Where do germs gather?
1. Steering Wheel
While the steering wheel isn't hidden, it can still be one of the dirtiest surfaces in your car. Whenever you pump gas, eat on-the-go, or head home from the gym, for example, you inevitably touch your wheel afterward and spread a staggering number of germs without realizing it.
2. Gear Shifter
Like your steering wheel, the gear shift is subject to whatever germs you pick up while running from one side of town to the other. Your gear shift can really collect food and grime in a hurry if you don't clean your car regularly.
3. Door Handles
You and your passengers have to use both the inside and outside door handles every time you drive, so it's probably no surprise that dirt hangs out there, too. Whatever germs are on your hands (and theirs) can quickly spread to those handles if you're not careful about keeping everything clean.
4. Cup Holders
Are your car's cup holders a sticky, crumby mess? Too often, we spill things while we're driving and neglect to clean them up once we're back home. Unfortunately, prolonging cleaning only creates a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
5. Seatbelts
Seatbelts are essential, but they're also exposed to tons of wear and tear from coffee and food spills, and the dirt and oil from our skin. Your seatbelts are likely in need of a little love if you can't remember the last time you cleaned them.
6. In, Around, and Under the Seats
Car seat crevices are the perfect environment for germs. These small, confined spaces tend to remain darker and warmer than the rest of your car, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
7. Air Filters
Cabin air filters help remove particles and odors that enter your car through the heating, ventilation, and A/C systems. These filters can trap contaminants like dust, dirt, mildew, and more, which is why it's important to keep them clean.
8. Floor Mats
Another culprit that can lead to a dirty car interior? Your floor mats. As grease, oil, and other substances get stuck to the bottom of your shoes, they inevitably end up on your car's floor mats and accumulate a multitude of dirt.
9. Trunk
The trunk can quickly turn into your car's equivalent of a junk drawer. (Out of sight, out of mind, right?) If you've ever stashed camping gear or muddy shoes in your car's back, you know that this area can get pretty dirty.
Practical tips for cleaning your car
Now that you know all the hidden places germs can be found, you're probably ready to tackle some of these dirty surfaces. Fortunately, we've rounded up some practical tips to help you clean your car.
Keep an interior cleaning solution handy.
Always choose a cleaning solution that's safe for the interior of your vehicle. Using a spray bottle, apply the cleaning solution to a microfiber towel, and twist the towel around places like your steering wheel, gear shifter, and dashboard to remove dirt and grime. Then, wipe the surfaces off with a damp cloth to avoid prolonged contact with any chemical cleaners. Wet wipes or antibacterial wipes will also work for quick clean-ups on hard surfaces.
Use soap and water or alcohol for high-traffic surfaces.
You might be able to use soap and water or isopropyl alcohol to clean things like your gear shifter, door handles, or cup holders, and utilize cotton swabs to clean hard-to-reach areas. A mixture of equal parts of water and white vinegar is another excellent alternative when looking for a more natural cleaning solution.
Clean seat belts with fabric cleaner.
When it comes to cleaning your seatbelts, spray a disinfectant fabric cleaner (available online and at most big box stores) all over the front and underside with a light, even coating. Use a scrub brush from top to bottom, then wrap a towel around the belt and drag it downwards to remove excess moisture. The belts can be left to dry overnight and will be ready for you in the morning!
Safely spot clean your car's upholstery.
If you're wondering how to clean dirty car seats, begin by vacuuming along the seams, between the center console and underneath each seat. Next, check your owner's manual for a recommended cleaning solution. Use this manufacturer-approved cleaner according to the label's instruction and use a detailing brush on any stubborn stains. Wipe away any remaining dirt with a microfiber towel, and vacuum everything a final time.
Get your air conditioning serviced.
Bacteria in car air conditioning can be a smelly and potentially unhealthy inconvenience. The best way to enjoy clean air while driving is to get a proper air conditioning service and replace your cabin air filter. This will help clear out mold and mildew trapped in your car's air conditioning system, helping you enjoy a fresher ride. Fun fact: Replacing your cabin air filter might even make your A/C feel cooler!
Clean floor mats with laundry detergent and baking soda.
To clean your floor mats, take the mats out of your car and knock them against the ground to remove surface dirt. For rubber mats, clean with a hose and liquid soap or laundry detergent and hang to dry. For cloth mats, rub baking soda into the fibers to neutralize odors and lift stains, or use a small scrub brush to get out tough debris.
Use baking soda to reduce trunk odors.
Begin cleaning your trunk by removing any clutter and thoroughly vacuuming the interior. You can also opt to invest in a cargo mat, so you’ll need to vacuum your trunk less frequently! If your trunk has an unpleasant smell, sprinkle baking soda into the carpet and vacuum it up, or leave dryer sheets under the trunk floor mats to absorb odors and give the space a fresher scent.
While most of us are inclined to keep the exterior of their car looking good, our vehicles' interior is too often neglected. But when we make an effort to reduce those sneaky germs hiding inside our cars, we're sure to ride more comfortably and confidently.
And there’s no better time than the present to take care of your INFINITI inside and out with genuine INFINITI interior accessories. Explore interior accessories for your INFINITI model online or head to an INFINITI service center to get help from our experts.