Disinfectant Wipes and Alcohol Free Wipes: What’s the difference?

There are a plethora of sanitization products in the market today, even larger than before due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As sanitization becomes a part of our daily routines, the dire need for quick and effective methods is on the rise. Disinfectant wipes or, alcohol wipes, are an easy way to sanitize surfaces quickly. According to health authority data, wipes are as effective at killing germs as any other sanitizing gel, liquid, or spray product.

But, with the large variety of wipes to pick from on the supermarket shelves, which should you choose? What is the difference between your regular pack of natural wipes lying in your cupboard and the disinfectant wipes? Do they work the same way?

Disinfectant wipes with Alcohol

All kinds of sanitizing wipes available in the market contain some type of cleaning chemical. The difference between the sanitizing capacity of each product lies in its composition.

The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend sanitization products with at least 60% alcohol by volume (Ethanol or IPA) for effective protection from disease-causing germs. Alcohol kills bacteria and viruses by dissolving the membranes on the surface of the cells.

A product used for disinfection kills germs on the surface it is used on. However, products with non-disinfection strength only slow down the growth of germs.

Our Purell Hand Sanitizing wipes, 70% alcohol content, 80/pk contain sufficient strength of alcohol and other additives that kill germs on high-touch surfaces. These can be used to effectively disinfect home electronics, restaurants, supermarket touch-surfaces, and also medical facility working surfaces.

• 70% alcohol content
• The germ-killing power of Purell in an alcohol formulation wipe
• For personal hand hygiene to help prevent the spread of certain bacteria
• Kills 99.99% of common germs that may cause illnesses
• Non-linting, durable, textured wipe also helps to remove light soils and dirt
• Use anytime for quick clean-up when soap and water are not available
• Pop-top dispenser for easy 1-handed dispensing
• Active ingredient: Ethyl Alcohol
• 6" x 7" sheets

Non-alcohol wipes for cleaning

Wet-wipes or natural wipes are the regular, non-alcohol wipes available for purchase at the personal care section at a supermarket. Skin cleansing wipes and make-up wipes also fall into this category.

Natural wipes contain a small amount of detergent and other cleansing agents suitable for use on skin. However, these wipes are not effective for the sanitization of inanimate surfaces. Wet-wipes can only inhibit the growth of germs, but cannot kill them.

Our PURELL^®Non-Alcohol Hand Sanitizing Wipes, 270 wipes contain America’s #1 instant hand sanitizer in a non-linting durable wipe. Textured for superior cleaning, they sanitize while wiping away light soils and dirt from hands. Kills most common germs that may cause illness. Convenient, easy to use and ideal for offices, restaurants, health clubs, retail stores, or anywhere else germs can be found. Alcohol-free formulation. 270 count.

Durable, non-linting wipes.

• 270 Count Eco-Fit Canister
• Removes light soils and dirt from hands
• Sanitizes hands while wiping away light soils and dirt
• Medicated Cleanser kills harmful bacteria or germs
• Convenient, easy to use and ideal for offices, restaurants, health clubs or anywhere else germs may be

Planning a cleaning regime

Disinfectant wipes are only effective in the absence of visible debris like food or soil. So, the surface to be disinfected must be cleared of large waste particles before using the wipe.

Many natural wipes can be used to clean the visible debris followed by the use of a disinfectant wipe. After that, the surface must be left for a few minutes to air-dry and not rubbed with a dry cloth.

All wipes should be disposed of in a manner indicated in the back of the package. Disposing of through a pipe can clog it. There are many bio-degradable wipes available that disintegrate in nature and do not leave a positive carbon footprint.

If you have allergies or health conditions, consult your doctor before using a natural or disinfectant wipe on a daily basis.