How to Clean and Disinfect Your Truck

With the COVID-19 pandemic, these days it’s more important than ever to keep your truck squeaky clean, especially since logistics professionals are on the road every day ensuring the supply chain keeps rolling and supplies are in stock.

Besides following health regulations, such as wearing masks and washing hands, how else can you make sure your truck interior is properly disinfected?

Here are tips on how to change up your cleaning regime for improved sanitation.

Clean more often

Regularly maintaining your truck isn't just beneficial for your health, but it can help you in the long run if you decide to sell your truck one day.

Admittedly, cleaning isn’t at the top of most of our to do lists, but for truck drivers, it definitely should be. If you’re administering a deep cleaning once a month, bump it up to at least 2-3 times a month. 

For certain types of cleaning, such as high-touch surfaces, you’ll want to disinfect every time you get in the driver’s seat.

How to disinfect truck cab surfaces

The surfaces I’m talking about here are areas that are touched often and must be wiped down before a truck driving job is executed. 

These surfaces include: 

• Steering wheel
• Door handles (inside and outside)
• Console buttons
• Windows
• Dashboard
• Seat
• Gear shift
• Sleeper
• Electronic screen devices

Keep antibacterial wipes handy at all times or create a solution using bleach or alcohol. Soapy, hot water works well, too.

Cleaning the sleeper

The CDC recommends taking care when washing bedding. Of course, you’ll want to wash your sheets more frequently (along with the laundry bag, if you have one).

Make sure not to shake your dirty laundry, because this can spread germs via air. Instead, stick everything into the washing machine right away and use hot water with regular detergent.

At the rest stop

On a long trip, you’ll most likely be frequenting rest stops or other public areas. It’s important to stay vigilant by distancing and washing  your hands often- especially before getting back in your truck.

Keep hand sanitizer, masks and gloves in your truck at all times, along with cleaning supplies that are EPA approved.