It’s now almost two years since the World Health Organization declared a COVID-19 pandemic. And since then, the virus and its many mutations–the latest of which being the highly transmissible Omicron–changed the way we work, travel, pay and protect ourselves. Even our cars have become our protective bubble as we go out of our homes.
Washing hands as well as cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces are two of the best ways to defend ourselves against COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And when it comes to destroying these highly infectious viruses, household soap and water, disinfectant sprays and wipes as well as alcohol solutions that contain at least 70 percent isopropyl alcohol can be effective.
But should we also use them inside our vehicles?
“While soap and water are remarkably effective when used as part of your hand washing routine, they’re not the most practical car disinfectant. Products containing bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia are effective at killing coronaviruses, but they can damage vehicle upholstery and leather, and may discolor fabrics. Aggressive cleaners could also damage infotainment screens and other touch screens even if we use screen wipes or a soft cloth,” reminded Brixton Aw, president of Bactakleen PH which distributes the most popular disinfectant in the market.
He added that these cleaning products may also cause skin and eye irritation, and sometimes burns. Fumes coming from bleach products can accumulate to relatively high levels in poorly ventilated indoor environments like the inside of our cars. These gasses can react with other chemical compounds to form air particles that could cause respiratory problems and other adverse health effects.
“Since COVID-19 has been shown to survive from hours to days on surfaces. This becomes more difficult in vehicles because of the many types of surfaces and all of the crevices and openings. Vehicle surfaces are also not made to withstand a constant onslaught of harsh cleaning products and can wear down if cleaned too often,” Aw said.
Right disinfection type
This is why the right type of disinfection is crucial when it comes to keeping the interior of the vehicle safe from COVID-19.
Aw said Bactakleen PH offers a complete sanitizing treatment product that is customizable, yet affordable.
“This product uses a proven technology that is widely used in Japan and the United States. It uses Bactakleen Ultra Mist Solution that employs a specially designed fumigation device that converts concentrated solution into microscopic—nano sized—cleaning particles. This ultra-fine mist remain suspended in the vehicle’s interior for several minutes and as a result, reach even hidden recesses of the vehicle like the air conditioning system including the vents, spaces under the seats, seat crevices and flooring where deadly if not foul odor-causing germs may also thrive.”
More importantly, he added that the sanitizing mist’s organic solution is not only safe for human passengers and their pets—it also stays on the vehicle’s surfaces for weeks. “Bactakleen Ultramist can disinfect (and remain on) inside vehicle surfaces for up to 12 weeks. This means those frequently touched surfaces like steering wheel, door handles, shift lever, any buttons or touch screens, wiper and turn signal stalks, passenger and driver door armrests, grab handles, and seat adjusters will have organic disinfectant remaining on their surfaces for days. That’s peace of mind,” Aw explained.
Up to 12 weeks
ChemLab of Malaysia tested Bactakleen Ultra Mist Solution for durability or its ability to remain effective—the test found that after one treatment, the solution remains active against virus, bacteria, and fungus for at least eight weeks and even up to 12 weeks.
This is why Aw explained, Bactakleen Ultra Mist Solution has become the most sought after vehicle disinfectant system in the country since the product’s plant-based, all-natural ingredients (botanical extracts) was certified by SGS of Malaysia (July 15, 2020 report) to be 99.99 percent effective in killing the human coronavirus. It is used as part of the regular Periodic Service Maintenance by about 275 car dealerships nationwide covering 16 automotive brands. “Majority of the country’s biggest car brands and most of their dealerships have partnered with us and have taken all the precautions to not just disinfect their showrooms and work area but also make sure that the vehicles they hand over are properly disinfected,” he said.
Because of its long-term efficacy, vehicle owners are actually paying just P11 or even less per day for protection against deadly disease- or odor-causing pathogens, which is a lot more cost effective especially when compared with other products that are not thoroughly tested for its durability and lack international certifications for such.
Another certifying body, the SIRIM QAS International of Malaysia, has found Bactakleen Ultra Mist Solution to not cause skin irritation. Because the product is made up of natural, non-toxic, and non-corrosive ingredients, Bactakleen PH added that it will not discolor, stain or be damaging to upholstery (leather or fabric) and other delicate plastic surfaces like touchscreen.
“To complete your protective bubble, wear the proper mask when there are at least two people in the vehicle. Cloth mask and surgical mask are not good enough to hinder transmission, use N95 mask or double mask with a surgical type.
Have an organic misting machine handy in your house and apply it on your body (clothes and shoes) before getting inside your house. Our product called Marvekleen can last up to 7 hours on body surfaces unlike alcohols and other disinfectants that last for a few minutes,” he said.
Ask your auto dealers regarding Bactakleen Ultramist (Bactashield is now available in Honda dealer outlets.) Please call 0956 809 5284 for other inquiries.
Main photo lifted from Mahigo.com
