Disinfecting wipes perform a critical role in protecting employees today. When properly used, they disinfect surfaces, eliminating the transfer of germs and viruses. Often the disinfectant is combined with cleaning agents to clean and disinfect in one step.
Disinfecting wipes are not intended for hands. Hand sanitizer or hand sanitizing wipes with alcohol are the recommended products for hand sanitization wipers.
Disinfecting wipes are available in a variety of packaging options, offering different disinfecting chemicals targeting different environments and germs, as explained below. It is always important to read and follow disinfectant instructions and warnings.
All disinfectants require a certain dwell time (time sitting on a surface) to kill pathogens, varying depending on the disinfectant and the pathogen being targeted. Disinfectants are often simply allowed to air dry on surfaces, avoiding the toweling off of the disinfectant before its necessary dwell time.
We recommend using gloves when applying disinfectant. Click here if you would like to learn more about common disinfectants.
Packaging Options
Canisters & Packs
Hand-held canisters are the most common packaging for disinfecting wipes. They feature snap-top lids to prevent drying out and typically contain 35–80 wipes. Leading brands like Clorox and Lysol offer these canisters, often utilizing quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) for broad-spectrum disinfection. Specialized versions with hydrogen peroxide or bleach are also available for targeted applications.
Buckets
For high-traffic areas, pre-saturated wipe buckets are cost-effective solutions. Each bucket holds approximately 700–900 wipes, reducing the frequency of replacements. Single-wipe dispensing minimizes cross-contamination. Refill rolls are available, promoting environmental sustainability by reusing buckets. Wall-mounted holders can be used for easy access. It’s important to note that each bucket system is unique; only specific refills and holders are compatible. Disinfectant options include quats, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, and alcohol-based solutions.
Make Your Own Bucket
Creating a custom disinfecting wipe bucket can be a cost-saving measure. Start with a roll of dry, unsaturated wipes in a bucket, then add your preferred disinfectant solution (quat, alcohol, or bleach-based). However, be cautious with high concentrations of bleach, as it can degrade the wipe material.
Hand Sanitizing Wipes
Alcohol-based hand sanitizing wipes are convenient alternatives to liquid or gel sanitizers. They are effective in reducing bacteria on the skin and come in various packaging options for portability and ease of use.
Food Service Wipes
Designed to meet FDA standards, food service wipes are typically dry and intended for use with specific sanitizers like quats, chlorine, or hydrogen peroxide. They are available in various sizes, strengths, and colors, aiding in area-specific applications. Many are washable and feature antimicrobial properties to prevent odor-causing bacterial growth.
Common Disinfectants
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats)
Quats are widely used in disinfecting wipes due to their effectiveness against a broad range of pathogens. They are stable, have low toxicity, and are compatible with various cleaning agents. Typical concentrations range from 0.05% to 0.2%, requiring 1 to 10 minutes of dwell time for effective disinfection. Brands like Clorox and Lysol commonly use quats in their products.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a non-corrosive disinfectant suitable for both hard and soft surfaces. It offers rapid kill times, often as low as 30 seconds to 1 minute, and is effective against numerous pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains. It’s also safe for use on sensitive surfaces like computer screens and plexiglass, minimizing the risk of damage.
Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)
Bleach is a potent disinfectant capable of eliminating a wide spectrum of microorganisms and controlling mold and mildew. Germicidal bleach solutions typically contain 8.25% sodium hypochlorite and are EPA-registered to kill over 70 organisms within approximately 5 minutes. While effective, bleach can discolor surfaces and fabrics, so it’s often reserved for environments with significant germ exposure, such as hospitals.
Disinfecting Wipes
We offer a comprehensive selection of disinfecting wipes to meet various needs:
- Canisters & Packs: Ideal for general-purpose cleaning and disinfection.
- Buckets: Suitable for high-volume usage in busy environments.
- Make Your Own: Customize your disinfecting solution for cost-effectiveness.
- Hand Sanitizing Wipes: Convenient for personal hygiene on the go.
- Food Service Wipes: Designed for compliance with food safety standards.
Explore our full range of disinfecting wipes and find the perfect solution for your specific requirements.
