PressSplit
Some drivers don’t take the hygiene in their cars very seriously. That can definitely have consequences. Which areas should be cleaned particularly often.
Kassel – A group of drivers take care of their car almost fanatically. Whether outside or inside, everything has to sparkle. Others leave their cars virtually neglected and risk the spread of bacteria – they are particularly lurking in some places.
Neglect in the car: There are a lot of bacteria lurking in many places
A car is never germ-free inside, but proper cleaning can significantly reduce the bacteria. A British one Aston University study examined various vehicles between the ages of two and 17 – three of which had pets and children traveling with them. The samples taken were compared with those from two toilets. The disgusting result: The bacterial load in the cars was higher than in an average toilet.
Scientists in a new study warn: There are often more bacteria lurking in cars than in the average toilet. (Symbolic image) © Filippo Carlot/Imago
Coli bacteria, which can cause nasty or even dangerous gastrointestinal diseases, were even found in many of the cars. According to the researchers, a total of 1,425 bacterial strains were detected – in the rear compartments alone. The research team particularly recommends cleaning older cars regularly. “This is particularly important when you think about areas like the trunk or the driver’s seat. Many of us have put loose groceries in the trunk or dropped a chip or two on the seat before picking it up and eating it.”
Drivers should clean these places in the car particularly often
By far the dirtiest place in the study was the trunk. However, the driver’s cabin was not spared; there were also many germs there. A lot of bacteria accumulated on the driver’s seat in particular, but another part was surprisingly clean: the steering wheel. The researchers assume that these are still the effects of the corona pandemic, since clean hands have become much more important.
The researchers called on drivers to pay attention to cleaning their vehicles. “These results show that we should change the way we think about our cars and cleanliness. We often clean our cars based on whether they look clean, rather than whether they are actually clean. But you would never think of eating from your toilet seat,” it says. The upholstery in particular should be cleaned regularly, “especially if you tend to drive the car every day.” Dishwashing sponges should also be changed regularly. (rd)
