Have you ever seen someone using a self-serve vacuum cleaner to clean their car, and wondered just how dirty the vacuums are? Or have you ever been using one and wondered what other people were using them for?
To find out just how dirty these vacuums are, the team at Panda Hub commissioned an experiment with an accredited Laboratory, and surveyed American car owners to see how many people use them.
By Swab testing Self-Serve Car vacuums, Panda Hub’s shocking study has revealed which microbes are being unknowingly wiped all over people’s car interiors.
Keeping your car interior clean is important, regularly vacuuming your seats and upholstery is all part of a good car cleaning routine. You’ve been in a pinch, or you don’t have a good vacuum at home, it happens. The obvious solution for many is to spend 15 extra minutes at the gas station and vacuum your seats, carpets and trunk.
But is this decision making your car cleaner?
No, it likely isn’t. While you’re cleaning up dust, debris and dirt, you’re likely wiping feces particles all over your seats, floor and trunk. Here’s what we found.
Key Findings - Microbial Lab Analysis of Vacuum Swabs
The following bacteria were found in high amounts on every swabbed self-serve car vacuum:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Coliforms (including E. coli)
- E. coli (pathogenic strains)
- Bacillus cereus
- Other unidentified coliforms
These bacteria are responsible for serious sicknesses, and all were found in high amounts. Coliforms in high amounts are indicators of feces residue, which is particularly concerning given they'll be wiped all over people's cars. Listeria and E. coli are dangerous if brought into a food preparation environment, which could easily be transferred from cars to groceries.
Key Findings - Self-Serve Vacuum Usage from American Car Owners
- 58% of surveyed car owning Americans claimed self serve vacuums were part of their car cleaning routine. From over 212M registered drivers, this would amount to over 123 Million Americans.
- 32% of respondents said they would use self serve car vacuums on a daily or weekly basis. This would amount to over 67 Million Americans.
Additional Areas of Concern:
- We surveyed Texan car owners on their car habits, and 15% admitted to eating in their car daily, and an additional 30% on a weekly basis. With up to 45% of Texans eating in their cars, we hope they aren't using these self serve vacuums beforehand.
- There were 173M Americans using food delivery services in 2024. If you’re eating food transported on car seats or on the floor, you may want to reconsider!
Summary By Swab:
Self Serve Vacuum Usage
- 42% of respondents claimed they would use self-serve car vacuums for routine maintenance, which amounts to a potential 89 million American drivers doing the same thing.
- Women are less likely to use Self-Serve Car Vacuums to clean their cars, with 39% saying they would almost never use them, in comparison only 22% of Men would almost never use them.
- 40% claimed they would be likely to use these vacuums to prepare for Christmas, which amounts to a potential 85 million Americans spreading feces particles, E. coli and Listeria all over their cars right before a big event.
What Should You Do?
Well, we would suggest that if you're able to, that you vacuum your car at home.
Panda Hub's Lead Detailer, Parham Koukia, says "Regular, light vacuuming, even with a handheld vacuum will make a big difference. Make sure to wipe the end of your vacuum attachments down before or after you use them. At home, you could even use a disposable antibacterial wipe, just let them dry before you use them on your car."
Sources
Number of registered American car drivers - Bureau of Transport Statistics
Microbial Swab Analysis - Commissioned by Panda Hub & Conducted by Microchem Lab - ISO 17025 Accredited.
Survey of 500 US Car Owners - Commissioned by Panda Hub & Conducted by SurveyMonkey
Survey of 400 Texan Car Owners - Commissioned by Panda Hub & Conducted by Appinio
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