Disinfectant Wipes

Updated at: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 08:50:40 GMT

Step 1

First and foremost, note that these disinfectants are intended for surfaces and not humans. They can be harsh on your skin and lungs, so the CDC advises that you handle these solutions while wearing gloves and in a room with proper ventilation.

Step 2

Before using the bleach, alcohol, or an EPA-registered disinfectant it's crucial to take note of the following:

Step 3

If using bleach, ensure that the bottle is not past its expiration date. Additionally, make sure that this bleach is minimally 1000ppm sodium hypochlorite or says that it’s intended for disinfection. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser.

Step 4

If using alcohol, you'll need to dilute it. Isopropyl alcohol contains 91% alcohol content and ethanol (also known as grain alcohol) contains 95% alcohol content. The ideal alcohol content to properly disinfect is 70% isopropyl alcohol or 60% ethanol. Follow the steps below to properly dilute it. If you’re pulling from an older stock of alcohol, make sure that it was kept in an airtight container in a cool, dark place so that the alcohol didn’t partially evaporate. If you’re unsure, purchase a new bottle. Isopropyl alcohol can be purchased online or at your local pharmacy. Ethanol can be purchased at your local liquor store.

Step 5

How to make bleach-based disinfectant wipes:

Step 6

Put on gloves and open a window for proper ventilation.

Step 7

Mix ingredients in an airtight container. Depending on the volume you're looking for, the ratios are either 5 tablespoons of bleach to 1 gallon of water or 4 teaspoons bleach to 1 quart of water.

Step 8

Submerge your paper towels or cloths completely into the diluted bleach for at least 5 minutes to soak up the solution effectively.

Step 9

Tightly close the container.

Step 10

According to the CDC, bleach solutions will only be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours. After that time, you’ll need to make a new batch of diluted bleach every time you want to use disinfectant wipes.

Step 11

How to make alcohol-based disinfectant wipes:

Step 12

Put on gloves.

Step 13

If using 91% isopropyl alcohol, mix 7 cups of alcohol with 3 cups of water.

Step 14

If using 95% ethanol (otherwise known as grain alcohol), mix 6 cups of alcohol with 4 cups of water.

Step 15

Place your paper towels or cloths into an airtight container and fill it with your newly diluted alcohol solution until they are completely submerged.

Step 16

Wait 5 minutes before using so your paper towels or wipes can properly soak up the solution.

Step 17

Tightly close the container and store your wipes in a dark, cool place to prevent alcohol evaporation (or place in a plastic sealable bag for portable wipes).

Step 18

How to use disinfectant wipes:

Step 19

Wipe in one direction to avoid reinfecting areas and leave the surface wet for the appropriate amount of time to properly disinfect.

Step 20

Once you have made your wipes, it’s important to use them properly so that you're not just spreading germs around. Senior lab testing technician, Jonathan Chan, recommends wiping in one direction to avoid reinfecting areas.

Step 21

For bleach-based wipes, the surface needs to remain wet for at least one minute to disinfect it properly. "The thing to remember about sanitizing wipes," says senior scientist, Julia MacDougall, "is that for full effectiveness, you have to let the surface soak for the right amount of time or you're not disinfecting". Remember that any time you’re handling bleach, you should be wearing gloves and in a room with proper ventilation. Don’t wear clothes that you’re particularly fond of while making or using bleach wipes because the bleach may discolor them. You should also avoid cleaning anything metal, especially stainless steel, with bleach because it can cause it to rust prematurely.

Step 22

For alcohol-based wipes, wet the surface completely. Your surface is disinfected once the surface dries. Wear gloves to prevent skin irritation.

Step 23

These wipes are intended for use on hard surfaces. To disinfect soft surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, the CDC recommends using soap and water or other cleaners deemed appropriate. If you can put them in the laundry, make sure that you launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use the warmest appropriate water setting. Let the items dry completely.

Step 24

You can also disinfect surfaces in your home with an EPA-registered disinfectant spray. The CDC website includes a list of these disinfectants that work on both hard and soft surfaces.

Step 25

The CDC advises to follow this process:

Step 26

Check that your product is EPA-approved.

Step 27

Read the product directions, particularly about what surface it can be used on and any precautionary measures to take.

Step 28

Put on gloves before using, remove after use, and wash your hands thoroughly (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds).

Step 29

Pre-clean the surface if the product directions say so.

Step 30

Make sure the disinfectant remains wet on the surface for the necessary amount of time to ensure effectiveness.

Step 31

Where to use disinfectant wipes

Step 32

There are many surfaces in your home that you probably don’t clean as often as you should. And while hard high-touch surfaces are better incubators for the virus, it can live on soft surfaces such as your clothing and carpets, too. The CDC notes that some of the most high-touch surfaces in your home include:

Step 33

Tables

Step 34

Doorknobs

Step 35

Light switches

Step 36

Countertops

Step 37

Handles

Step 38

Desks

Step 39

Phones

Step 40

Keyboards

Step 41

Toilets

Step 42

Faucets

Step 43

Sinks

Step 44

Tablets and other touch screens

Step 45

Remote controls

Step 46

Clothing

Step 47

Towels

Step 48

Linens

Step 49

Remember, another way to help prevent the spread of the virus is to wash your hands thoroughly (with soap and water for at least 20 seconds) and often.

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