How Much Bacteria Is Hiding in Your Car? The Truth Might Surprise You
Did you know your car may be dirtier than a household garbage can — and even dirtier than a public toilet seat? Most people clean their homes regularly, but the place they spend hours in each week often gets overlooked: their vehicle’s interior.
At Makai’s Auto Detailing in Altus, we see what’s really hiding inside the average car — and the numbers might shock you. Here’s why interior detailing isn’t just about appearance… it’s about hygiene, health, and safety.
The Dirty Truth: Cars Harbor Thousands of Germs
Studies from hygiene and microbiology labs show that the average vehicle can contain over 700 different strains of bacteria, with some surfaces carrying more than 10x the bacteria found on a toilet seat.
And the most contaminated areas inside your car?
Steering Wheel
- Carries up to 600–700 bacteria per square inch
- 4x dirtier than a public toilet
- Constantly touched with unwashed hands, food residue, coughs, sneezes, and germs from gas pumps
Cup Holders
- Hold spilled drinks, crumbs, sugar, and moisture
- Perfect breeding ground for bacterial growth
Door Handles (inside & outside)
- Touched every day by contaminated hands
- Can carry staph, E. coli traces, and respiratory bacteria
Seat Belts
- Rarely cleaned
- Hold sweat, skin cells, food, and airborne bacteria
Dashboard & Vents
- Sun-heated plastic becomes a warm, humid environment
- Vents blow dust, mold, and bacteria directly into the air you breathe
If you eat in your car, have kids, pets, or simply commute daily, the bacteria multiplies even faster.
Why Cars Get So Dirty So Fast
Unlike your home or office, your car is a closed, warm environment. This makes it ideal for bacteria to thrive. Some of the big contributors include:
- Eating while driving
- Touching surfaces after shopping or pumping gas
- Airborne germs from coughing and sneezing
- Sweat and body oils
- Dirt and dust from shoes
- Pet hair and saliva
- Moisture from drinks or weather
Most people do not disinfect their car regularly — and that allows bacteria to spread rapidly.
How Makai’s Auto Detailing Eliminates Interior Bacteria
Our interior detailing service is designed to sanitize, disinfect, and detoxify the inside of your vehicle.
Our deep-cleaning process includes:
✔ Full vacuuming (including crevices and hard-to-reach areas)
Removes dirt, dust, food particles, and debris that feed bacteria.
✔ Steam cleaning
Kills 99.9% of bacteria, mold, and viruses using high temperatures.
✔ Dashboard, console, and cup holder sanitation
Removes grime, oils, and germs from high-touch surfaces.
✔ Shampooing carpets and upholstery
Lifts bacteria trapped deep in fabric fibers.
✔ Leather cleaning and conditioning
Removes built-up oils and contaminants that get absorbed into leather.
✔ Ozone treatment (optional)
Destroys odor-causing bacteria, mold spores, and airborne contaminants at a molecular level.
This isn’t just cleaning — it’s health protection for you and your family.
Who Needs Interior Sanitizing the Most?
- Parents with young children
- Pet owners
- Rideshare drivers
- Commuters who eat in the car
- Anyone with allergies
- Anyone preparing to sell their vehicle
A clean car doesn’t just look better — it feels better, smells better, and keeps germs under control.
Why It Matters: You Spend More Time in Your Car Than You Think
Most Americans spend over 8 hours a week inside their vehicle. You breathe the air, touch every surface, and bring outside germs in daily.
Interior detailing is more than cosmetic — it’s a form of personal hygiene.
Protect Your Health With Professional Interior Cleaning
At Makai’s Auto Detailing, we restore your vehicle’s interior to a fresh, clean, healthy environment. Whether it’s for routine cleaning, deep sanitation, or odor removal, we’re here to help you breathe easier.
Call or text: 580-970-1644
Visit: 722 E Broadway, Altus
Website: makaisdetailing.com