DIRTY socks, a computer keyboard and junk food wrappers are just some of the items found in cars following a nationwide search to find the messiest motor in the UK.
And drivers from Glasgow and Edinburgh are among the laziest when it comes to cleaning their vehicle cabins.
Car cleaning expert Simoniz launched the search after a study found a staggering 82 per cent of Brits admit to regularly eating and drinking in their cars. Other items in the top 10 messiest cars included children’s book bags, a washing basket and a tumble dryer all taking up unnecessary space.
Scientists say having a messy and unhygienic car can create a breeding ground for infection, particularly in the summer, as higher temperatures rapidly accelerate the growth of mould and germs.
An untidy car can also be a source of embarrassment, according to the Simoniz study, which found that 69 per cent of car owners have refused to give a lift to a first date due to the uncleanliness of their vehicle. And 40 per cent also admitted to feeling depressed and fed-up with their unclean car.
Residents of Belfast topped the list when it came to admitting to only cleaning their car on the inside when it gets really dirty. The top five cities were Belfast (69 per cent), Glasgow (64 per cent), London (59 per cent), Edinburgh (58 per cent) and Bristol (51 per cent).
Hygiene expert Luke Rutterford said food debris in the car was of particular concern as people who eat regularly at the wheel do not clean or sanitise the area as they would if they were eating at their own kitchen table.
Inevitably, the car interior can develop into an unhealthy space. He said: “Drivers may be unaware that germs and mould grow at a faster rate during the summer months as the weather is warm and ideal for microbial development.
“Add to the warm temperatures some humidity and the food debris, and you have created the ideal germ incubator – drivers need to take more pride in their car, and not leave the cleaning until it is unbearable.”
Louise Seddon, of Simoniz, added: “Our research highlights that we’re a nation that doesn’t take the cleanliness of our cars seriously enough.
“Many of the entries for our messiest car search contained some form of junk food, water bottles, bin bags, dirty slippers and toilet rolls to name a few items – it seems that people tend to leave things to linger for longer periods of time than they would around the home.
“Our research found that 17 per cent of Brits have been forced to travel via alternative transport due to a dirty/smelly car, whereas if they spent an hour or two cleaning their car, it could be a much better experience.
“Simple ways to clean the car include removing stains and bacteria with an upholstery and carpet cleaner, using an air con refresh and using wipes to clean the surfaces, including dashboards, steering wheels and windows.”
To view all the entries, visit: https://www.holtsauto.com/simoniz/wall-of-shame/
