You know you need them, and you may have even visited our site to purchase them. But you still might be wondering, “What are antibacterial wipes?”.
While the answer may seem clear: that they are wipes that combat, remove and kill bacteria, there’s more to them than that. Ultimately, these small towelettes can play a big part in quickly, easily, and reliably keeping your facility and business safe.
So what are antibacterial wipes? Why do you need them? What do they do?
Here’s everything you need to know.
WHAT ARE ANTIBACTERIAL WIPES?
Simply put, antibacterial wipes are pre-moistened towelettes that contain a sanitizing or disinfecting formula that kill or reduce germs on surfaces and skin. They’re often packaged in convenient containers designed to easily use one wipe at a time.
Antibacterial wipes are easier to use than sprays and towels because of their simple, one-step design. Additionally, cleaning with a contaminated towel can spread germs and bacteria to an uncontaminated surface. When used properly, wipes help to eliminate this problem.
WHAT ARE THEY MADE OF?
CLEANING FORMULA
Beware, all wipes are not formulated the same. You should always be conscious of any ingredients that are toxic, could damage the surfaces you’ll be cleaning, or pose a threat to human health. It’s important to always look for antibacterial wipes that are EPA registered and/or FDA approved.
Taking this one step further, different wipes will list different kill claims and you should always reference the pathogens that a wipe can kill based on your unique business needs. Many state and national regulations require EPA registered and/or FDA approved formulas to be used in public settings. This is because these products are put through extensive testing and scrutiny before earning a seal of approval, and are proven to deliver on their claims.
MATERIAL
Antibacterial wipes can be made of several materials, ranging from non-woven cellulose (thin and prone to leaving fibers on surfaces) to recyclable non-woven polyester and polypropylene wipes (with mid-level durability), to biodegradable fabrics ranging in quality and thickness.
WHAT ANTIBACTERIAL WIPES DO
After answering your question, “What are antibacterial wipes?”, you may also be curious about what they do.
When applied to surfaces, equipment, and skin, antibacterial wipes decrease or completely eradicate the presence of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that dwell on them. To effectively sanitize or disinfect a surface, the item being wiped typically has to remain wet for a specific time. This is known as the Dwell Time.
So, on average, what is the recommended Dwell Times for antibacterial wipes?
This will vary from formula to formula. The wipes will be tested in a laboratory environment over many trials to determine how long the solution must be in contact with harmful organisms to kill them. These wipes kill pathogens when they are wet. Most EPA-registered sanitizers need between two to ten minutes to sanitize or disinfect a surface.
WHY YOU NEED THEM
Using antibacterial wipes can prevent the spread of disease and infection in your facility, keeping your guests, your employees, and your reputation safe.
They are easy to use
Antibacterial wipes eliminate the need to measure and mix chemicals. Customers and employees appreciate the simplicity of grabbing a wipe to quickly and easily disinfect an area, without the need for excessive supplies, like spray bottles, liquid chemicals, towels, and laundry bins.
They are convenient
Simply placing a stand, dispenser or wall mount near high-traffic and high-touch areas makes it effortless for guests and staff to quickly sanitize hands, surfaces, and equipment.
They will save you time
When you multiply the time you’ll save between restocking and refilling cleaning supplies and add that to the accumulative time your guests and employees will save by quickly wiping down surfaces in one step, which adds up to a lot of time saved for everyone.
They can save you money
When you order wipes in high quantities. This allows you to focus on other tasks instead, reducing the frequency you need to order cleaning supplies. You’ll also save money on the actual containers and possibly on shipping. Additionally, having a clean and germ-free facility can cut down on absenteeism, minimizing sick days and increasing staff productivity.
They can be better for the environment
With many eco-conscious consumers focused on earth-friendly but effective disinfecting solutions, antibacterial wipes can improve your impact on the environment when you select non-toxic formulas made of biodegradable and/or sustainable materials.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT ANTIBACTERIAL WIPE
Antibacterial wipes can be a powerful and effective tool in preventing the spread of infections and diseases in your facility and business. Because they are easy to use, affordable, and preferred by consumers, you should consider making them a staple in your facility.
Be sure to do research before deciding on choosing wipes for your facility – there’s a lot of information online and it can be difficult to know what will be best for you. You can find answers to common and confusing questions about buying wipes in this helpful guide.