In this day and age, we can see why antibacterial wipes are so liked. They’re quick, they’re easy and there is something just so gratifying about saying “I just disinfected my entire life!” I understand! But there is a problem with them – they’re not that user friendly. There are situations where the use of a wipe can make things worse rather than better. I would use them everyday, I mean EVERYDAY, AND I would use them for EVERYTHING! This is not smart, people. There are times where they don’t do a damn thing for you and there are times where they are outright dangerous. Yes. Many of them can be harmful to many things including you if you don’t use them adequately. Knowing when to skip the wipe will help yourself, your life, your things and potentially the planet also!
On Food Surfaces
Let’s talk about the kitchen. Antibacterial wipes are probably acceptable to use on the counter after unloading groceries, but they do not belong in food preparation areas. Most contain chemicals that are not food-safe. This means, if you wipe down your cutting board with one and then use it for vegetables, you might be adding something other than flavor to your meal. Warm, soapy water is always the best bet or food-safe cleaners.
Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, these wipes can wreak havoc. They have chemicals that are used to dry out or burn skin and they can leave it red or itchy or worse. I’ve seen people use them to wipe off their hands after grocery shopping and wonder why their fingers sting after. Just use a gentle soap and water or really gentle personal wipes made for skin!
Electronics
Phone screens, laptops, tablets — all of the screens we can’t stop touching. They accumulate dirt quickly, but antibacterial wipes are not the smartest way to clean. Moisture and chemicals can harm the coating or get into the edges and hurt fragile pieces. A gentle cloth and a few sprays of screen-safe cleaner are much more effective, and it won’t leave behind smudges or streaks!
Wood Surfaces
Wiping wood with antibacterial wipes can feel productive, but really, you are eliminating the finish overtime. That nice sheen your table has? Poof. The surface can go from shiny to dull to not even the same color wood as it was when new. A damp cloth or a wood-safe cleanser keeps everything from looking bad without damaging it.
Toys
Toys are another touchpoint. Little kids will put anything and everything in their mouths, and the chemicals left on toys after cleaning with antibacterial wipes (they don’t take them off) can be unsafe if your child eats it. Soap and warm water are just as effective, and totally safe for your kid.
Stainless Steel Appliances
If you have stainless steel appliances, you know how easy they pick up fingerprints and oils. However, antibacterial wipes only seem to make the problem worse. Not only do they leave streaks, but they dull the freshness of the stainless steel. A simple mixture of water and vinegar or even a stainless steal cleaner will bring your fridge or dishwasher back to life.
Clothes
Some folks are so desperate they will use a wipe on a stain on their clothing, but don’t do that. Wipes can stain and leave a sticky residue. A damp cloth is equally effective, and you can always put it in the washer/dryer afterwards.
Open Wounds or Cuts
It might seem sensible – “antibacterial” means it’s safe for cuts, right? Not at all. Antibacterial wipes are not intended to be used on skin injuries, and can sting or cause hindrance to a proper closure. Use proper antiseptic wipes or products at the drug store instead.
Pets
Easy to forget. You think wiping your dog’s paws or your cat’s toys with an antibacterial wipe is benign, but they lick themselves constantly. The residual chemicals that are left simulate cleaning solutions. Always use pet-friendly cleaning sprays or wipes.
Environmental Concerns
And lastly, the environment. Antibacterial wipes create lots of waste. Most are not biodegradable, and will sit in landfills and take forever to degrade. Even wipes that claim to be “flushable”? Most are not. Switch to reusable clothes or eco-friendly sprays if, there similar cleaners out there that are much better on the environment as well as last longer. You may create less waste in the home.
Antibacterial wipes have their place when it comes to cleaning (quick touch-ups, sticky messes, or on the go cleaning emergencies). Any other use is kind of illegal. It would be nice to be more conscientious of cleaning in your home solves our concerns about your skin, your furniture, and recycling. Clean does not need to mean chemical quantity overload. Sometimes soap and water is good enough!
