Six crucial spots in your car to clean this summer

But did you know that the interior of our cars can harbour more germs than the average toilet seat? A report by Carlease.co.uk reveals that UK drivers are guilty of cleaning their cars less than five times a year with nearly a quarter admitting they don’t really care what their car looks like to others.

 To help car owners get their rides clean for summer, specialists from Carlease.co.uk have provided the following key tips.

Key tips:

●      Your cup holder could be swarming with bacteria - but a toothbrush can help

●      Clean your air vents before long summer drives to prevent respiratory issues

●      Your picnic food and groceries could be at risk of contamination from your boot

●      Skip the air fresheners, used coffee grounds and orange peelsare your natural allies against stubborn car odours.

Summer car cleaning: The filthiest spots you need to clean ASAP

1. Car seats/Headrests

Whether you're sitting on them sweaty, sick or soaked, car seats have been found to be particularly filthy with around 300 to 650 bacterialurking on the driver’s seats alone. Besides, over 60% have admitted toeating in the car, which can lead to food particles getting trapped in the seams. Your headrests, especially when it's scorching hot, can easily accumulate dirt, oils and sweat from your head. Depending on their material, both car seats and headrests can absorb these contaminants over time, turning them into prime breeding grounds for germs and unpleasant odours.

With monthly searches for “how to clean car seats” reaching a staggering 28,950 globally, the specialists at Carlease.co.uk recommended: “Start by vacuuming your car seats to get rid of all those hidden crumbs and dust particles. Make sure to get into every nook and cranny including between the seat-backs and cushions. Next, mix a solution of warm water with a few squirts of dish soap or distilled vinegar and gently scrub your seats in a circular motion. For stubborn, deeply embedded stains like vomit, spray the spot with club soda and let it work its magic for an hour before wiping it off with a microfiber cloth.”

2. Car mats

Having to experience first-hand the mud, sand (or even poop) from the bottoms of our shoes, car mats easily become one of the dirtiest spots in the car, exposing you to harmful bacteria like E. coli) that can lead to stomach and respiratory issues. While we don't usually touch this area, the occasional drop of our phones, glasses, and keys can bring us into indirect contact with the grime they harbour. Dust, sand, andspilled liquids can seep deep into the fibres, with this hidden build-up resulting in musty smells, potentially contributing to mould growth.

Witnessing a global monthly searches of 7,600 for terms related to“how to clean car mats”, Carlease.co.uk advised: “Give your car mats a good shake outside to dislodge loose dirt and debris, then thoroughly vacuum both sides. To prevent dirt from accumulating, consider keeping a small handheld vacuum in your car for quick clean-ups. Sprinkle baking soda on the surface and scrub it off with a stiff-bristled brush can help lift dirt and refresh the fibres effectively.”

3. Air vents

Air vents often fly under the radar in car cleaning routines since they're mostly in use during summer. However, these vents can rapidly become hotspots for dust, pollen and other airborne particles, which over time turns into a layer of grime that can significantly affect the air quality in your vehicle. The build up of moisture trapped in the filters encourages bacterial growth, and can lead to smelly air emanating from the vents. This means that every time you turn on the air conditioning, you’re potentially exposing you and your passengers to allergens and irritants that could trigger allergies and respiratory issues.

With global searches for “how to clean car A/C” hitting 1,850 per month, Carlease.co.uk suggested: “Use a soft brush or a microfibre duster to gently sweep away loose dust and debris from the vents -  even a clean paintbrush can be especially useful for getting into the narrow slats. For a more thorough clean, try using a can of compressed air to blow out any stubborn particles trapped deeper inside, and then wipe down the surface of the vents with a damp cloth to remove any remaining grime.”

4. Cup holders

The habit of tossing loose change into the cup holder or the occasional spill from your morning coffee can create a sticky residue that attracts dust, dirt, and grime. The dark, confined space also provides an ideal environment for bacteria like Bacillus cereus - a common cause of food poisoning - to thrive. “Dampen a cloth or sponge with a mild cleaner and wipe down the interior surfaces of the cup holder - an old toothbrush can be handy for getting into hard-to-reach spots. To prevent sticky residue and curb bacteria growth, make it a weekly habit to wipe your cup holders with disinfectant wipes.”

5. Car boots

Car boots can quickly become cluttered and grubby with regular use, serving as the go-to spot for dirty shoes, muddy sports gear, and the occasional furry passenger. But it's also where you load up your groceries, picnic gear and baby strollers, which can expose your food and essentials to bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. 

“Empty your boot completely and vacuum thoroughly. Then, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, lightly mist the carpeting, and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it down. If you're dealing with persistent smells, leave a container of fresh coffee grounds in the boot overnight and they will absorb stubborn odours; for an added fresh scent, orange peels will work wonders with their natural oils not only masking lingering smells but also providing a pleasant citrus aroma.”

6. Steering wheel/Door handles

Every time you grip the steering wheel or touch the door handle, you're transferring oils, sweat, and residues from your hands onto these surfaces. Moreover, the materials used - often leather, plastic, and rubber - are particularly prone to trapping and holding onto dirt, which over time leads to a grimy build-up. Research has identified that the two most common bacterias found in cars are Staphylococcus and Propionibacterium, which can lead to skin infections, food poisoning, and inflammation. 

“To reduce health risks, it's crucial to regularly disinfect these high-touch areas with rubbing alcohol diluted with water (for a gentler solution) to kill bacteria and keep your car germ-free.”

For more information visit Carlease.co.uk