Honey, Your Car Made Me Sick

We all clean our bathrooms and kitchens. We all change our sheets and vacuum our carpets. And since we’re all avid readers of UFE, we now know to regularly disinfect surfaces like phones and keyboards that we use every day. So here’s another one to add to your weekly wipe-down: your car.

Most of us use our cars daily, yet when it comes to cleaning we don’t give it the same attention we do other areas. Kitchens and bathrooms are easy to clean because we know they’re dirty, and the same goes for the rest of the house. Functionality alone motivates us to tidy up, put things away – some of us can’t concentrate if even one item is out of place. When it comes to our car, though, we’re much less faithful in our cleanings. And for some of us, this can be a major UFE problem.

When it comes to car cleanliness, there are two kinds of people: the ones that keep their cars pristine, and the ones that…well, don’t. The I’ll-clean-it-when-it-needs-it type. Which then becomes I’ll-clean-it-when-I-get-the-time. Which eventually leads to What-is-that-horrible-smell-I-guess-I-have-to-clean-my-car-now. Whether your car is immaculate, or it’s harboring two week old French fries on the passenger floor, there are some surfaces that are as contaminated in a messy car as they are in a clean one.

Think about when you’re in your car. Your shoes track in water, causing the carpet to mildew and mold. You may be getting off the phone, using the same hand that just touched your feces-riddled touchscreen to turn on the radio. You sneeze all over your dashboard. Your unwashed hands touch the keys, the ignition, the gear shift, and the main offender:  the steering wheel.  Studies have found steering wheels harbor nine times more germs than a public toilet seat. The trunk of the car is even worse, with almost 13 times more bacteria than a public toilet seat. One of the bacteria, bacillus cereus, can cause food poisoning, so hopefully you aren’t putting your groceries in the trunk.

In an episode of the popular U.K. television program Top Gear, hosts Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond all had their newly-purchased used cars examined by a forensic team. What were the findings? Skin, scabs, blood, mucus, saliva, and – you guessed it – feces.

When you think of how much time the average person spends in their car, it’s a wonder it doesn’t get more sanitary attention. For some, more time is spent in the car than in the house. The same survey that researched the steering wheel contamination also discovered at least 42% of drivers eat while in their car, yet only a third of those drivers clean their car’s interior once a year. Ten percent claimed they do absolutely nothing to clean or sanitize their cars. That’s years worth of dirt and bacteria and mucus and feces building and growing in your car.

So, what do you do? For starters, disinfect. Regularly wipe down your steering wheel, your dashboard, gear shifts, buttons, handles, mirrors – anything and everything you can. Be careful with your garbage – keep it contained, don’t just throw it on the floor. Vacuum often to clean debris tracked in from shoes and garbage. If you can, use seat covers, rugs, and mats that can be washed regularly.  In the fast-paced world we live in, our cars have become extensions of our houses and offices, and they should be treated with the same sanitary attention we pay the rest of our environment.

Comments

  1. Mike Hunt says:

    Now nothing is sacred, I mean clean.

  2. Erica says:

    Very shortly this site will be famous among all blogging
    and site-building people, due to it’s good content

  3. Tyler says:

    An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been doing a little research on this. And he actually bought me lunch simply because I discovered it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to discuss this issue here on your site.

  4. Hi i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace, when i read this article i thought i
    could also make comment due to this sensible paragraph.

  5. Concetta says:

    Hi there it’s me, I am also visiting this web site regularly, this web site is genuinely good and the users are in fact sharing pleasant thoughts.

  6. Anonymous says:

    Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored at work so I decided to check out your site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the knowledge you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.
    I’m surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G
    .. Anyways, superb site!

  7. Tracey says:

    Have you ever considered about including a little bit more
    than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and all.
    But just imagine if you added some great pictures or video clips to give your posts more, "pop"!

    Your content is excellent but with pics and videos, this website
    could certainly be one of the greatest in its field.
    Good blog!

  8. Georgia says:

    If some one needs to be updated with most recent technologies then he must
    be go to see this website and be up to date daily.

  9. This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.

    I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your
    magnificent post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

  10. VessySype says:

    This is really fascinating, You’re a very professional blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to looking for extra of your fantastic post. Additionally, I have shared your site in my social networks

    http://saksham.org/wiki/index.php?title=User_talk:ShonaYsa

  11. clickbannk says:

    Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article.
    I will make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information.
    Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.

  12. Allethype says:

    Undeniably imagine that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be at the web the easiest factor to understand of. I say to you, I certainly get irked even as people consider issues that they just do not understand about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and defined out the whole thing with no need side effect , other people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

    http://www.bookmarks-de.de/search.php/all/Step-By-Step%20Easy%20Solutions%20Of%20Cashino

  13. This is my first time pay a visit at here and i
    am genuinely happy to read everthing at one place.

  14. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or
    something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the
    message home a bit, but instead of that, this is magnificent blog.
    A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back.

  15. Sheila says:

    Highly descriptive post, I liked that a lot. Will there be
    a part 2?

  16. I_m not that much of a online reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up!
    I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back in the future. Cheers

  17. Mathias says:

    Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you
    writing this write-up and also the rest of the website is extremely good.

  18. Hello! I understand this is sort of off-topic however
    I had to ask. Does operating a well-established website such
    as yours take a massive amount work? I am
    brand new to running a blog however I do write in my diary daily.

    I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my own experience and thoughts online. Please let me know if you have any ideas or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!

    • Anthony says:

      It is time consuming to run a site like this. As we have often stated, it is the research that takes time and money.

  19. Anonymous says:

    Very nice article. I certainly love this site. Keep it up!

  20. Teena says:

    Thanks for a marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you
    could be a great author. I will ensure that I bookmark your
    blog and will come back from now on. I want to encourage continue your great work, have
    a nice morning!

  21. My brother recommended I might like this blog. He
    was entirely right. This post actually made my day. You can not imagine simply how much
    time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

  22. I like reading a post that can make people think.

    Also, many thanks for permitting me to comment!

  23. Maxwell says:

    Hi there, all the time i used to check weblog posts here early in
    the dawn, because i enjoy to find out more and more.

  24. Hello there, I discovered your website via Google whilst
    searching for a similar subject, your web site came up, it seems
    to be good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, just became alert to your weblog through Google, and found that it’s really informative.
    I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful in case you
    proceed this in future. A lot of other folks will likely be benefited
    from your writing. Cheers!

  25. private krankenversicherung vergleich stiftung warentest says:

    This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Cheers! Exactly where are your contact details though?

  26. Catalina says:

    I have been browsing online more than 3 hours these days,
    yet I never found any fascinating article like yours.

    It’s lovely value sufficient for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content as you did, the web will probably be a lot more helpful than ever before.

  27. You’ve made some good points there. I checked on the net for additional information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.

  28. Hmm Well I was just searching on yahoo and just came across your blog, mostly I just only visit blogs and retrieve my needed info but this time the useful information that you posted in this post urged me to post here and appreciate your diligent work. I just bookmarked your site. Thank you again.

  29. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot
    about this, like you wrote the book in it or something.
    I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message
    home a little bit, but instead of that, this is magnificent blog.
    A great read. I’ll certainly be back.

  30. If some one wants expert view about blogging after
    that i recommend him/her to pay a quick visit this website, Keep up the nice work.

  31. Anonymous says:

    Highly descriptive blog, I loved that a lot. Will there be a part 2?

  32. Boni says:

    Greetings I am so excited I found your blog page, I really
    found you by error, while I was looking on Yahoo for something else, Regardless I am here now
    and would just like to say kudos for a remarkable
    post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the moment but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the excellent work.

  33. Marietta says:

    Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.

    Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!

  34. Lorenzo says:

    It’s hard to come by educated people about this topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!

    Thanks

  35. Hello everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit at this web page, and paragraph is in fact fruitful designed for me, keep up posting these types of articles or reviews.

  36. Matthias says:

    Every weekend i used to go to see this web site, as i wish for
    enjoyment, for the reason that this this web page conations actually pleasant
    funny stuff too.

  37. Hello it’s me, I am also visiting this web site regularly, this web page is actually nice and the viewers are really sharing good thoughts.

  38. Kent says:

    I love what you guys are up too. This kind of clever work and coverage!
    Keep up the amazing works guys I’ve added you guys to my own blogroll.

  39. Dave says:

    I read this paragraph fully about the comparison of hottest and preceding technologies, it’s awesome article.

  40. whoah this blog is excellent i really like reading your
    articles. Stay up the great work! You realize, lots of individuals
    are looking around for this information, you could help them greatly.

  41. I pay a visit daily a few web pages and information sites to read articles or reviews, however this webpage
    presents feature based posts.

  42. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in truth was a entertainment account it.
    Look complex to far brought agreeable from you! However, how
    could we keep in touch?

  43. Thanks for another fantastic post. The place else could anybody get that
    kind of information in such an ideal way of writing? I have a
    presentation next week, and I’m at the look for such info.

  44. What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively useful
    and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & assist other users
    like its helped me. Great job.

  45. Cyril Lufsey says:

    I just want to tell you that I’m beginner to blogs and honestly savored you’re blog site. Likely I’m going to bookmark your website . You actually have fabulous posts. Regards for revealing your blog site.

  46. You made some decent points there. I looked on the net to learn more about the
    issue and found most people will go along with your views on
    this website.

  47. After looking at a few of the blog articles on your site,
    I seriously appreciate your way of blogging. I
    book marked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back in the near future.
    Take a look at my website as well and let me know how you
    feel.

  48. Roger says:

    What a wonder useful post. It was very well written. Glad that I stopped by

  49. Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyways, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be
    book-marking and checking back frequently!

  50. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve visited this web site before but after going through a few of the posts I realized it’s new
    to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly delighted I discovered it and I’ll be
    book-marking it and checking back often!

  51. Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just too magnificent. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it.
    You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible.
    I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a great website.

  52. I am really grateful to the owner of this web page who has
    shared this great article at here.

  53. Stephaine says:

    Wow, this article is fastidious, my sister is analyzing these things, so I am going
    to tell her.

  54. These are truly fantastic ideas in about blogging.
    You have touched some fastidious points here.
    Any way keep up wrinting.

  55. Continue says:

    I gotta bookmark this website it seems very helpful invaluable

  56. raypharma says:

    That is my first time i go to here. I found so many entertaining stuff in your weblog, particularly its discussion. From the tons of comments in your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work.

  57. Jeffry says:

    Howdy webmaster I like your post _.

  58. You could certainly see your skills in the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.

  59. I gotta favorite this web site it seems handy extremely helpful

  60. I have read a few good stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much attempt you set to create the sort of great informative web site.

  61. Hello! Great stuff, please perform keep me personally posted if you publish again something like this!

  62. encountered your website on del.icio.us today and seriously liked it.
    . I bookmarked it and will probably be back to discover it out
    some much more later ..

  63. I like this post, enjoyed this one regards for putting up.

  64. Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do some research on this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I am very glad to see such fantastic information being shared freely out there.

  65. yeah,this is great and I like it.I will bookmark it and share on my facebook.

  66. Admiring the persistence you put into your site and in depth information you provide. It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed material. Wonderful read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  67. Thanks on your marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you may be a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and may come back later in life. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great job, have a nice weekend!

  68. Such a beneficial blog_wow !!!!

  69. It’s nearly impossible to find educated people in this particular subject, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks

  70. Wow! Thank you! I continuously wanted to write on my site something like that. Can I take a portion of your post to my blog?

  71. In general I do not location on blogs, but I would prefer to say that this post genuinely pushed me to accomplish so!

    superior place.

  72. Utterly written subject material , Actually enjoyed searching by .

  73. Little math says:

    I’d need to examine with you here. Which isn’t something I often do! I enjoy reading a post that can make folks think. Also, thanks for permitting me to remark!

Speak Your Mind