It is common for rental cars to get dirty. However, there are steps that you can take in order to avoid a damaged rental car. First, be sure to wipe up spills immediately. You might want to keep a tissue in your car. Avoid drinking and eating in your car. It is not only bad for your car but can also pose a risk to your health.
Renting a car
Make sure you empty the car before returning it. This will enable you to see any dirt and stains. You can also clean any carpets of bird feces. Also, avoid parking under trees and eating while in the rental car. To remove stains, it may be a good idea to wash the car.
Rental car companies have improved their cleaning practices to ensure the highest cleanliness and sanitation. For example, alcohol-based disinfectants can be used by some rental car companies to reduce the possibility of spreading disease. Companies may require employees to wear masks on their faces, and to wash their hands regularly.
Cleaning a rental car: guidelines from the CDC
You've probably heard about the CDC's guidelines for cleaning a rental car, but you're not sure what they are. The guidelines advise that rental cars are cleaned and disinfected 24 hours after they have been rented. To reduce the risk of germ transmission, you can use disposable equipment to clean your rental car. Once you're done with cleaning, wash the gear and throw it away. To allow air circulation, it's important to open doors and windows. While soap and water are essential for cleaning surfaces, you should also use a disinfectant.
In addition to disinfecting surfaces, car rental companies are also increasing the amount of cleaning they perform. Enterprise Holdings for instance has improved their cleaning procedures. The enhanced cleaning protocols ensure that the entire rental car is clean and sanitized before it is handed over to a new driver.
Cost of cleaning a rental car
The costs of cleaning a rental car vary based on the company and the car's condition. Some companies charge as little as $30 while others charge as much as $400. Cleaning fees depend on both the interior and exterior of the vehicle, which could include dirt or mud. You can check with your rental company to see if they have any cleaning fees.
It can be costly to clean a rental car, especially if it is very dirty. Dirty rental cars can negatively impact the after-market value of the car and will also affect the financial health of the car rental company. It is important to keep liquids and crumbs out of the car. No matter whether you decide to vacuum the car or use a hand car washer, make sure it is clean before you get it picked up. Otherwise, you may be charged for cleaning it yourself.
Rent a car and use a carwash
You should thoroughly clean your rental car before returning it to the rental company. Car rental companies expect you to return your vehicle in the same condition it was when you picked it up. You must remove all trash and debris from the vehicle before returning it. Wash it quickly, then take photographs.
Check the car wash’s sanitizing/disinfectant levels before using it to wash a rental car. While a car wash may remove excessive dirt, it can also lead to additional charges. Additional fees can be charged for cleaning or valeting a car that's too dirty.
Your credit card company may charge a cleaning fee.
You can dispute any rental car cleaning charges with your credit card issuer. The car rental company may have a mediation service. This can be done but it could take time. You could also take photos or videos of the car that you rented to show the rental company in support of your claim.