8 Must-Knows About Disinfecting Wipes

Disinfecting wipes are widely regarded as a convenient way to keep your family healthy, especially on those days when germs are rampant. But if not used correctly, they won't work and can even do more harm than good. So, how to use them safely and correctly? Here are 8 things you must know.

1. 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. Emergency room physician Dr. Sampson Davis agrees, saying: "The first line of defense against germs is always soap and water. Even contaminated surfaces that should be disinfected."

2. You are probably spreading germs with disinfecting wipes

Although disinfecting wipes can be used on various surfaces, that doesn't mean you can use a single wipe on multiple surfaces because you could end up spreading more germs than killing them. So, the rule is "new place, new wipes".

3. You need to leave "contact time"

Disinfecting wipes have to stay on a surface for a certain amount of time to be effective, and the time varies by product. For example, the instructions for Clorox disinfecting wipes say that you should keep the treated surface visibly wet for 4 minutes in order to properly disinfect it. Now, you know it's worth reading the labels first.

4. Disinfecting wipes can cause superbugs

Disinfecting wipes are a reliable weapon against germs, but overuse of them can lead to the increase of antibiotic-resistant bacteria called "superbugs." Research has found that superbugs like MRSA can be spread through disinfecting wipes. So when you need to use disinfecting wipes, make sure you follow the directions.

5. Never store disinfectant wipes in the car

It is necessary to have some disinfecting wipes for daily use, but remember to keep them at room temperature. If it's in an extremely hot or cold place, like your car, you may destroy the preservatives and get "fold mold". Just as the name suggests, it's a fungus that hides in the folds of wipes. You don't want to spread it all over your steering wheel.

6. Disinfecting wipes don't last forever

Even if you store your disinfectant wipes in the right place, you shouldn't expect them to stay fresh forever. The product usually starts to lose some effect after 2 years. A representative for Lysol Disinfecting Wipes said that their wipes do not have a expiration date, but "have a shelf life of two years from the date of manufacture". You don't actually need to memorize the exact date, because the smell says it all. If the smell becomes weaker, it is recommended that you replace them.

7. Never use disinfecting wipes on absorbent surfaces

Don't use disinfecting wipes on absorbent surfaces such as carpets, because this will not only damage the object, but also reduce the ability to disinfect. Don't apply them on unfinished, unsealed, unpainted, waxed or oiled surfaces. And don't use Clorox wipes on copper, aluminum or other polished surfaces. It's a good idea to check labels before disinfecting surfaces. If you are not sure, test a small area first.

8. Avoid cleaning leather with disinfecting wipes

Using disinfecting wipes to clean and sanitize a leather sofa or car's leather seats is pretty easy, but don't do it again, because the alcohol in the wipes could cause the leather to lose its natural oils and dry out.