Which one to use, antibacterial wipes or disinfectant wipes?

Many people are not aware of the differences between products with antibacterial properties and those that are disinfectants. It’s an important distinction as the use of hand sanitizing wipes, gels and wipes has skyrocketed in recent years. Both the EPA and the Centers for Disease Control have recommended the use of these products to control the spread of viruses and reduce the rate of bacterial infections. However, it is important to know the distinctions.

Antibacterial wipes are typically used on the hands to kill bacteria and prevent transmission. Liquid hand sanitizers will also kill these germs, but they won’t remove food debris, dirt, and grime. Gels still have their place, as these little bottles can be placed almost anywhere and are a very cost-effective method of controlling disease transmission. The prevalence of nut allergies today requires schools to use antibacterial wipes after meals and snacks. It is preferred that hand wipes be rated “Non-Hazardous” and contain a protective hand oil.

It’s a common misconception that dishwashing liquids that also claim to be antibacterial hand soaps will be effective on household surfaces like cutting boards, appliance handles, and countertops. The hand versus equipment cleaning process differs significantly. With our hands, we tend to rub and rub our hands together, which helps the cleaning process a lot. With equipment, we tend to just clean it up. Therefore, a more effective method is to use disinfecting wipes on surfaces.

Disinfecting wipes, by contrast, are typically used on shared office machines, chairs, gym equipment, shopping carts, or in the kitchen and bathrooms. They are effective on many viruses and bacteria. Alcohol is often the active ingredient in disinfectants. However, alcohol is highly flammable and evaporates quickly. You must virtually submerge the object for effective disinfection. Chlorine bleach is another option, but it is quite caustic to the skin, lungs, and eyes. And mistakenly combining it with ammonia or any other acid like vinegar results in the production of a noxious gas. Since there is ammonia in urine, use around pets and in bathrooms can be dangerous. Not to mention, they’re both pretty smelly. Therefore, water-based synthetic phenolic compounds are much preferred.

Many wonder if homemade concoctions are effective or not. Studies have shown that most of these have little to no disinfecting properties. When dealing with serious infections such as hepatitis, influenza, salmonella, etc., you should use the most effective and safe substance and methods available. Thorough washing and drying of hands and surfaces along with the use of antibacterial wipes and disinfecting wipes is the most effective prevention you will find.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that since approximately 20% of the US population attends or works in school, like any other facility with many people in close contact , are privileged places for the transmission of diseases. Some viruses and bacteria will remain alive on doorknobs, cafeteria tables, and desks for two hours or more. Since handwashing sinks are impractical to locate everywhere they may be used, the obvious solution is to locate hand wipes and sanitizing wipes in schools, hospitals, prisons, or anywhere else large numbers of people gather. people.