Home | Sanitizing Guides | How to sanitize car gear shift knob: Step-by-Step

How to sanitize car gear shift knob: Step-by-Step

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 16, 2025

Easily sanitize your car gear shift knob with E-Cloth—simple, effective cleaning for a safer drive, no harsh chemicals needed.

Title

How to sanitize car gear shift knob: Step-by-Step

Tools:

E-Cloth
Disinfectant with at least 70% isopropyl alcohol
Spray bottle (optional, for applying disinfectant)
Cotton swabs (for cleaning crevices)
Disposable gloves (optional, for hand protection)

Instructions

Use a disinfectant containing at least 70% isopropyl alcohol. This is key for effectively sanitizing plastic surfaces like your gear shift knob.
Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with the disinfectant. Avoid over-saturating the cloth to prevent dripping onto surrounding controls.
Firmly wipe the entire surface of the gear shift knob, taking care to hit all the nooks and crannies where germs like to hide.
Let the knob air-dry completely before using, ensuring that the disinfectant has done its job.

Precautions:

Wear Protective Gloves

Protect your hands from chemicals and irritants.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Clean in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.

Test Cleaner on a Hidden Area

Verify that the sanitizing solution won’t damage the gear shift material.

Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions

Adhere to the product guidelines for dilution and application.

Avoid Abrasive Cleaners

Steer clear of harsh chemicals or tools that could scratch or wear down the surface.

Do Not Oversaturate the Surface

Use minimal liquid to prevent seepage into sensitive car electronics and mechanisms.

Check Compatibility with Car Interior Materials

Ensure that the sanitizing product is safe for all materials used in your car’s interior.

How to Correctly Sanitize The Car gear shift knob: Extra Tips

Wipe Down Surface

Start by using a microfiber cloth dampened with mild soap and warm water to remove visible dirt and grease.
Gently clean all parts of the gear shift, paying extra attention to any crevices where dust can hide.

Title

Apply Proper Disinfectant

Choose a disinfectant that’s safe for plastics and metals, following the product’s contact time instructions for effective sanitization.
Lightly spray the solution directly onto the gear shift or onto the cloth, ensuring an even coverage without oversaturating surfaces.

Title

Detail Around Edges

Utilize cotton swabs or a small soft brush to reach and clean the tight spots and edges that the cloth might miss.
This step ensures any lingering germs or grime in the hard-to-reach areas are thoroughly addressed.

Title

Dry Immediately

After sanitizing, use a clean microfiber cloth to dry the gear shift, preventing moisture buildup which can attract more dirt.
Ensure the surfaces are fully dry before using the car to avoid any potential chemical residues.

Common Mistakes When Sanitizing Car gear shift knob

Mistake 1: Overlooking Pre-Cleaning Debris Removal

Failing to remove dust and loose dirt before cleaning can turn small particles into abrasive scratches.
Wipe off surface debris with a soft, dry cloth to prevent spreading grime or causing damage.

Mistake 2: Using Harsh or Incompatible Cleaners

Generic or overly harsh chemicals can strip away the protective finish on your gear shift knob.
Choose cleaners that are specifically formulated for automotive plastics and finishes to maintain longevity and appearance.

Mistake 3: Neglecting Proper Drying After Cleaning

Leaving moisture on the knob can lead to sticky residues or potential corrosion over time.
Always finish by drying with a clean microfiber cloth to ensure a spotless, streak-free surface.

Title

How Often to Sanitize Car gear shift knob

Sanitization Frequency and Rationale

Because your gear shift knob is one of the most frequently touched parts of your car, sanitizing it once a week is a smart baseline. This interval keeps constant hands-on contaminants at bay without feeling like you're overdoing it.
If you share your vehicle with others or frequently run errands in conditions laden with dust, pollen, or spills, bumping up the frequency to every few days can help maintain a cleaner, more hygienic surface.
Regular weekly cleaning not only minimizes built-up grime and germs but also preserves the material integrity of the knob, ensuring smoother operation and a longer lifespan.

E-Cloth

Other Brands

Precision-engineered, uniform microfibers

Often crushed/less consistent fibers

No streaks with just water

May need chemicals for same results

Lasts ~300 washes

Many break down faster

Traps and locks in particles

Can smear dirt around

Reduces chemicals & waste, reusable

Less eco, more waste/chemicals

Shop Now

A Clean You Can See

Our high-performance microfiber products simplify cleaning, making it quick, easy, and effective, so you can enjoy visible results without the fuss. No streaks, just results.

Shop Now