Those easy-to-grab disinfecting wipes are more than just cleaners. They contain Environmental Protection Agency-registered pesticides that can kill germs when used correctly.
Pre-moistened wipes also reduce the amount of chemical solution dispersed into the air compared to other cleaning and disinfecting methods like trigger sprayers or buckets. This can protect your facility’s janitorial staff and other building occupants.
Kills Germs
Disinfectant wipes contain alcohol and other additives that make them stronger than wet wipes for the sanitization of surfaces. They can kill disease-causing germs like viruses and bacteria like staph and salmonella.
The CDC recommends disinfecting high-touch surfaces often, including door handles, light switches, and countertops. They can also sanitize kitchen equipment and supplies, restaurant and supermarket touch surfaces, and work areas in hospitals and other medical facilities.
Wipes work best on hard, nonporous surfaces, including stainless steel, glass, plastic, and tile. They must perform better on softer materials such as cloth, couches, and carpets.
To get the most out of your disinfecting wipes, read the label for directions on how long to leave them on a surface to kill germs effectively. The surface should remain visibly wet for at least 15 seconds, but 10 minutes is better. Wipes that are too dry don’t kill germs and can spread them around.
Kills Bacteria
Disinfectant wipes have a disinfecting solution that kills bacteria and other microbes. These disposable cleaning wipes are quick and easy to clean and disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, counters, tables, TV remotes, keyboards, phones, and touchpads.
Wipes are also ideal for sanitizing high-touch surfaces in restaurants, offices, and schools. These areas can be contaminated with germs and viruses that can cause illness, especially when people are ill.
When choosing disinfecting wipes, look for EPA approval and a list of pathogens they kill. EPA-registered wipes go through rigorous testing and review to ensure safety.
When using a disinfectant wipe, ensure the surface stays visibly wet for four minutes or more. This is important for ensuring that all of the pathogens are killed. Also, remember that one wipe can only cover about a three-foot square area. When a wipe starts to dry, you could spread the germs from your hands to other surfaces and objects. Keep in mind that some exposure to living bacteria is healthy for our immune systems and can help us resist the development of superbugs.
Kills Viruses
A disinfectant wipe is a powerful tool that contains chemical germ-killing agents. You don’t want to use it on your skin because it’s a pesticide. Disinfectant wipes are meant for complex, nonporous surfaces like counters, doorknobs, and TV remotes. They won’t work well on soft surfaces like clothing or carpets because the chemicals are too harsh.
It is essential to follow the directions on the product. The label will let you know how long the surface should remain wet for the disinfectant to work. Wipe down surfaces, including toys, frequently to keep them clean and germs-free.
Many EPA registered disinfectant wipes can kill the novel coronavirus when used as directed. They have been tested and shown to kill other nonenveloped viruses, which are harder to kill. The CDC recommends using an EPA-registered disinfectant such as diluted chlorine bleach or 70 percent alcohol solutions. In addition, the CDC recommends washing hands after handling cleaning products, rinsing food before eating, and avoiding contact with sick people. *These disinfectants have been tested against SARS-CoV-2 and human coronavirus 0C43, under EN 14476.
Kills Mold
Mold is a type of fungus that can cause various health issues, including allergies and respiratory problems. According to Today News, wipes can kill spores and the growing mold when used as directed.
Disinfectant wipes can contain either hydrogen peroxide, which is effective against many microbes, or isopropyl alcohol, which can dehydrate and break down proteins and lipids to kill germs. To work, the disinfectant must remain on the surface for four to ten minutes.
Clorox disinfectant wipes use a chemical called dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride to kill mold, though this ingredient can irritate your skin. This type of cleaner can also clog drains when it’s rinsed down the sink, so be sure to use other cleaning methods for porous surfaces.
Unfortunately, most disposable wipes are not biodegradable and contain synthetic materials that can’t be recycled or composted. They also contribute to ‘fatbergs,’ which are clumps of fat from food waste and wipes in sewer systems that can clog pipes. Look for eco-friendly janitorial supplies that are more sustainable.
Kills Odor
Many disinfecting wipes contain a germ-killing solution, and they work well on surfaces like doorknobs, counters, and TV remotes. To kill most germs, saturate the surface and leave it wet for about four minutes–10 minutes is best. Wipes also lose their effectiveness over time, so following the instructions on the package is essential.
Before you use disinfectant wipes, you should clean the surface to remove visible dirt, gunk, and grease splatters. Many wipes have cleaning chemicals, including hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, or ethanol. These ingredients can irritate the skin, so you should wear gloves.
While these convenient cleaning wipes are quick and easy to use, they can be harmful if misused. They may also contain toxins that irritate the respiratory system over time and can cause skin irritation. Moreover, discarded wipes and other single-use disposable paper products contribute to landfills and clog sewer lines, leading to overflows and environmental damage. Investing in a green janitorial service that recycles, composts, and uses non-toxic cleaning products is better. Most disinfecting wipes contain bleach or quats to kill germs and fragrances to cover up the chemical odor. Some research suggests that overuse of these cleaners can make us more prone to allergies and other health problems.