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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed not only the way we live but also the way we work. For many truckers, this means added work disinfecting their trucks. While cleaning cabs before a shift is nothing new, COVID-19 has given truck sanitation a more serious tone. Many trucking companies and even rest stops have already started to issue instructions or at least recommendations to ensure the protection of both their employees and their clients.

How Do You Sanitize Your Truck?

Regardless of the size and type, experts recommend wiping all surfaces inside your truck during the start of the shift. Hard surfaces that get touched often, including the steering wheel, gear shifter or selector, all switches and controls, touchscreen displays, windows, and the interior and exterior door handles, must be wiped thoroughly with an appropriate cleaning product and disinfectant. For porous surfaces such as mattresses in your sleeper, you can use a commercial spray-on disinfectant or have it laundered if necessary. It's also recommended for porous surfaces such as fabric seats and mattresses to be covered by disposable or reusable plastic covers for easier cleaning and sanitation.

Vacuuming the floor and carpeted surfaces can further prevent the spread of dirt and germs, but this should only be done after the cab has been disinfected and with machines that are equipped with HEPA filters. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advises against compressed air or pressurized water for cleaning as this may cause splashing or bring infectious material airborne.

What Cleaning/Disinfectants Should You Use?

According to the CDC, routine cleaning with soap or detergent and water to remove dirt and organic substances followed by the use of disinfectants can effectively reduce the spread of viruses like COVID-19. Please note that cleaning alone will not kill germs, as detergents will only remove them from surfaces. Disinfectants, on the other hand, kills germs outright and virtually eliminates the risk of infection.

The CDC has published a list of disinfectants approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-19, ranging from household cleaning products to industrial-grade ones. The most common ones include:

Sodium hypochlorite. The active ingredient in laundry bleach which is readily available in stores. A mixture of five tablespoons or 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water is enough to sanitize hard surfaces. The odor may prove to be too pungent, but there are scented products available to mitigate the smell. Do not mix bleach with ammonia or other types of cleansers as the resulting vapor is hazardous when inhaled.

Hydrogen peroxide. The CDC states that a solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with water can kill most viruses, including those of COVID-19, within 8 minutes. They also recommend cleaning the surface with soap or detergent followed by spraying or wiping down the area with the peroxide solution. Be sure not to use concentrations higher than 3% as it can be dangerous to your health. Certain surfaces such as granite and fabric may also result in fading or discoloration when exposed to peroxide.

Chlorine dioxide. A standard cleaning agent in the foodservice industry, chlorine dioxide is becoming a popular choice for truckers as well. It's known to have twice the oxidizing power of liquid bleach, making it effective against a wide range of viruses and bacteria aside from COVID-19. It also generates less odor and comes in a tablet form, making them easier to store and transport. Generally, at least 2mg of liquid chlorine dioxide or one 4mg tablet per liter is enough for disinfection.

Alcohol. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that alcohol-based products such as hand sanitizers are just as effective as soap to eradicate viruses, provided they have concentrations of at least 60-70%. Having extra alcohol-based wet wipes in the cab is also recommended to disinfect any potentially contaminated surfaces while on the road. There are also recipes available for making your own alcohol-based sanitizer, but experts advise against it as it may lead to a solution that's too diluted or too strong and lead to injuries.

Regardless of what cleaning products or disinfectant products you use, be sure to work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gloves. Wipes or rags used in cleaning should also be properly disposed of or laundered after use.

Should I Wear Gloves?

The CDC recommends wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly non-sterile disposable gloves when touching contaminated surfaces or handling cleaning or disinfectant solutions. Eye protection, including goggles or face shields, may be needed if splashing is expected.

In addition to wearing gloves and other types of PPE, it's also essential to remove and dispose of them properly. In fact, medical experts urge caution with using gloves as people tend to absent-mindedly expose their hands to the exterior of the glove after using them and increase the risk of contamination. Washing your hands is a must after removing your gloves or, if you don't have access to running water, use hand sanitizer to help reduce the risk of spreading germs.

According to the CDC, the following are the proper procedure for removing used gloves:

1. Using your gloved hand, pinch the outside of the other glove at the wrist. Make sure not to touch your bare skin while you do so.
2. Carefully peel the glove away from your hand until it is inside out.
3. With the now-removed glove in your gloved hand, peel off the other glove by inserting your fingers from your free hand inside the glove under your wristband. Take care not to touch the exterior of the glove or rip the material in the process.
4. Turn the glove inside out while pulling it away from the body. If done correctly, the first glove should be within the second one.
5. Immediately dispose of the gloves in the trash and wash your hands thoroughly.

Be sure not to bring your used gloves or PPE inside the cab after you cleaned up. The germs that were on the equipment will be transmitted to surfaces that came in contact with it.