1. Disinfectant wipes are not suitable for your skin
Do not use disinfectant wipes as antibacterial wipes or diaper wipes. The chemicals in these wipes are designed to clean soft and hard surfaces, not your skin. Additionally, they may cause allergic skin reactions such as redness, itching, or peeling.
2. Do not use disinfecting wipes on absorbent surfaces
Never use disinfecting wipes on absorbent surfaces such as carpets, as this will not only damage the item, but also reduce the ability to disinfect. Also avoid unpainted, unfinished, unsealed, waxed or oiled surfaces. Clorox wipes should also not be used on copper, aluminum or other polished surfaces. It is best to read the instructions before disinfecting surfaces. When in doubt, test a small area first.
3. You may just be spreading germs with disinfecting wipes
Disinfecting wipes can be used on many surfaces, but that doesn't mean you can use a single wipe on multiple surfaces, as you may end up spreading more bacteria and viruses than killing them. So, remember the golden rule: "new place, new wipes".
4. You need to set aside "contact time"
To be effective, disinfecting wipes need to stay on a surface for a certain amount of time, which varies by product. For example, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes require you to keep the treated surface visibly wet for 4 minutes for thorough disinfection. Now, you know it's worth checking the instructions first.
5. Disinfecting wipes can cause superbugs
While disinfecting wipes are a reliable weapon against germs, overuse of them can lead to the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as "superbugs." Research has shown that superbugs like MRSA can be spread through disinfecting wipes. So when you have to use disinfecting wipes, make sure you follow the directions.
6. Disinfection and cleaning are two very different things
You might think that disinfection and cleaning are the same thing, but in reality there is a big difference between the two things. Cleaning removes bacteria from surfaces, while disinfection kills them by using antibacterial agents. Disinfecting wipes aren't necessary for daily cleaning, but they are a must when surfaces come into contact with raw meat, blood or body fluids, and when a family member has an infectious disease like the flu.
7. Disinfectant wipes are not a substitute for soap and water
As highlighted by the World Health Organization, cleaning with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. The first line of defense against bacteria is always soap and water. This is true even for contaminated surfaces that should be disinfected.
