Cleaning wipes are convenient and quick for removing messes, but not all are equal. The best disinfectant wipes are EPA-registered and contain ingredients that kill viruses and bacteria on hard, nonporous surfaces.
The CDC explains that while cleaning removes germs, disinfecting kills them. To find the right product for your home, keep in mind these things when shopping:
EPA Approved
EPA-registered disinfectants can kill viruses and bacteria on hard surfaces like doorknobs, counters, and TV remotes. They can also disinfect toys and other household items that kids may touch. To be sure you’re buying disinfectant wipes, check the label. The wipes should be marked as such and contain a long EPA registration number.
To disinfect an item, wipe it down and let it sit for four minutes. Then, rinse and dry it. If the surface is a toy, wipe it on both sides. To avoid getting germs on your hands or fingers while cleaning, use a pair of disposable gloves.
Disinfecting Wipes are a safe choice for most hard surfaces. They’re rated B in the Guide to Healthy Cleaning and use citric acid instead of bleach or ammonia to disinfect. They can even be used on stainless steel and granite. They come in a large canister and are a bit more expensive than other brands, but they work fast and don’t leave a residue.
Some disinfectant wipes are another excellent option, as they’re one of the few consumer-available options that rank on EPA’s N List (the running list of disinfectants tested against the novel coronavirus). They also use plant-based ingredients and thymol to kill 99 percent of bacteria, viruses, and mold. They’re free of quaternary ammonium, which some people are sensitive to, and they’re made in the USA.
Dwell Time
The dwell time of a disinfectant is the amount of time it takes for the product to be effective on a surface. Dwell times can vary from product to product, but all products have a recommended dwell time to be followed to kill bacteria and germs. These dwell times are determined through various third-party EPA labs and may differ based on the type of pathogen being tested against.
The critical thing to remember is that different dwell times mean something other than that a product is more or less effective but rather that certain surfaces need more or less time to be disinfected. For example, a disinfectant with a perfect pull wipes dispenser requires only a few seconds of dwell time to kill the coronavirus (Covid-19), while some disinfectant wipes take up to 10 minutes to eliminate it.
Whether you’re looking for an effective disinfectant spray or disinfectant wipes, the dwell times will be listed on the product’s label, along with dilution instructions and other safety information. Helping your staff understand these terms and what they mean will ensure they use the right cleaning products to disinfect surfaces as effectively as possible.
Ready to add a new disinfectant wipe to your cleaning rotation? Check out our list of Grove members’ top picks for wiping down counters, tables, appliances, and more.
Environmentally Friendly
If you’re interested in reducing your environmental impact, look for disinfectant wipes that are both eco-friendly and effective. Some top-rated options are free of bleach and use plant-based and natural ingredients to clean and disinfect surfaces. Others use chemicals like thymol, citric acid, and ethanol to kill germs. You’ll also find safe options for food-contact covers that can be composted after use.
Try these affordable disinfectant wipes for everyday touch-ups and cleaning tasks. They’re bleach-free and contain ingredients that are safer for the environment than traditional cleaners, such as methyl benzyl ammonium chloride. They are gentle enough for sensitive skin, leaving a pleasant lemon-fresh scent behind. They’re EPA-approved for hard, nonporous surfaces and ideal for high-traffic areas and hot spots, such as doorknobs and phones.
These all-in-one wipes are eco-friendly and EPA-approved to kill 99 percent of germs and the viruses that cause colds and flu. They’re also tough on common allergens, such as dust mites, dirt, and grease. They’re safe for use on countertops and other food contact surfaces and are dispensed from a convenient canister that’s easy to open and close.
If you want an even more eco-friendly option, consider using disinfectant wipes at home. Mix a jar of your own reusable, homemade solution with ingredients you already have at home. You can even customize the elements to match your needs and preferences.
Safety
Whether you’re cleaning the kitchen counters or your hands, getting rid of germs is essential. Disinfectant wipes are convenient, easy to find, and can be very effective — but only when they’re used properly.
Many disinfectants contain chemicals that irritate the skin and eyes, so read labels carefully before using them. Some ingredients can also trigger asthma symptoms.
If you want a safe option, consider plant-based wipes certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and contain no chlorine bleach or benzalkonium chloride. These wipes are gentle and can be composted once you’re done with them (you’ll need a compost setup). They’re great for all-purpose cleaning and will work well on surfaces that come into contact with food, kids, and pets.
Before using any wipes, ensure they’re EPA-approved and have the most extended EPA registration number on the label. You should also check the EPA’s running list of products shown to kill coronavirus.
If you’re looking for a disinfectant wipe that can handle cleaning and sanitizing, look no further, for EPA-approved wipes are great for high-touch surfaces, including drawer pulls and doorknobs. Keep a canister handy in your home, and take a pack.
