Car Sanitization and Cleaning Best Practices When Cleaning Your Customers’ Cars

Car wash owners and operators are having to make some changes in how they do business due to the COVID-19 crisis. One such service area that needs new car sanitization and cleaning best practices is when detailing your customers’ vehicle interiors.
 
Most people do not wear masks or gloves while in their vehicle, so there is the possibility the coronavirus could be on various surfaces inside the car. To ensure your employees are kept safer, you need to establish new methods for car detailing services at your car wash.

1. Car Detailing Preparation

Employees should wash their hands and put on a set of clean gloves. Next, they should make sure they have on a face mask and that it is being worn correctly. You may also want to have your employees wear a face shield in addition to the mask for added protection.

2. Gather Car Cleaning Supplies

Your employees will need access to clean microfiber cloths, car disinfectant spray, and 70% or higher isopropyl alcohol spray. It is a good idea to have two different buckets available—one for keeping the clean towels and cleaning supplies in and another to put used towels into.

3. Cleaning the Car

If the car was washed, open the car door and spray some disinfectant spray inside the vehicle. If the car was not washed, make sure to spray the door handle with isopropyl alcohol and wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth. Discard the used cloth into the “used” bucket.

For plastic interior surfaces such as door handles, door locks, dashboards, audio controls, and so on, spray the isopropyl alcohol onto the surface and wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth.

Do not use isopropyl alcohol on leather steering wheels, leather trim, and leather upholstery. Leather is treated with a protective layer that prevents discoloration. Isopropyl alcohol will remove this protection.

Instead, use a mixture of antibacterial soap with water. Spray the mixture onto the area to be cleaned and gently wipe it off with clean microfiber cloth. You want to use as little water as possible. The soapy mixture should be sudsy but not too soapy.

You can use a light mist of water only to rinse off the excess soap. Just make sure to wipe it off quickly using a clean microfiber cloth. Discard any used cleaning cloths into the “used” bucket.

4. Replace Gloves After Each Vehicle Is Cleaned

After each vehicle is detailed cleaned, your employees should remove their gloves carefully and discard them appropriately. Then they should wash their hands with soap and water following the CDC washing guidelines. Next, they should put on a clean set of gloves before detailing the next vehicle.

5. Change Face Masks Often 

It can be hot outside, and face mask can get damp with sweat. Make sure your employees have access to clean face masks. Encourage them to change their masks as needed. Remind them to wash their hands with soap and water before putting on a clean face mask.

6. Provide Customers Easy Access to Face Masks

Require customers to wear face masks when exiting their vehicles to have them detailed. Make sure to stock up on reusable face masks from a face mask supplier that you can sell them if they don’t have one.

For all your car cleaning supplies at wholesale prices, car disinfectant spray, and face masks, please feel free to shop online at Superior Car Wash Supply or call us at 800-554-9274 today!