Shocking photos have revealed just how filthy the interiors of our cars really are – teeming with bacteria and even, in one area, dirtier than toilet seats.
A series of images show the dire state our cars can get into without us even noticing – with microscopic bacteria building up to hefty levels.
The photos are the result of research carried out by LKQ Euro Car Parts, with swabbing undertaken on the different areas of three vehicles.
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Horrifyingly, the driver’s car seats were found to be the worst offenders, with levels of bacteria ‘dirtier than a toilet seat’.
The other dirtiest parts of the vehicle were found to be the seatbelts in second place, closely followed by the handbrakes, then the inside door handles and, finally, the gear sticks.
Experts tested the bacteria levels by holding microbiological dip slides containing nutrient agar against the various parts of the car.
The slides were held there for 15 seconds before being incubated at 30° Celsius for a week.
The nutrient agar contained TTC (red spot dye) to allow for easier viewing of microbiological colonies after incubation, with each red dot representing an individual colony.
Eight different areas were tested in three separate cars to get the results, reports Need To Know.
Commenting on the impact of bacteria lingering in vehicles, Dr Deborah Lee at Dr Fox Online Pharmacy said: “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.”
“There are bacteria all around us, and thankfully we have a good immune system to keep us safe, but the fact that the car is such an incubator for micro-organisms is a sobering thought.
“When we get an infection, we have no idea where it has come from, but it could very well have come from the car.”
For those concerned about lingering germs, experts at LKQ Euro Car Parts have revealed how to clean your car seats to remove bacteria in three steps.
VACUUM
A spokesperson for the team said: “Before applying any cleaning products to car seats, get into all the grooves with a vacuum to remove any dirt or debris.”
SHAMPOO
The experts recommend: “A good quality upholstery cleaner or interior shampoo will help remove any stains, build-up of dirt and unpleasant odours, leaving your seats clean and fresh.”
WIPE
They added: “Leather or fabric wipes are also great for a quick clean, depending on the interior of your car.”
Similar research undertaken on make-up brushes previously made headlines, with images showing how dirty the brushes can get if not regularly maintained.
The photos, a result of a study conducted by Aventus Clinic, found the brushes covered in mould, fungus and bacteria not visible to the naked eye.
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