Personal hygiene has become more important than ever in recent years as many now fully understand the benefits, such as protecting oneself from getting sick and preventing the spread of germs to others.
Hence, using disinfectant wipes has become part and parcel of everyday life not just in Singapore, but also around the rest of the world especially since they are so convenient to bring out, easy to use and do their job efficiently with just a few swipes.
While disinfectant wipes are being used everywhere, has it ever occurred to you if you are using them correctly? Here are five common mistakes you could be making when using disinfectant wipes and tips on how to use them the right way to reap the benefits.
1. Using one wipe for more than one area
If you are not using surface disinfectant wipes to remove grime and dust but just to disinfect, then naturally, the wipe will still look generally clean even after use. However, that does not mean it can be used to wipe another area down since it already contains bacteria and germs. Reusing one wipe for more than one surface only spreads the nasties from one place to another and one disinfectant wipe simply does not have enough power to clean several surfaces properly.
For effective cleaning of flat surfaces, adopt the S-shaped wiping method when using any kind of disinfectant wipes, including alcohol-based ones, to avoid recontaminating the areas you have already cleaned. Simply swipe from the top to the bottom by drawing an “S” and dispose of the wipe after using it on one surface.
2. Not using the right disinfectant wipes on different surfaces
Using one type of disinfectant wipes on all kinds of different surfaces is also a common mistake many people make. While all of them ultimately play the same role – to disinfect – some of them are specifically designed for use on different surfaces so as to not ruin the materials.
For instance, some disinfectant wipes have a stronger formulation, such as alcohol-based products. They are more suitable for hard, non-porous environmental surfaces such as plastic, metal or stainless steel surfaces.
On the other hand, other disinfectant wipes that are formulated using water-based cleaning actives are meant to be more gentle on delicate surfaces and also safe to use on areas like kitchen tabletops and furniture.
3. Not storing them properly
Disinfectant wipes in Singapore either come in resealable or single-use packaging. Either way, storing them properly is key for effective cleaning. It is best to keep them in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight, such as in the drawers in the living room, as this helps them to stay fresher for longer without drying up.
Another tip is to always take note to seal the flap if you are using disinfectant wipes in resealable packaging.
Nonetheless, if you open up a pack of disinfectant wipes and find that the scent is weaker than you remember or the wipes have already dried up, it means that they no longer possess the full competency in killing germs. This is also a telltale sign that you need to throw them out and repurchase new ones.
4. Not taking note of the contact time
Surfaces should stay visibly wet for a certain amount of time, referred to as “contact time”, depending on the disinfectant wipe you are using and the germs you are trying to kill. Unfortunately, not many know this and tend to only wipe surfaces down once.
The contact time is usually specified on the disinfectant wipes’ packaging and thus, it is vital to read the label before cleaning. Contact time can range from 30 seconds to 10 minutes but disinfectants tend to evaporate quicker in humid environments so it is necessary to rewet the surface with a clean wipe if it dries up before the stipulated time.
5. Using them on your hands
While disinfecting wipes are formulated for hard surface sanitisation, you may also be thinking it is fine to wipe your hands while cleaning surfaces since you already have them with you. However, this will only dry your hands out or cause an allergic reaction such as redness and irritation from the strong or harsh formulation.
For sanitisation of the hands, consider using antibacterial or antiseptic wipes instead as they are formulated to be suitable for use on the skin.
If you are looking for disinfectant wipes, the HospiCare 70 Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes, HospiCare Waterbased Disinfectant Wipes and Zappy Lifestyle Antibacterial Household & Kitchen Wipes are great options for sanitisation of hard or delicate surfaces.
Apart from disinfectant wipes, consider getting surface disinfecting sprays like the HospiCare Disinfectant Spray and Waterbased Disinfectant Spray that are as effective and easy to use to meet all your hygiene needs.
Our HospiCare and Zappy range of disinfectant products are recently re-tested by certified laboratories to be effective in killing germs including Coronaviruses in just 30 seconds!
Shop a range of surface disinfectants here.
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