Are you guilty of any of these habits?
Believing that all wipes are created equalNot reading the directions on the product labelUsing one wipe to clean every kitchen counterWiping down a surface and then using it immediatelyUsing a paper towel to dry the freshly-cleaned surfaceUsing one wipe to clean an entire bathroom
If so, you probably have a false sense of security and aren’t completely disinfecting the surfaces. By not checking that the wipes are a disinfecting wipe and not just an all-purpose cleaning wipe, and by using the wipes improperly, you’ve just wasted time and money and still left surfaces un-disinfected.
How to Use Disinfecting Wipes
Take a minute to read the label on the disinfecting wipes and follow the recommendations on the product label. The amount of time necessary for the disinfectant to kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi is dependent upon the type of disinfectant used during the manufacturing of the product.
Do You Really Need a Disinfecting Wipe?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly is essential to prevent the spread of illness. While a disinfecting wipe is convenient, it may not be the best or most economical choice for every area of the home. Use multiple wipes to cover large areas. One wipe can only provide adequate disinfection to an area of around three-square-feet or less. The same steps should be followed if the disinfected item is a toy or surface that might end up in a child’s mouth. Disinfecting wipes are a perfect go-to for disinfecting small areas like doorknobs, cabinet pulls, appliance handles, and touchpads. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines but most keyboards, remotes, game controllers, and phone cases can be safely disinfected with a wipe. Some cell phones have a protective coating on the screen that can be harmed by certain chemicals, so check before you clean. For larger areas in your home, disinfecting can also be done with diluted chlorine bleach solutions, 70 percent alcohol solutions, and other EPA-registered household disinfectants like pine oil and phenolic solutions. Follow product directions carefully and clean surfaces at least twice daily. If someone in your home is ill, surfaces should be cleaned immediately after being touched by the infected person.
