It's becoming increasingly more important to use disinfecting wipes around the home or place of business to prevent the spread of illness in the time of coronavirus. While disinfecting wipes can be effective against the spread of viruses, they need to be used properly or their effectiveness can be diminished.
The following are six mistakes to avoid when you're using disinfecting wipes to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Failing to remove solid waste or residue before wiping down a surface
You shouldn't assume that a quick wipe-down with a disinfecting wipe is adequate to get a surface clean enough to prevent the spread of illness. Before you use a disinfecting wipe, it's important to remove built-up residue that could be the perfect breeding ground for germs.
Using a wipe that is devoid of any moisture
Disinfecting wipes typically need to be moistened with a liquid solution that kills germs to be effective. Unfortunately, disinfecting wipes that are in storage too long can become dried out.
If a wipe has become dried out, it will typically no longer have any disinfecting effect. That's why it's important to make sure a disinfecting wipe is moist before using it.
Not making sure your wipe is effective on the surface in question
Certain types of disinfecting wipe are often only effective on certain surfaces. It's important to make sure that the wipe you're using is listed as being effective on the type of surface and material you're using it on.
Not waiting long enough after wiping
Any disinfecting solution needs time to work. You should look into the recommended amount of time the disinfecting solution in your wipes needs to become active to effectively kill viruses and bacteria.
If you start using a surface before the disinfecting solution on your wipes has had enough time to take effect, the surface in question could still be covered with harmful and active germs and bacteria.
Disposing of disinfecting wipes improperly
Disinfecting wipes shouldn't be disposed of the same way as paper products or toilet paper. For one thing, they're not supposed to be recycled like cardboard and sheets of paper. Also, disinfecting wipes shouldn't be flushed down the toilet because they can cause clogs.
Failing to thoroughly wash your hands after using a disinfecting wipe
Your hands can become exposed to germs while you're cleaning with a disinfecting wipe. That's why it's important to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after using a disinfecting wipe.
For further tips, reach out to a company that offers products like individually wrapped disinfecting hand wipes.