When it comes to having to clean your car, and maintaining a clean car, most drivers focus on the obvious—vacuuming crumbs, wiping down dashboards, and giving the exterior a good wash. However, there’s one part of your vehicle that is often neglected, yet it harbors more bacteria than a toilet seat: the steering wheel.
The Dirty Truth About Steering Wheels
Studies have shown that steering wheels can contain hundreds of strains of bacteria per square inch, including those linked to food poisoning and skin infections. In fact, research has found that while 80 bacteria lurk on each square inch of a toilet seat, up to 700 harmful bugs inhabit the steering wheel. This makes it one of the dirtiest surfaces in your car, even filthier than your mobile phone or computer keyboard.
James Taylor, a luxury car cleaner, explains that drivers frequently touch their face, phone, and food before grabbing the wheel, transferring bacteria onto the surface, says the Daily Mail. Additionally, sneezes and coughs land directly on the steering wheel, creating the perfect environment for germs to thrive.
Why Steering Wheels Are Overlooked
Despite being one of the most frequently touched parts of a vehicle, steering wheels are rarely cleaned. A survey revealed that only a third of drivers clean the inside of their car once a year, while 10% admitted they never wipe down surfaces or vacuum. This neglect allows bacteria to accumulate, posing potential health risks.
According to the Daily Mail, Dr. Ron Cutler, director of biomedical science at Queen Mary University, London, warns that while most bacteria found on steering wheels are unlikely to cause serious health issues, some cars host potentially harmful bacterial species. He emphasizes that a car is the perfect breeding ground for germs, especially if drivers eat inside their vehicles and leave food residue behind.
Clean Your Car – Its Important
To clean your car isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about hygiene and health. Regularly sanitizing your steering wheel can significantly reduce bacteria levels and minimize the risk of illness. Experts recommend using car-specific interior cleaners or antibacterial wipes that are safe for leather or plastic.
Additionally, cleaning the creases and seams of the steering wheel is crucial, as bacteria tend to hide in these areas. A simple weekly wipe-down can dramatically reduce germs and takes less than a minute to complete.
Other Overlooked Dirty Areas in Your Car
While the steering wheel is one of the filthiest parts of a vehicle, other areas also accumulate bacteria:
- Gear shift and door handles: Frequently touched but rarely cleaned.
- Seat belts: Often exposed to sweat and food residue.
- Air vents: Collect dust and bacteria, affecting air quality inside the car.
- Cup holders: A hotspot for spills and crumbs, leading to bacterial growth.
Considerations
Maintaining a clean car goes beyond vacuuming and polishing—it requires attention to overlooked areas like the steering wheel. Given that it harbors more bacteria than a toilet seat, regular cleaning is essential for hygiene and health. By incorporating simple sanitization habits, you can reduce bacterial buildup and ensure a safer, cleaner driving experience.
So, the next time you clean your car, don’t forget the steering wheel—it might just be the dirtiest thing you touch every day.
If you’re a driver and want to know what to avoid when cleaning your car, we’ve got you covered. The thought of cleaning your car doesn’t have to be a message chore, once you get into the groove you’ll be all over it in no time. Who knows, you might even become a lover of wanting to clean your car, if you’re not already, and just absolutely love cleaning it, just don’t forget the steering wheel.
