Disinfectant Wipes and Cleaning Wipes

Cleaning and disinfecting products are essential to homes, offices, and schools. Disinfecting wipes are an effective way to complete both tasks safely with one product. Staples carries a wide selection of disinfecting wipes and many other cleaning supplies. Sponges, washcloths, and paper towels are useful tools for wiping up messes, but, they aren't as safe and cost-effective to use as wipes.

Disinfecting Wipes Kill Germs, Bacteria

Using sponges and washcloths can spread bacteria and other contaminants instead of disinfecting if they aren't properly cleaned and dried after each use. With disposable wipes, you can clean surfaces with separate wipes that also disinfect. Sanitizing wipes, such as Clorox disinfectant wipes, kill 99.99 percent of household germs including Influenza A viruses, common cold viruses, Staph, Salmonella, and E-coli on hard, nonporous surfaces when used as directed. Along with sanitizing, select Lysol wipes also remove 95 percent of allergens such as dust mite debris, pollen, and pet dander.

Finding the Right Disinfecting Wipes

The streak-free formula in most options makes them an excellent choice for surfaces such as countertops, entertainment stands, and even windows. You can find them for nearly every type of cleanup including windows, floors, electronics, showers, cars and carpets. Most electronics and window wipes are lint-free for crystal clear results. Some brands offer wipes with two different sides, one for scrubbing and the other for wiping. For added freshness, choose options that are lemon, lavender, citrus, linen or ocean scented. Unscented varieties are also available.

Choosing Natural Disinfecting Wipes

Several brands make natural pre-wet cloths for cleaning that still kill 99.99 percent of household germs. These wipes are safe for children, adults and pets. Botanical disinfects are made with essential oils that include thyme, oregano and lemongrass oils as well as citric acid to aid in cleaning.

What Are the "Safer Choice" Labels on Some Disinfecting Wipes?

Cleaning products with the Safer Choice labels meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Design for the Environment Program. The agency reviews the ingredients in the products that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and their pH level, which is the level of acid in the wipe's ingredients. High levels of pH can cause skin and eye irritations.

How Do You Use Disinfecting Wipes?

Cleaning will remove some germs, dirt and other unwanted items on surfaces, but, it won't kill all germs. Instead, it just reduces the spread of infections from germs. Disinfecting is the second step, and it kills germs. For greater results, clean and disinfect to sanitize surfaces. To disinfect surfaces, wipe and then allow about four minutes for it to dry before using it. Always throw away wipes that are soiled, never reuse them and don't use them on more than one surface.

What Size Packages Are Available?
Disposable wipes for cleaning are available in several quantities. Consider 6-packs of 70 or 110 for large offices, schools and gyms. Also, you can choose a 3-pack of wipes in 70, 75, 80 and 240 counts to keep one in every room of the house or office for quick cleanups. You can also buy travel packages of 24 that fit conveniently in handbags, diaper bags or glove compartments. If you need other cleaning materials, check out our selection of hand soaps, sanitizers, and other useful products.