What is the difference between cleaning wipes and hospital-grade disinfectant wipes?
In medical settings, thorough cleaning and sanitation are essential for patient safety. Inadequately disinfected surfaces can pose a serious health risk for many patients. Hospital-grade disinfectants are chemical cleaning wipes that meet the criteria to disinfect (removes potentially harmful pathogens) on widely-used hospital surfaces.
Cleaning wipes are more commonly used in household or non-medical settings. While they may be able to clean surfaces, they are not proven to remove pathogens and are not to be used to replace hospital-grade cleaners.
Why do the percentages of Benzethonium Chloride and Isopropyl Alcohol matter in medical-grade disinfectant wipes?
Cleaning supplies made of 0.1% - 0.3% of benzethonium chloride have been proven to be effective for killing bacteria while remaining safe for contact with human skin. Benzethonium Chloride does not kill viruses.
Medical alcohol wipes containing 70% isopropyl alcohol or higher are considered to be medical-grade. Isopropyl alcohol is effective in killing bacteria, fungus, and some viruses on the hands and on surfaces at this concentration.
Shop online for alcohol wipes
Alpha Medical Solutions offers a wide selection of medical supplies and hospital grade hand sanitiser for the clinical, hospital and home care setting. All online orders of Alpha Medical Solutions medical supplies over $200 AUS are freight free for the Sydney NSW metro area. Alpha Medical Solutions reserves the right to provide a freight quote for larger or unusual heavy orders.
FAQs
What are disinfectant wipes used for?
Disinfectant wipes are pre-moistened cleaning wipes infused with antimicrobial solutions designed to kill germs, bacteria, and viruses on hard surfaces. They are commonly used in healthcare facilities, offices, homes, and food-preparation areas.
These wipes offer quick and convenient disinfection without needing separate sprays or cloths, making them ideal for high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, benchtops, medical equipment, keyboards, phones, and bathroom fixtures.
Always ensure the surface stays visibly wet for the recommended contact time to achieve effective disinfection.
What should I look for when choosing disinfectant wipes?
When selecting disinfectant wipes, it’s important to consider factors such as:
- Kill claims — Look for wipes that are proven to eliminate common pathogens like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and influenza.
- Alcohol vs. alcohol-free — Alcohol-based wipes are effective for rapid disinfection, while alcohol-free formulas are gentler on surfaces and suitable for sensitive equipment.
- Surface compatibility — Ensure the wipes are safe for use on plastics, metals, medical devices, and electronic equipment.
- Contact time — Check how long the surface must stay wet for effective germ kill, which varies by brand and formula.
Choosing the right wipe ensures proper infection control and prevents damage to equipment or surfaces.
Are disinfectant wipes safe to use on electronic devices?
Many disinfectant wipes are safe for electronics, but it depends on the formula. Alcohol-based wipes are typically recommended for keyboards, phones, tablets, touchscreens, and office equipment because they evaporate quickly and do not leave residue.
Avoid overly wet wipes or those containing bleach unless the device manufacturer specifically approves them. Always follow device cleaning guidelines to prevent moisture damage.
Do disinfectant wipes kill viruses such as influenza and coronavirus?
Yes — most hospital-grade disinfectant wipes are tested and proven to kill viruses including influenza, coronaviruses, rhinovirus, and other common pathogens. The effectiveness depends on the active ingredients, such as quaternary ammonium compounds or alcohol.
To ensure full protection, always follow the manufacturer’s recommended contact time, which may range from 30 seconds to several minutes depending on the wipe type.
Can disinfectant wipes be used on skin or hands?
No — disinfectant wipes designed for hard surfaces should not be used on skin. They often contain strong chemicals intended for environmental cleaning and may cause irritation when applied to hands or body.
For personal hygiene, use hand sanitiser, antibacterial hand wipes, or soap and water. Always read the product label to confirm intended use and avoid misuse that could cause skin sensitivity.