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Can I spread parvo to my car? How do I clean it effectively?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

How long does the parvo viruses live on a person if they sleep in a room that is infected with this? If you come out of the infected room and forget to shower and get into a car is the viruses in the car? Will disinfectant wipes be good enough to clean the car with?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 27th, 2018

Parvovirus (CPV) is very hardy. It is capable of surviving for months in the environment, even through the winter. Infected dogs can shed huge amounts of the virus, making it difficult to disinfect an area once it has been exposed to an infected dog. If you have parvovirus on you or your clothes you can certainly transmit it to your car or other places. Disinfectant wipes are not likely to do the trick. CPV is resistant to most household cleaning products with the exception of bleach. Cleaning with a solution of one part bleach mixed with approximately 30 parts water is an acceptable method for disinfecting any indoor area (including bedding, food/water bowls, and all surfaces). Hope this helps.

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