Possible Health Risks Of A Dirty Car Interior

Dangerous Air Quality

An interesting fact regarding the air quality within cars is the famous 'new car smell' and the reality of what causes this odor. This particular smell is actually caused by a combination of harmful chemicals, known as 'VOCs' (Volatile Organic Chemicals). Therefore, while people are happily huffing this smell, feeling fresh and new, they're actually breathing in an unhealthy combination of styrene, xylene and diazinon. Next time you have a friend bragging about their new car smell, fill them in on this interesting fact. Supposedly, it is advised that windows of new cars be left down, in order to air-out these chemicals. Also, these chemicals are released at a quicker rate when exposed to heat, meaning it is advised that new cars be exposed to minimal sunshine early in their life.

Car dust - "loaded with contaminants".

Apparently, car dust is not like regular dust. It's actually potentially full of contaminants, such as flame retardants which can be present in the seat cushions. This is especially the case with older cars with degraded interiors. Pesticides and gasoline can also be present in the carpet of your car, based on the fact that it's relatively common for these to be transferred by your shoes. Although this sounds a little far fetched, I guess there's been plenty of times when I've splashed fuel, stepped in it, and then driven away with gas stench throughout my car.

Cleaners filled with chemicals

Apparently, this is also an issue which degrades air quality. Forget about all the chemical filled cleaners on the market. Where possible, stick with water and  save a few dollars.

With the amount of time that some people are now spending in their vehicles, being aware of these factors may be beneficial.

Front Seat Ponchos

This poncho style seat protector has received mixed reviews on Amazon.

The Good:

This product is easy to put in position, with a support strap which holds it up. It's machine washable and made of durable waterproof materials. It is also compatible with side airbags (who would've thought a poncho could be incompatible with a side airbag?)

The top layer is 'super absorbent' and soft, whilst a waterproof backing blocks out moisture and grime from seeping through into your seats. 

The Bad:

Some reviewers complain about a petroleum odor, which they feel is too strong. However, these reviews appear to date back a few years, with more recent comments claiming that there is no odor, which suggests the company took note and changed the way in which this protector is manufactured. 

With the odor issue appearing to be resolved, this would appear perfect for anyone driving home from the beach, the gym or any dirty day out. Waterproof materials make this great for smelly soggy dogs and minimizing dog hair. Obviously, there's variations of these made to fit the entire length of your back seat. I purchased a full length cover after my dog drank too much salt water at the beach and had diarrhea all over the back of my car. He was literally spinning in a circle, spraying it all through the car.  Moral of the story - don't let your dog drink sea water.

View on Amazon

How To Fill The Gap Between Your Car Seat and Console

There are now fillers you can buy which cover the gap between your seat and center console. They're incredibly simple and effective, yet have only been available in recent years.

Not a joke/novelty

Firstly, this is not a joke or a novelty item. It may seem a little excessive but you can bet that people crash and possibly even die every year as a result of reaching dwon and getting distracted by searching underneath or between their car seats. Obviously most people will purchase this to save hassles, not to save lives. However, the fact remains that the gap is hazardous.
 
The problem of coins, phones and other random items slipping down into that annoying, and sometimes dangerous gap is something that we all experience. It's actually quite dangerous, as it is often difficult to resist the urge to reach down and try to search for the item that's fallen while you're driving. No doubt, many accidents have occurred due to drivers fumbling around in this way. I personally avoid buying pants with shallow pockets simply due to the reason that stuff will fall down into the gap.

The filler pictured above is designed to slip over the seat belt, in order to give a snug fit and proper gap coverage.

Click here to view on Amazon

Towels Shaped To Fit Over Your Car Seat

If you're sick of grime and filth on your car seats and tired of regular towels sliding down and moving around while you drive, you need to take a look at these clever towels made specifically for car seats. These water resistant car seat protectors allow you to protect your vehicle's upholstery from sweat, moisture and grime.

 

Regular seat covers are a hassle to put on and take off. However, these car seat towels are designed to be quickly and easily fit over your car seat in order to provide temporary protection when needed.

It can be a bit of a scramble to find something to place between you and the seat, resulting in using clothes or other unsuitable things you find in the trunk. If you've been to the beach, and you attempt to use a regular towel, they always slide back down and the sand and moisture gets through. Driving along half-soaked and covered in sand with a towel sliding around underneath you isn't a very comfortable feeling. The item shown here is made of soft micro fleece, and is machine washable.

Click here to view on Amazon

 
Or maybe you need something a little more heavy duty for extreme mud and filth?

This car towel is known as the "Extreme Mudder" and has a slightly different design. It stays in place using a rubberized gripper backing, so it's unable to slide around behind your back. This is also machine washable and is designed to effortlessly fit onto any car seat. This has received a positive response from buyers, regarding its comfort, effectiveness and ability to stay in place and not slide around whilst driving. This isn't simply made to protect your vehicle's upholstery from moisture or sand, it's made to handle mud and filth.

These are the most positively reviewed versions. They're perfect for the beach, for driving home from the gym after a sweaty workout or when if you've just finished a hard dirty day's work and it's time to head home. There's seems to be several versions of these, but there's some rather poor ratings as some appear to be cheap, inferior products which fall down or don't wash well. Avoid these and have a good look around before you make a decision.
  
Click here to view on Amazon

Perhaps you'd like something that stores away behind the seat and rolls down when needed?

This product is definitely a little more stylish than the two previously described. However, it doesn't offer the same protection, as it's slimmer and doesn't have a non slip grip backing. However, the storage pouch positioned behind the head rest definitely adds some appeal, as does its sleek appearance. However, the lack of complete coverage may be an issue for some, as there is still potential for grime, sweat and other moisture to make its way onto your car's seats. 

This is not available on Amazon, but is sold on www.towelmate.com 


A clean car is good for your health

It's not only good for appearances and resale value, but keeping the interior of your car clean is also good for your health. This not only goes for damp filthy grime, but also for food and other waste left in cars. As far as food scraps and other junk goes, you could consider an 'over the seat' trash bag. These are great for keeping back seats free of McDonald's bags and coke cans. We all eat and drink in our cars, and we all been guilty of using the backseat as a trash can at some point. I do this constantly. I end up feeling guilty when passengers end up swimming in a sea of takeout wrappers.