COVID-19  has had an enormous effect on everyone, including us, in the Sacramento area. While testing and government action is crucial to combat this crisis, there is also a lot that we can all do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The CDC and other government organizations have provided recommended actions.

We have received questions from owners about how to disinfect and clean their cars, so we have put together recommendations on how to clean and disinfect your car for the Coronavirus. Please note that we are not health experts and that there are many additional precautions recommended by the CDC to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Vehicles often have many different surfaces and materials in their interior, and BMW and Mercedes owners want to make sure they can clean their interior without damaging the materials.

We all spend a lot of time in our cars, and it is important to make sure that it is a clean environment for you and your loved ones. Be assured that Dobson’s German Auto is taking all precautions to both disinfect customers’ cars and maintain a sanitary workplace. We are proud to be part of the Roseville and Sacramento community and want you to know we are taking this the pandemic very seriously. You can also count on us for clear communication, so please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Choosing the Correct Supplies to Clean Your Car Interior

The initial step to cleaning and sterilizing your vehicle inside is to pick the cleaning tools and materials you will utilize. Contingent upon whether you have leather, material, or imitation leather upholstery, the steps and cleaning agents may differ.

Isopropyl alcohol is a known disinfectant and is safe to use on most vehicles inside surfaces. In fact, many production plants put the last touch on the inside of the vehicles before they are sent out. Isopropyl alcohol removes numerous stains, smudges, and buildups, and eliminates viruses and bacteria. It is not recommended for leather.

If your BMW or Mercedes has a leather inside, it most likely has a thin protective layer to protect from stains and discoloration. Unfortunately, Isopropyl alcohol will break down that protective layer and possibly even remove some of the leather dye. Do not use it on leather.

However, you can use isopropyl alcohol that is 70% or higher to wipe down all the hard surfaces in your vehicle. This may include the wheel (is not in leather), dash, armrests, console, seat adjusters, shifter, cup holders, doors, handles, and more. Use a microfiber cloth for best results.

Just know that at Dobson’s German Auto, we have established protocols that we follow to ensure these high touch areas are disinfected as we work in your vehicle.

For Cleaning Leather Interiors

For leather steering wheels, seats, and trim, a mix of cleanser and water is the recommended approach to clean them. Do not scrub hard and avoid excess suds and water. To put is simply, just as hand washing is an essential method to protect yourself against COVID-19, cleaning with water and soap is also true for leather interiors.

Steps for Cleaning and Disinfecting Car Interiors

While vehicle insides are designed to be durable, hard scouring may cause scratches or even staining. For hard surfaces and upholstery, your best bet is to use a wipe with alcohol and use a delicate circular cleaning.

Note that it is important not to utilize a lot of water on your car seats. Be aware that if the pad gets too wet, it may mold and produce an unpleasant smell. Just wet a cleaning material or wipe with cleanser and minimal water and wipe the seats. Note that Isopropyl alcohol can be used on material but not leather.

In the event that you have had somebody with COVID-19 in your vehicle, you will need to disinfect your vehicle thoroughly. Also, remember that the infection can linger in the air for as long as three hours, and on many surfaces, ever longer, so it is best to be cautious if you believe your vehicle has been exposed. It is also very important to clean all glass and metal with disinfecting wipes. This will prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

What We’re Doing at Dobson’s German Auto to Prevent COVID-19

With the recent Covid-19 (Corona Virus) pandemic, we will be doing the following to abide by the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommendation of practicing social distancing. We highly encourage you to follow those same protocols of washing your hands, practicing social distancing, and staying home especially if you are feeling ill.

We are implementing the following measures for the safety of both our staff and our customers:

1. We disinfect the counters and doorknobs a few times per day
2. We completely disinfect the office at the end of each day
3. Our technicians wear gloves during their work
4. Vehicles will have to be dropped off while repairs are being performed (no waiting in office during repairs)
5. We do not offer shuttle service at this time
6. We practice social distancing at all times

Our business is open to serve you!

– If you need anything, please call our office at 916-782-4753 or email us at info@dobsonsgermanauto.com prior to coming to our shop.

In addition to the above information, please take a moment to visit the CDC’s website. It is a very comprehensive website that includes the latest recommendations, travel restrictions, cases by nation and state, etc. Please visit Here for more information.