Keeping Your Car Clean: What to Use and What to Avoid

Date posted: July 11, 2017

Driving a vehicle is an integral part of modern life in the UK. Car traffic across the country has reached an astonishing peak of 324.4 billion miles travelled, a 1.7% increase over the previous year. With traffic rising both on motorways and minor rural roads, it’s no surprise that more individuals are getting behind the wheel each year.

With more time spent in the small confinement of a car, there is just as much emphasis (if not more!) in keeping the space clean, organised, and free of debris. Motor vehicle cleanliness is not just about personal preference, as studies reveal that regularly occupying spaces that are dirty or cluttered leads to depression and serves as an accurate overall indicator of physical health. However, keeping your car neat and allergen free while avoiding the adverse effects of harsh cleaning products is simple once you’re well-educated on what to look out for.

What Chemicals To Avoid

Before purchasing cleaning products, it is a best practice to read the label and be aware of what chemicals you’re transferring to frequently touched surfaces. If you have children riding in your car be sure to take extra precautions as the vehicle’s interior may become a “toxic soup” of combined chemicalsfrom cleaning products, which may lead to asthma, eczema, or other serious autoimmune disorders. When searching for products to clean your car’s interior, be sure to keep away from the following safety hazards, commonly found in mass-marketed cleaning products: Formaldehyde, Ammonia, and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.

Safe Alternatives

Thankfully, there is a harmonious balance between keeping your motor vehicle tidy, sanitary, and allergen-free without risking potentially harmful exposure to harsh chemicals. Some natural-based cleaning solutions still use harmful chemicals, while marketing under the guise of a “green-alternative,” so be sure to check the labels regardless of the product slogan. Lemon juice, vinegar, mineral oil, and vegetable oil are all natural cleaning agents that can leave your car’s surfaces fresh and clean without a nasty, harmful chemical buildup.

Keeping your vehicle tidy and hygienic as automobile travel increases in popularity is a positive trend to be a part of, yet it is not without false marketing and potential harm. By keeping yourself informed of the chemical properties.