The Right Way to Use Lysol Wipes

Disinfecting wipes like those from Lysol, Clorox, and generic brands are convenient, easy to use, and can be an effective way to disinfect hard surfaces in your home if you are using them the right way.
Are you guilty of any of these habits?

Believing that all wipes are created equal

Not reading the directions on the product label

Using one wipe to clean every kitchen counter

Wiping down a surface and then using it immediately

Using a paper towel to dry the freshly-cleaned surface

Using one wipe to clean an entire bathroom

If so, you probably have a false sense of security and aren’t completely disinfecting the surfaces. By not checking that the wipes are a disinfecting wipe and not just an all-purpose cleaning wipe, and by using the wipes improperly, you’ve just wasted time and money and still left your family exposed to potentially harmful microbes.

How to Use Disinfecting Wipes

Take a minute to read the label on the disinfecting wipes and follow the recommendations on the product label. The amount of time necessary for the disinfectant to kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi is dependent upon the type of disinfectant used during the manufacturing of the product.

Remove Heavy Soil and Grease From Surfaces

If the kitchen counter is covered with spilled food or a coating of grease splatters or the bathroom counter has globs of toothpaste, it should be cleaned first using an all-purpose cleaner, warm water, and a microfiber cloth. The gentle abrasion of the microfiber will help lift away any dried-on particles. The disinfectant on the wipes will not penetrate through or remove solid matter on the counters.

Check the Wipe for Compatibility With the Type of Surface

Once again, read the label. While most wipes are safe to use on hard, non-porous surfaces like laminate, sealed granite, vinyl, and fiberglass, they are not safe to use on unfinished wood or extremely worn surfaces. Always test in a small area to make sure there is no etching or discoloration.

Check the Moisture Level of the Wipe

To be effective, the wipe must contain disinfectant. If the container has been left open and the wipes are dry to the touch, they will not offer the disinfecting level promised.

Tip

If disinfecting wipes have dried out, they can be revived by adding 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to the canister or package. Pour in the alcohol and close the container tightly. Allow the wipes to absorb the alcohol completely before using.

Wipe Down Surfaces

Using one wipe at a time, start at the top of a vertical surface and wipe down. Start at one end of a horizontal surface and move slowly to the opposite end. The hard surface should be visibly wet and shiny.

Use multiple wipes to cover large areas. One wipe can only provide adequate disinfection to an area of around three-square-feet or less.

Let the Disinfectant Work

For both Lysol and Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, the hard surface must remain wet for at least four minutes—10 minutes is best—for all bacteria to be killed.

Allow the Surface to Air-Dry

Drying times are affected by room temperature and humidity. Allow the surface to air-dry. Do not wipe away the disinfectant.

Rinse Food Preparation and Eating Surfaces

Once the disinfectant is dry, if the area is to be used for food preparation or eating, the surface should be rinsed with fresh water and dried with a clean towel.

The same steps should be followed if the disinfected item is a toy or surface that might end up in a child’s mouth.

Dispose of the Wipe Properly

While Clorox has just announced a wipe that can be composted, most wipes have a non-woven substrate that must be disposed of in a trash can. Disinfecting wipes should not be flushed down a toilet because they can cause clogs in pipes and septic systems.

Wash Your Hands

Always wash your hands with soap and warm water after using any cleaning product.


Post time: Jan-20-2021