You may be wondering how best to protect yourself from the Coronavirus pandemic. When it comes to disinfecting an interior, the potential for unwanted interactions can be daunting, especially when some cleaning ingredients can do lasting harm to the materials that make up your cabin. The good news is that keeping your van’s interior free of harmful viruses and other unwanted elements is actually fairly simple if you follow a few guidelines. Soap chemically interacts with the surface of the virus in a way that degrades it very quickly and basically destroys the virus.

Both alcohol and detergent-based cleaners can dry out organic materials. In other words, if it leaves your hands feeling dry after use, chances are it will sap the natural oils out of your vehicle’s interior fabrics, too. Regardless of what you use and how you use it, remember to wipe surfaces down after you’re done cleaning them. Even gentler cleansers shouldn’t be left to linger on your interior materials.

All solvents (alcohols, acetone, kerosene, etc) should be avoided, not just because they can damage expensive interior bits, but also because they don’t really affect viruses. And beware of spray disinfectants, too, as they only work through direct contact.

Top tips:

1. Soap is always your best bet. It is harmful to Coronavirus. But only use a mild soap.
2. Do not use heavy-duty items such a hosepipes or power washers.
3. Avoid using any silicone-based products.
4. Avoid bleach except on simple plastics.
5. Don’t use solvents.
6. Hand sanitisers contain alcohol, which can dry out leather and vinyl.
7. Wipe off what you wipe on; don’t leave chemicals to linger.
8. Prioritise the surfaces you touch. Don’t forget buttons and switches, your rear-view mirror, even your gas cap

Where to clean:

1. Used door handles (inside and outside)
2. Keys
3. Steering wheel
4. All levers, buttons, dashboard, glove box handle
5. Levers on seats
6. Belt buckle
7. Fuel cap
8. Mobile devices
9. All other items used throughout the day