The one thing that everyone wants on hand right now especially during the pandemic are antibacterial wipes. That is why they are so hard to find right now. However, anything that fights bacteria will not necessarily touch viruses. But these wipes will kill off germs regardless.
However, what if the way you are using these wipes is not the correct way? What could you possibly be doing wrong while using these wipes? Let’s go over 10 common mistakes you need to stop making right now when it comes to using these wipes.
Reusing These Wipes
Because of the fact that antibacterial wipes are not easy to get, it is tempting to reuse them because that will make them last longer. However, let’s face facts. If you reuse your wipes, how clean could they possibly be? If you use them the one time as you should since they are disposable, they are full of the germs from the surface you wiped them with. If you use it again, you are only spreading those germs onto the surface you are wiping. That just defeats the purpose.
You Don’t Read The Label On The Container
You grab these antibacterial wipes and you are cleaning away, you could be doing it all wrong. Firstly, you are assuming these wipes will kill off any microbe around, but what if the label states otherwise? And what if you wipe the surface down and dry it with a paper towel right after? That meant you missed the part on the label that said for you to allow the surface to remain wet for three minutes before drying it off in order to kill the microbes. That defeated the purpose as well.
You Flush Your Wipes Down The Toilet
Those antibacterial wipes are not flushable but yet you are tempted to just flush them down the toilet once you are done. If it does not clog up the toilet, then there is a good chance it will clog up the pipes and cause complications. Don’t do it. Throw the used wipes out into the garbage instead.
Cleaning Your Phone Screen
You know that your phone screen is loaded with germs so it makes sense you would use those wipes to clean it. However, the components in the wipes can break down the glass and you will only want to clean your phone with wipes that are geared for cleaning glass. Don’t use any ordinary antibacterial wipe for it.
Leaving The Container Open For Too Long
If you put the wipes away without closing the container, then you are storing the wipes improperly. If the wipes are stored this way, they will dry out and your wipes will not be useful. It will end up being just a waste and the last thing you want to do is waste your wipes in any way at all. Always close the containers well and make sure they are completely sealed before putting them away.
Wiping Wood Down
Do not use antibacterial wipes on wood as it can easily damage wood by breaking down the surfaces. Never wipe down your wooden floors or wooden furniture or else you will end up having to face repair costs. That is also something that would be noted on the label as well.
Using It On Surfaces That Are Extremely Dirty
What happens when you attempt to clean a dirty surface with an antibacterial wipe? You are only pushing the dirt everywhere and achieving nothing else. What you need to do is clean the surface first with soap and water with a paper towel. The soap and water would have also cleaned off the microbe but if you want to use the wipe on it after you clean and dry it, you can.
Using The Wipes After Expiration
Are you using wipes that you bought years ago? Then chances are they are not going to kill off those microbes. Wipes that were purchased more than two years ago are no good and are not helpful. You need to toss them away.
Using It For Kids And Pet Toys And Bowls
Young kids put toys into their mouths, and they eat out of their bowls. Your pets chew on their toys and put their faces up to the bowls they are eating out of. These wipes are made of dangerous chemicals that should never be ingested and can make your child or pet very sick. Only use cleaning products on those things that are water-based and non-chemical.
Relying On These Wipes As Your Only Cleaner
Antibacterial wipes are powerful but they are not meant to be your only cleaner. Remember as well that these wipes will not kill every microbe around. You cannot use them on certain things such as your screens, and your kids’ and pets’ toys and food dishes and bowls. These wipes are only good for cleaning some surfaces but not all.
If you are making these mistakes with your wipes then you need to stop and make the changes that are necessary. Not everything can be cleaned with these wipes and you are making mistakes as well with using these wipes otherwise.
