The interiors of our cars are shockingly filthy, as revealed by recent photos showing a buildup of bacteria comparable to that found on toilet seats.
Research conducted by LKQ Euro Car Parts involved swabbing different areas of three vehicles, uncovering alarming levels of microscopic bacteria.
Particularly disturbing was the discovery that the driver’s car seats harbored bacteria levels even higher than those found on toilet seats.
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Other heavily contaminated areas included seatbelts, handbrakes, inside door handles, and gear sticks. Bacteria levels were assessed using microbiological dip slides containing nutrient agar.
After placement on the car surfaces, the slides were left for 15 seconds before undergoing incubation at 30°Celsius for a week.
The nutrient agar medium contained TTC (red spot dye), facilitating the visualization of microbiological colonies post-incubation, where each red dot corresponded to a single colony.
The testing process covered eight distinct areas in three different cars to yield comprehensive results, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Dr. Deborah Lee from Dr. Fox Online Pharmacy emphasized the significant threat posed by lingering bacteria in vehicles, stating,
“The car is a potent source of bacteria, some of which can cause illnesses in humans. If the car is not properly cleaned, infections can occur and recur and, in some people, become persistent.”
She further highlighted the sobering reality that cars serve as incubators for microorganisms, despite the presence of a robust immune system protecting individuals from potential harm.
Dr. Lee cautioned that infections can originate from the car, underscoring the importance of cleanliness.
To address concerns about lingering germs, LKQ Euro Car Parts experts shared a three-step process for cleaning car seats:
First, vacuum thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris from all grooves.
Next, use a quality upholstery cleaner or interior shampoo to eliminate stains, dirt buildup, and odors.
Finally, utilize leather or fabric wipes for a quick clean, depending on the car’s interior material.
This advice mirrors similar research on makeup brushes conducted by Aventus Clinic, where images revealed hidden mold, fungus, and bacteria.
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