While emissions from tailpipes and air quality concerns are focal points when it comes to vehicles, general car care still impacts both you and the environment. Driving green requires a holistic approach that takes into account the car interior too. It is important that the inside of your vehicle is safe, clean, and protective of your health as well as the environment.
You may have already heard that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are frequently found in cleaning products, and that they pollute the air in your home. VOCs are poisonous vapours that are emitted from certain solids and liquids. Now, imagine how harmful those gases are in such a small space! Below are the top 10 environmentally-friendly car care tips that will keep you and the air you breathe much healthier.
1. Window Cleaner – Do you ever wonder why you get a headache or become cranky in your car, even when you’re not stuck in traffic? It could have a lot to do with how you’re cleaning your windows. You don’t have to use toxic cleaners to get a streak-free shine. Simply mix two cups of water with a half cup of white distilled vinegar in a spray bottle and your windows and mirrors will be crystal clear. If you want a fresh scent, squeeze in a couple drops of lemon juice. You can keep this mixed and use it in your home as well.
2. Skip the Paper Towels – Sure, you are probably in the habit of using paper towels on your windows, mirrors and who knows what else. But the fact is that newspaper works just as well, if not better, because it doesn’t leave those little linty bits of paper towel behind. Everyone gets a steady stream of junk mail or a weekly local paper, so even if you don’t get a daily newspaper, put them to good use!
3. Skip the Air Freshener – Those little fragrant items you hang from your rear-view mirror are the worst things you could put in your car. Most of these sweet-smelling and often overpowering products contain toxic chemicals such as diethyl phthalate and benzene which you are inhaling for your entire drive.
4. Wash Without Water – A number of companies have created cleaners that are derived from soybean, corn, palm and coconut derivatives, and that require absolutely no water! You simply spray it on a cloth, spray it on your car, and then wipe clean. It’s also possible to find a full line of eco friendly car care products for wheels, rims, and interiors.
5. Hand Held Vacuum – Does your car really need one of those huge, polluting, extra large vacuums that are at the car wash? Chances are, your little hand held vacuum will do the job. That is of course, unless you’re dealing with a super-sized mess!
6. Cotton Swabs – These are essential tools when it comes to keeping the air in your vehicle clean. Cotton swabs can be used to get into hard to reach places like your airflow vents, allowing you to clean them out so that dust isn’t being blown around your interior when you turn on your air conditioner or heat. This is great for helping avoid allergies to dust mites.
7. Replace Your Cabin Air Filter – Most vehicles made after the year 2000 have one of these. Replacing it regularly will improve the air quality. Dust, pollen, smog, and mould spores enter through the ventilation system, and the cabin air filter removes them from circulation. Unless these are collected, the air in your car can can actually be up to six times dirtier than that of which is outside.
8. Stay on Top of Trash – While it is convenient to use the backseat or floor as your garbage can, you are polluting your vehicle. Not to mention, if you dispose of stuff immediately without letting it pile up, you are more likely to take the time to recycle items that shouldn’t go in the trash.
9. Conserve Water – Use as little water as you have to when washing your vehicle. It is disturbing how many people simply leave the hose running when not in use. Don’t waste this valuable resource!
10. Hand Wash – Whenever possible, avoid automatic drive-thru car washes. Not only will they use products on your vehicle that contain toxic chemicals, they are a huge waste of electricity and water. Instead you can either wash your car yourself, or hire a professional car detailer to do the job for you.
So there we have it. Hopefully these eco car care tips will help you on your way to a healthier commuting lifestyle, and a healthier planet.
Ben Johnson writes for Car Care, Australia’s largest mobile car detailing network.
Image by: Mr Munnings on Tour
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