I just bought a small, used utility truck. Months of scouring the marketplace and test-driving vehicles reminded me of just how many chemicals most people use in the maintenance and upkeep of their vehicles. Here are 10 ways to detox your car based on my new book, Weekend Wonder Detox (DaCapo, 2014).
Avoid Car “Air Fresheners.”
Whether it dangles from your rear view mirror or plugs into your heating and cooling vent, most air fresheners are saturating you in toxic chemicals. This includes the occasional spraying of household air fresheners in your car as well.
Don’t Sweat the Details.
Detailing, the comprehensive cleaning, polishing and waxing of your car’s interior and exterior, involves a host of chemical products and chemical fragrances. Save your money and your health by purchasing a portable steam cleaner at a fraction of the price of a detailing package.
Some detailing packages offer engine shampoos as well. If you think you are safe by keeping the chemicals under the hood and out of the car, think again. Those shampoo chemicals will blow in through the vents and you will suck them in with every breath you take.
Dust Your Dash.
That film of dust that covers your dashboard, console, and gauges is an accumulation of dirt, pollens, dead skin and hair. A regular wipe with a wet cloth will keep the dust to a minimum, reduce allergens and provide relief to asthma-sufferers. The last thing you need is an asthma attack on the freeway.
Vacuum Regularly.
Now that you have taken care of the hard surfaces above, don’t forget to clean the fabric surfaces as well. There are small vacuums made for cars that will pick up debris and give the illusion of clean. However the motors vent into the car, spewing smaller particles back into the vehicle air space. I prefer an external shop vacuum with strong suction that allows me to keep the motor outside of the vehicle.
Pets Bring Their Own Hitchhikers.
Pet owners are passionate about their furry family members and like to bring them everywhere. Unfortunately, fleas are passionate about dogs, cats and other animals and come along for the ride. Fleas are not just a nuisance. These parasitic insects can cause rashes, allergic reactions and spread disease. Enough said.
Vinegar for Visibility.
Forget commercial glass cleaners, water and white vinegar works just as well and costs a fraction of the price. The vinegar’s odor dissipates quickly and is a great replacement for the many toxic chemicals found in commercial window cleaners.
Remove the Food.
Is your car littered with fast food wrappers and half-used ketchup packets? Eventually remnants of your meal on wheels will begin to decompose or grow mold, which can cause allergies and create mycotoxins, including cancer-causing aflatoxins. Mold is not scared off by salt and sugar found in the packets either.
Moisture = Mold.
Speaking of mold, cars are neither airtight nor water tight; rain water, melted snow and spilled drinks can create moisture buildup in your car. If you aren’t aware of moisture leaks at first, you will be when the musky, dank smell builds up when you open the car door. By this point, you may also be experiencing increased allergies, respiratory problems or migraines when driving.
Get Upwind of Gas Fumes.
Gas stations are hard to avoid for most drivers. Consequently, gas fumes are hard to avoid. Gasoline is extremely toxic and breathing the vapors can affect your central nervous system and brain, respiratory system and cause dizziness and nausea. If you use self-serve stations, try to stay upwind of the pump you are using and don’t squeeze off those extra few clicks at the end of filling up. That’s when most of the fumes escape into your breathing space.
Small Space, Big Pollution.
Remember, your vehicle is a small space with questionable ventilation when the windows are closed. Chemicals, fumes, scents, including personal care products like perfume, hairspray and fabric softeners, will not dissipate quickly in such a small space, creating a highly polluted environment. Open the garage door before you leave to air it out and drive that first mile with the windows down to get the stale air out and fresh air circulating.
Michelle Schoffro Cook, MSc, RNCP, ROHP, DNM, PhD is an international best-selling and 15-time book author and doctor of traditional natural medicine. Subscribe to her free e-magazine World’s Healthiest News at WorldsHealthiestDiet.com
One Comment
Carol J Channer
My neighbor borrowed my car. Upon its return, I didn’t drive it for 4 days. When I opened it up, he had hung a toxic tree from my mirror! Now, weeks later, I am still getting extremely ill even when driving short distances with windows down, and leaving them down on sunny days. Is there any way to get rid of the remnant toxins??