1. Children's Toys

When using disinfecting wipes to wipe the surface of items, a lot of dirt may be wiped out, but at the same time the chemicals in the wipes will remain on the items.

Chemist John Manolas said that disinfecting soaps and wipes can increase drug-resistant bacteria on items, so people should not use disinfecting wipes as general wipes. Regular cleaning with soap, warm water or other household cleaners can also eliminate bacteria on the surface of most items.

Manolas also emphasized that children are likely to put toys in their mouths. Therefore, parents should not use disinfection wipes on children's toys.

2. Anything That Absorbs Water

To achieve the effect of disinfection, after the disinfectant solution is attached to the object, it usually takes a few minutes to kill the bacteria.

For water-absorbing items such as foam or carpets, if there is not a long enough soaking time, it is difficult for disinfecting wipes to really play a disinfection effect. And if in order to achieve the disinfection effect, wipe with multiple wet wipes, the excess water may damage the items, which is not worth the loss.

disinfection wipes
disinfecting wipes

3. Kitchen Countertops

After preparing meals, can wipe the kitchen countertop with a disinfecting wipe to ensure the health of the family? This is not necessarily true. Lily Cameron, a professional cleaning and storage staff, pointed out that the kitchen countertops gather a lot of bacteria and microorganisms. It is not enough to clean it with disinfectant wipes. On the contrary, when we need to disinfect the kitchen countertops, we should use Feixian water and sponges.

4. The Wash Basin and Other Devices in the Bathroom

A lot of bacteria grow in the bathroom every day, and quick wiping with disinfectant wipes cannot prevent the growth of bacteria.

Cameron said that in order to effectively kill bacteria, the disinfectant needs to stay on the surface for about five to ten minutes, while the residence time for cleaning with disinfectant wipes is no more than five minutes. Excessive use of this type of wet will not only eliminate bacteria, but may also expose family members to harmful chemicals.

5. Hardwood Surface

The chemicals and other ingredients in the disinfecting wipes may cause damage to the surface of the house. For example, repeated scrubbing of hardwood may cause it to lose its luster, and moisture can also cause damage to the hardwood. When wiping wooden surfaces, you need to dry quickly, but wet wipes will make the surface relatively damp, which will have a counterproductive effect.

disinfectant wipes
disinfection wipes

6. The Entire Kitchen

If you want to use disinfection wipes,-wipe from the gas stove to the refrigerator, and then from the microwave to the sink, then stop!

Disinfecting wipes will not clean large areas. In fact, if disinfection wipes are used in multiple items and spaces, it may make the bacteria problem worse. Cameron reminded, never use one disinfectant wipe to clean multiple items. The correct approach is to use one wipe for each item and then throw it away.

7. The Surface of the Sealing Material

The chemicals and acids in the disinfecting wipes will erode the polishing of the surface of sealing materials such as marble and granite, and they may make the surface look dull or even scratched. It is more effective to use sealant, or ordinary soap and water to clean it.

8. Leather

Many disinfectant wipes contain alcohol. Alcohol will dehydrate soft leather. Repeated use may make leather products look dry and pale. If you must use disinfectant wipes on the leather, then please check the ingredient list of the wipes to make sure that the wipes are alcohol-free.

9. Lacquered Furniture

Repeated use of alcohol-containing disinfecting wipes will make the painted tables and chairs lose their original beauty. This is true for any wood products in the home, such as stair railings.

10. Your Hands Before and After Eating

Is it safe to disinfect your hands with disinfectant wipes before and after eating? Not so.

"Do not use disinfection wipes to clean your hands before or during a meal, because the wipes will leave residue on the skin. In addition, disinfection wipes will not eliminate all microorganisms and bacteria. And alcohol can irritate the skin, so please Wash your hands with soap and warm water to prevent the spread of bacteria." Cameron said.

It should be noted that do not confuse disinfecting wipes for hands with disinfecting wipes for home and office use. When soap and water are not available, hand wipes are a good way to keep your hands clean.