{"id":10177,"date":"2021-06-30T18:10:26","date_gmt":"2021-06-30T18:10:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alternatech.net\/?p=10177"},"modified":"2021-06-30T18:10:26","modified_gmt":"2021-06-30T18:10:26","slug":"10-worst-mistakes-that-youre-making-with-antibacterial-wipes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/10-worst-mistakes-that-youre-making-with-antibacterial-wipes\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Worst Mistakes That You&rsquo;re Making With Antibacterial Wipes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>If you\u2019re making any of these mistakes with antibacterial wipes, you could be sabotaging your cleaning process. Keep reading for the mistakes of using antibacterial wipes, plus tips to use them right.\n<h4>1. Using it for more than one thing\n</h4><p><img fetchpriority='\"high\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-10179 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/mistakes-1.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"768\"' height='\"512\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mistakes-1.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>It may seem less wasteful, not to mention easier, to use a single wipe on several different things; for instance, using only one or two wipes to clean your whole kitchen. But there are a couple of reasons you shouldn\u2019t do this. \u201cOne wipe should be used per area,\u201d says Kathy Turley, director of marketing at Home Clean Heroes. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to use the same wipe to clean the toilet handle and then use it on the front doorknob.\u201d Thinking about that example seems obvious, but it applies across the board. Using the same wipe for multiple surfaces can spread germs and dirt from one space to another. Not to mention, a single antibacterial wipe likely doesn\u2019t have enough power to effectively clean several different surfaces.\n</p><h4>2. Not reading the label\n</h4><p><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-large' wp-image-10180 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/mistakes-2-1024x684.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"1024\"' height='\"684\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mistakes-2-1024x684.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>We know, labels are boring. But reading the label on your antibacterial wipes can help you use them to the greatest effect. The label reveals \u201chow long the product must remain wet on a surface to inactivate all the bugs,\u201d something you\u2019ve probably never even thought about, explains Karen Daw, dental and medical OSHA and Infection Control coach and speaker. She says that in many cases, the surface should remain wet for at least three to four minutes to kill the germs on the surface, and the label will specify that.\n</p><p>Also, the labels on the wipes can actually reveal what types of microbes it\u2019s effective against. Don\u2019t assume that every type of wipe kills everything. After all, it\u2019s antibacterial wipes, which means that it\u2019s equipped to kill bacteria\u2014not necessarily viruses. \u201cDon\u2019t assume the antibacterial wipe is also effective against viruses,\u201d says Daw. \u201cThe label will clearly list the time needed to inactivate specific bugs.\u201d If you\u2019re specifically looking for household products that kill coronavirus, we\u2019ve got a list.\n</p><h4>3. Flushing it down the toilet\n</h4><p><img decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-full' wp-image-10181 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/mistakes-3.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"768\"' height='\"513\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mistakes-3.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>This mistake has been especially prevalent in 2020, as people have been short on toilet paper and resorting to using other things\u2014like wipes. You certainly can use wipes, but throw it away rather than flushing it down the toilet. Yes, even throw away the wipes if the packaging says \u201cflushable.\u201d And, though we just said reading the label is important, this is one part of the label that you can and should ignore. \u201cThe wipes are thicker than toilet paper and don\u2019t break down as easily, and can get caught up in the pipes, causing potential blockages\u2014or worse, overflow!\u201d explains Turley. Learn more about which toilet paper alternatives will and won\u2019t clog your toilet.\n</p><h4>4. Using it on your phone screen\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-large' wp-image-10182 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/mistakes-4-1024x683.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"1024\"' height='\"683\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mistakes-4-1024x683.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>Antibacterial wipes shouldn\u2019t be used on everything. While cleaning your electronics is certainly important, using antibacterial wipes on them could actually be damaging. \u201cWhile the wipes are generally safe to use on your keyboards, they should be used on the back or non-glass parts of your phones only,\u201d explains Turley. \u201cThe chemicals in the wipes can break down the coating on screens that are supposed to prevent fingerprint marks.\u201d Instead, here are the best sanitizers to clean your phone.\n</p><h4>5. Storing it improperly\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-large' wp-image-10183 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/mistakes-5-1024x685.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"1024\"' height='\"685\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mistakes-5-1024x685.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>Yes, mistakes can be made while storing it, not just using it, frustratingly enough. Specifically, make sure you close the packaging so that the wipes aren\u2019t exposed to open air. \u201cMost of the time, they have alcohol as a disinfectant method,\u201d says Dr. Nidhi Ghildayal, Ph.D., researcher with a focus on infectious diseases. \u201cIf you leave them open, the alcohol will dry out and your wipes will become useless.\u201d Likewise, don\u2019t use a dried-up wipe on a surface; if it\u2019s dried up it\u2019s lost most of its cleaning power and will be ineffective.\n</p><h4>6. Using it on wood\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-large' wp-image-10184 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/mistakes-6.1-1024x682.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"1024\"' height='\"682\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mistakes-6.1-1024x682.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>Antibacterial wipes can damage wooden surfaces; there are no two ways to say it. \u201cAny kind of wood flooring or furniture you own should not be cleaned with antibacterial wipes,\u201d explains licensed health coach Jamie Bacharach. This is because the porous wood can absorb the liquid from the wipes, damaging it. \u201cThese wipes may leave behind a stain and, unless otherwise specified, are typically not designed for use with wood.\u201d Surprise\u2014another reason to read the label! Wood is actually one of several things you shouldn\u2019t be using antibacterial wipes on.\n</p><h4>7. Using it on visibly dirty surfaces\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-large' wp-image-10185 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/mistakes-6-1024x682.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"1024\"' height='\"682\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mistakes-6-1024x682.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>This might sound strange at first since cleaning is its entire purpose. But if you use it in a space that\u2019s actively dirty, you could just end up pushing the dirt around. Removing dirt from surfaces should be a different process than disinfecting with wipes. \u201cA dirty surface makes it more difficult to disinfect,\u201d explains Daw. \u201cSo you may need to give the surface a good scrubbing with one wipe (or just soap and water), then grab a second wipe to disinfect.\u201d This makes more sense when you learn the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing.\n</p><h4>8. Using it after its expiration date\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-large' wp-image-10186 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/mistakes-7-1024x683.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"1024\"' height='\"683\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mistakes-7-1024x683.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>You might not think that antibacterial wipes would have an expiration date\u2014and Ghildayal points out that sometimes, in fact, it actually doesn\u2019t. \u201cYou might not find an expiration date on your wipes,\u201d he told RD.com, \u201cbut you should generally not use them more than two years after purchase, at the most.\u201d Without an expiration date, how will you know when to stop using it? \u201cIf they have a weaker scent than usual when you reopen them for use, they are likely too old to be used,\u201d Ghildayal suggests.\n</p><h4>9. Using it for kids\u2019 toys and pet bowls\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-large' wp-image-10187 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/mistakes-8-1024x683.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"1024\"' height='\"683\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mistakes-8-1024x683.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>Keep in mind cleaning products are not meant to be ingested, especially by children! So avoid using it on your pets\u2019 food bowls or children\u2019s toys (especially baby toys, which you know the tots are going to put in their mouths!). \u201cAntibacterial wipes carry chemicals, which are\u2026left behind on the surfaces they come into contact with,\u201d explains Bacharach.\n</p><h4>10. Using it as your only cleaner\n</h4><p><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"size-large' wp-image-10188 aligncenter src="%5C%22http:%5C/%5C/alternatech.net%5C/wp-content%5C/uploads%5C/2021%5C/06%5C/mistakes-9-1024x683.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"\"' width='\"1024\"' height='\"683\"' srcset='\"https:\/\/lorevista.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/mistakes-9-1024x683.jpg' https: sizes='\"(max-width:'>\n</p><p>This may seem obvious, but it still deserves a mention. Antibacterial wipes are good for helping you to quickly disinfect a surface. It won\u2019t provide a \u201cdeep clean\u201d or clean specific surfaces that need a certain cleaning product. \u201cThey are not good enough to be the sole cleaner for your kitchen and bathroom surfaces,\u201d specifies Jon Gibbons of Smart Vacuums. \u201cAntibacterial wipes are great for a quick rundown, but they will not leave the kitchen or bathroom sparkling under the surface.\u201d\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>If you\u2019re making any of these mistakes with antibacterial wipes, you could be sabotaging your cleaning process. Keep reading for the mistakes of using antibacterial wipes, plus tips to use them right. 1. Using it for more than one thing It may seem less wasteful, not to mention easier, to use a single wipe on\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10178,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"%%title%%","_seopress_titles_desc":"If you\u2019re making any of these mistakes with antibacterial wipes, you could be sabotaging your cleaning process. 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