls, both sides and interior door panels
  • Start/stop button, if equipped
  • Rearview mirror, back and edges
  • HVAC vents
  • Gear selector
  • Turn signal lever
  • Windshield wiper controls
  • Center stack knobs
  • Center console and armrest
  • Seat belt and buckle. Avoid harsh cleaners on the belt itself as they can degrade the fibers and the belt's strength
  • Parking brake handle, parking brake or release lever

Graphics from Nissan Philippines

 

Kap Maceda Aguila

Kap Maceda Aguila

Kap Maceda Aguila has been a writer for nationally circulated publications since 1992 after earning a communication degree, majoring in journalism, from the University of the Philippines-Diliman. Over the course of his career, Kap has covered various beats from lifestyle, business, technology, entertainment, and motoring.  He was a segment host, writer, and producer of The Philippine Star’s Wheels which first aired in 2015, and was appointed head writer in 2018. In 2019, The Star opened motoring and transportation website Wheels.ph and made Kap its first online editor – a position he held before leaving to become motoring editor of Business World in February of 2020. Today, he continues to pen articles for The Star and other publications, and co-hosts a radio show, Gear Box on Radyo Pilipinas 1 738 AM. Kap is also editor in chief of Zigwheels Philippines and Carmudi Philippines.

Read Full Bio

Sell your car at the best price

Verified and genuine buyers Verified and genuine buyers
Free listing Free listing
List your car

PIMS 2024

You might also be interested in

  • News
  • Featured Stories
  • Upcoming
  • Geely Coolray 2024
    Geely Coolray 2024
    ₱1.199 - 1.299 Million Expected Price Manila
    Expected Launch TBA Alert Me When Launched
  • Kia Carens 2024
    Kia Carens 2024
    ₱1.57 Million Expected Price Manila
    Expected Launch Nov, 2024 Alert Me When Launched
  • Toyota Vios 2024
    Toyota Vios 2024
    ₱832,000 Expected Price Manila
    Expected Launch TBA Alert Me When Launched
  • Omoda E5 ev
    Omoda E5
    ₱1.9 Million Expected Price Manila
    Expected Launch Nov, 2024 Alert Me When Launched
  • MG ZS 2024
    MG ZS 2024
    ₱1.049 Million Expected Price Manila
    Expected Launch Nov, 2024 Alert Me When Launched

Latest Car Videos on Zigwheels

Zigwheels
  • What's In Your Two Car Dream Garage? | Zigwheels.Ph with Nissan Philippines
    What's In Your Two Car Dream Garage? | Zigwheels.Ph with Nissan Philippines
    05 Nov, 2024 .
  • Top 10 EVs with the Longest Ranges in the Philippines | Z-List S02E01 | Zigwheels.Ph
    Top 10 EVs with the Longest Ranges in the Philippines | Z-List S02E01 | Zigwheels.Ph
    05 Nov, 2024 .
  • 2024 MG ZS First Look + More | Zigwheels.Ph
    2024 MG ZS First Look + More | Zigwheels.Ph
    05 Nov, 2024 .
  • 2024 PIMS Launch Recap | Zigwheels.Ph
    2024 PIMS Launch Recap | Zigwheels.Ph
    05 Nov, 2024 .
  • 2024 Lexus IS300H POV Driving Review | ZIGWHEELS.PH
    2024 Lexus IS300H POV Driving Review | ZIGWHEELS.PH
    05 Nov, 2024 .
  • 2025 Changan Hunter REEV First Look | Zigwheels.Ph with Changan Auto Philippines
    2025 Changan Hunter REEV First Look | Zigwheels.Ph with Changan Auto Philippines
    29 Oct, 2024 .
  • BEYOND ZERO Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Hydrogen Combustion Prototype Exclusive Look | Zigwheels.Ph
    BEYOND ZERO Toyota Corolla Cross H2 Hydrogen Combustion Prototype Exclusive Look | Zigwheels.Ph
    29 Oct, 2024 .
  • 2024 BYD Seal First Look | Zigwheels.Ph
    2024 BYD Seal First Look | Zigwheels.Ph
    29 Oct, 2024 .
  • 2024 Changan CS35 Plus Luxe | Zigwheels.Ph with Changan Auto Philippines
    2024 Changan CS35 Plus Luxe | Zigwheels.Ph with Changan Auto Philippines
    24 Oct, 2024 .
  • 2025 Chevrolet Captiva First Look | The 100,000 km Family 7-seater MPV! | Zigwheels.Ph
    2025 Chevrolet Captiva First Look | The 100,000 km Family 7-seater MPV! | Zigwheels.Ph
    24 Oct, 2024 .
Watch Car Videos

Car Articles From Carmudi

  • journal
  • advice
  • financing
  • insurance
  • Firms to implement price hikes on diesel, kerosene, cut on gasoline
    Firms to implement price hikes on diesel, kerosene, cut on gasoline
    Ruben Manahan IV, Nov 04, 2024
  • 2024 PIMS draws 42K attendees
    2024 PIMS draws 42K attendees
    Ruben Manahan IV, Nov 04, 2024
  • Hyundai Motor PH, ANC+ Group forge alliance
    Hyundai Motor PH, ANC+ Group forge alliance
    Ruben Manahan IV, Nov 04, 2024
  • Inchcape to update Ram 1500 Rebel in PH
    Inchcape to update Ram 1500 Rebel in PH
    Paulo Papa, Oct 31, 2024
  • Suzuki PH offers helping hand to Typhoon Kristine-hit customers with special discounts
    Suzuki PH offers helping hand to Typhoon Kristine-hit customers with special discounts
    Paulo Papa, Oct 31, 2024
  • Buying a used car in the Philippines? Here’s how to dodge scams
    Buying a used car in the Philippines? Here’s how to dodge scams
    Carmudi PH, Oct 16, 2024
  • All you need to know about seatbelts: Rules, penalties, & more
    All you need to know about seatbelts: Rules, penalties, & more
    Carmudi PH, Oct 14, 2024
  • Need help accessing your LTMS account? Here’s how you can recover it
    Need help accessing your LTMS account? Here’s how you can recover it
    Carmudi PH, Oct 09, 2024
  • Surviving the monsoon: 7 Best practices for driving in low visibility
    Surviving the monsoon: 7 Best practices for driving in low visibility
    Carmudi PH, Oct 07, 2024
  • Changing the clutch type: Here's how you can modify your driver's license
    Changing the clutch type: Here's how you can modify your driver's license
    Carmudi PH, Oct 04, 2024
  • Top 15 banks for affordable car loans in the Philippines
    Top 15 banks for affordable car loans in the Philippines
    Carmudi PH, Oct 10, 2024
  • Car loans made simple for OFWs: Everything you need to know
    Car loans made simple for OFWs: Everything you need to know
    Carmudi PH, Oct 03, 2024
  • Car Loan Restructure: Everything a Filipino needs to know before applying
    Car Loan Restructure: Everything a Filipino needs to know before applying
    Carmudi PH, Oct 02, 2024
  • Pitfalls to avoid when refinancing auto loan in the Philippines
    Pitfalls to avoid when refinancing auto loan in the Philippines
    Carmudi PH, Sep 24, 2024
  • Car loan scams in the Philippines: Applicants be aware
    Car loan scams in the Philippines: Applicants be aware
    Carmudi PH, Sep 19, 2024
  • No car insurance? Here’s what all wrong can happen in the Philippines
    No car insurance? Here’s what all wrong can happen in the Philippines
    Carmudi PH, Oct 29, 2024
  • All you need to know about taking photos after a car accident in the Philippines
    All you need to know about taking photos after a car accident in the Philippines
    Carmudi PH, Oct 29, 2024
  • Here’s how to easily obtain car insurance quotes online
    Here’s how to easily obtain car insurance quotes online
    Carmudi PH, Oct 23, 2024
  • Modified car insurance in the Philippines: All you need to know
    Modified car insurance in the Philippines: All you need to know
    Carmudi PH, Oct 21, 2024
  • 8 Must-ask questions before buying car insurance
    8 Must-ask questions before buying car insurance
    Carmudi PH, Oct 18, 2024

Compare

You can add 3 variants maximum*