With Covid-19 our new reality, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces has become a part of life, and wipes can be a simple solution. But, are you using them correctly?
To kill the coronavirus responsible for Covid-19, you need disinfecting wipes that kill not just bacteria that land on surfaces, but viruses – read the labels to be sure they do this, and contain at least 70% alcohol. Then take care to avoid these 10 common mistakes:
Mistake 1: Not cleaning the surface first
Some wipes both clean and disinfect, but where a surface is very dirty, it makes it harder for the disinfectant to get to work, note the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other international health authorities. Better to clean the surface well first with soapy water, or the appropriate household cleaner.
Mistake 2: Not following instructions
Read directions: they may advise waiting 15 seconds or several minutes, to allow the disinfectant to kill germs before you wipe the surface dry. The CDC recommends leaving a disinfectant solution on a surface for a least a minute.
Mistake 3: Using disinfectant wipes on the wrong surfaces
Wipes are best applied to hard, smooth surfaces such as stainless steel, plastic and glass. They are usually not suitable for fabric or fibrous surfaces like wood, curtains or carpets, which absorb moisture, and so don’t stay damp long enough for the chemicals to do their disinfecting job.
Mistake 4: Using disinfectant wipes on electronics
It’s best to clean your cellphone, laptop or computer only with the products their manufacturers advise. Using wipes may affect the screen coating. If you must use them, take great care to avoid any openings where moisture could enter and cause damage. Get protective covers for electronic equipment, and clean those.
Mistake 5: Using them on your hands
There are antibacterial wipes that are suitable for this, but those with disinfectant could trigger an allergic reaction, leaving you with red, itchy, swollen hands in what’s known as contact dermatitis.
Mistake 6: Using them on your pets
Only use special pet shampoos or grooming wipes for your pets, and clean their bowls with hot soapy water. If you use wipes, the pets may lick the chemicals from their fur, skin or bowls.
Mistake 7: Using them on children's toys
Young children may put toys in their mouths, so rather than clean toys with disinfecting or antibacterial wipes, wash them in soapy water – or if it’s safe, in the dishwasher. Store wipes out of reach of pets or children.
Mistake 8: Using disinfectant wipes on fruit and vegetables
Never use cleaning or disinfecting products on food. Rather wash fruits and vegetables under clean, running water, scrubbing them with a clean brush if necessary, advises the UN Children’s Fund. Pat dry with a paper towel or a clean cloth.
Mistake 9: Using each wipe too much
Wipes lose their moisture, and so the chemicals in this, as you use them. If you keep using the same wipe and it dries, you risk simply spreading germs to other surfaces. It’s usually best to use one wipe only for a few door handles or light switches. By the same token, don’t use old wipes that have dried out, or leave packs of new ones open or in the sun, where they can become dry and lose effectiveness.
Mistake 10: Not discarding of the wipe properly after use
Wipes are thicker than toilet paper and may end up clogging pipes, or polluting rivers or the ocean in sewage spills. Even if the packaging says they are flushable, it’s best to discard wipes in a lidded rubbish bin with a bag lining you can seal firmly before discarding.
IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com