Disinfectant wipes have become one of the most popular cleaning products for the home in the last decade because they’re designed to kill bacteria and viruses on hard, non-porous surfaces.
Their true effectiveness depends on their correct usage and recognition they are not the solution to every cleaning task.
The most important factor is known as “dwell time” – this is the period the moisture from the wipe should sit on the surface.
For most products, the minimum period is between three to 10 minutes. Anything less means the surface will not have been disinfected but simply wiped clean – a task you could do with a damp cloth or a moist paper towel.
The active chemicals in a wipe feature quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), which disrupt the cell membranes of micro-organisms. The chemical cocktail is completed by isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.
These chemicals break down and eliminate the structure of bacteria and viruses, effectively killing them.
The efficacy of these chemicals is supported by research. For example, disinfectant wipes using hydrogen peroxide-based products and QACs can significantly reduce infectious viruses, like coronavirus surrogates.
However, these wipes are not suitable for every cleaning task.
When removing heavy dirt, grease or grime, a disinfectant wipe is useless because the surface grime acts as a barrier.
It’s better to use another cleaning solution to remove grime or grease, and then finish the job by using a disinfectant wipe.
Importantly, there are many occasions when these wipes should never be used in the home. They include:
Personal hygiene– Don’t wipe your own hands with these wipes. They are designed for surfaces, not human skin.
Toys – Given the chemical compounds, never use these wipes on children’s toys, especially those for a baby because babies put everything in their mouths.
Pet bowls – The chemicals in a wipe can cause a severe reaction in pets after they’ve licked a dish clean.
Leather – Wipes, especially those containing bleach, can damage the leather of furniture, as well as the leather and suede of shoes and jackets.
Vinyl – Wiping down vinyl furniture or car seats can cause the material to discolor, fade and become brittle.
Screens – Disinfecting wipes will remove the coating that protects screens from showing fingerprints. Don’t use them to clean TV and PC screens, or your phone. Instead, use a dedicated cleaning solution with a microfiber cloth.