STOP Doing These 6 Things with Clorox Wipes (or any other Disinfecting Wipe)
Disinfecting wipes are great! They’re an easy and convenient way to disinfect surfaces and kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including Staph, E. coli, Salmonella, Strep, the cold, flu, and some even claim to kill COVID-19! However, if you do not use them correctly, they are not as effective and can even be harmful.
Before using any disinfectant, make sure you read the instruction on the package. And here are some things you should NEVER do with them:
1. Don’t dry the surface after wiping.
The “kill time” on many disinfecting wipes can be up to several minutes. This means the surface you’re wiping must remain visibly wet after wiping for that amount of time in order to do it’s disinfecting work. Then the surface should be left to air dry. If you dry the surface with a cloth or paper towel, you are not giving the chemicals time to work and you’ll just be spreading the germs around with the towel.
2. Don’t eat off a disinfected surface without rinsing.
Once you’ve allowed for the “kill time” (for Clorox Wipes it’s at least 4 minutes) and allowed the surface to air dry, you should always rinse food preparation and eating surfaces, as well as children’s toys and any other surfaces or items that could lead to ingestion.
3. Don’t assume they can be used on any surface.
Porous surfaces will absorb whatever you apply to it, including Clorox, so avoid unfinished, unsealed, unpainted, waxed, oiled, or worn surfaces. This includes granite countertops and unpainted wood. Additionally, you shouldn’t use them on surfaces protected by a sealant because the citric acid in the wipes could damage it.
Cleaning agents can also interact negatively with metals and mask their shine. It is suggested that consumers don’t use Clorox wipes on copper, aluminum, or other polished surfaces.
And when in doubt about any other types of surfaces, test a small area first.
4. Don’t use a single wipe to disinfect multiple or large surfaces.
Using only one wipe over multiple surfaces or a large area can end up spreading germs and dirt, and might not be enough moisture to fully saturate the surfaces for effective disinfecting.
5. Don’t use disinfecting wipes on skin.
The chemicals in disinfectants should not be left on your skin – so be sure to wash your hands after cleaning with them. Disinfecting wipes should never be used to wipe anyone’s hands or face, especially kids, whose skin is even more delicate and sensitive.
6. Don’t forget to follow the instructions!
If you want to get the most use out of a Clorox wipe — or any cleaning product — always check the instructions, never mix chemicals, and always use in a well ventilated area with proper personal protection.
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