If you have a European car, you probably spent a good amount of money on it and therefore want to make sure it looks good at all times. You also want it to be clean and safe, which is why it’s so important to clean and disinfect your vehicle regularly. We know washing our hands keeps germs at bay; well, washing our car does the same thing – while making sure your ride is sparkling.

Today we’ll talk mostly about interior cleaning and how to disinfect surfaces you touch regularly, such as the steering wheel, radio controls, door handles, seat belt buckles, armrests, cup holders and window operation buttons.

Germs and bacteria love warm, moist places, and your car’s heating and AC system provides the perfect breeding ground for them. The heater is located close to the engine, and your AC often emits humid air. All that air is chock full of dust and carbon particles, which are the preferred diet of nasty germs.

Bacteria and viruses can stay on surfaces for many hours before they die, so heed these maintenance tips on sanitizing your European car.

What Cleaners to Use

The most effective cleaner is your standard mixture of soap and warm water. You may also want to pick up an alcohol-based cleaner containing at least 70% isopropyl alcohol for killing germs. This is safe for most car interiors.

Supplies You Will Need

Here are some of the supplies you will need to gather before beginning your cleaning project. They include:

Bucket for soap and water
Brush for scrubbing stains
Comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty
Leather conditioner for cleaning leather seats
Vacuum
Glass-cleaning spray
Microfiber cloth
Mask
Gloves

Steps to Cleaning Your Interior

In order to disinfect your vehicle properly, follow these steps:

Put on a mask and gloves.
Remove all dirty floor mats.
Vacuum the interior to remove debris.
Dip a cloth into the bucket and gently clean the seats.
Scrub the removed mats using a soapy solution.
Dip a cloth into the alcohol solution and wipe down all the most touched surfaces of your car, such as door handles, radio knobs, the steering wheel, gear, glove box and rearview mirror.
Let the alcohol solution sit for about 15 minutes to ensure bacteria and viruses are killed.
Wash the windows and mirrors with soap and water and a cloth or squeegee. Alternatively, you can use window cleaning spray and paper towels.
Let everything dry.
Dispose of the mask and gloves.
Add a car freshener in your favorite scent if desired.

Disinfecting Leather Seats

Leather needs special care and attention, as it can get ruined if you use the wrong products or leave it wet for too long. Dip a cloth into the soap and water and gently scrub the leather. Do not use the alcohol solution. To restore the shine and durability of your leather seats, use a leather conditioner after cleaning.

Get it Detailed

While it may not be in your budget to get regular vehicle detailing, you should get it detailed whenever you can, such as once a year. Professionals will ensure your entire interior is cleaned and disinfected so that when you get it back, you can be assured of a deep clean that is free from germs and dirt.

At the very least, you should engage in the above tips once a season to ensure your European vehicle gets the TLC it deserves. This not only makes your car look brand new, it will keep you and your passengers clean, safe and healthy.

Make Repairs Quickly

While not directly related to cleaning, it’s always a good idea to get issues fixed when they happen, to avoid unnecessary costly bills or breakdowns. When your car is in good repair, it looks and functions properly. So whether you own a Bentley, Mercedes or Land Rover, take it in for regular service at your trusted local mechanic.

Contact Hance’s European in Dallas

The experts at Hance’s European in Dallas can ensure your car looks and operates to the best of its ability. To make an appointment with our shop, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., just contact us at 214-761-5975. And don’t forget to check our regular specials for ways you can save money!