Do you wish that you could easily clean up any mess in your kitchen with a single swipe? Instead of spending hours scrubbing away with multiple cleaners, you can kill all the germs and bacteria with just one flick of the wrist while using non-toxic disinfectant wipes.
These handy eco-wipes contain the right cleaner and treatment to keep your kitchen safe from germs that naturally come around in a cooking environment.
Many people have questions about whether these wipes actually work, how safe they are, and which ones they should buy. Some even wonder if they can make natural disinfectant wipes at home. If you want to learn how to clean your kitchen the easy way, here are a few of the answers about non-toxic wipes that you need to know!
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The Difference Between Cleaning and Disinfecting
There are plenty of all-purpose cleaning products on the market today that are non-toxic options for tackling some of your everyday messes. These are excellent products that deserve some room in your cleaning cabinet. However, the difference between cleaning and disinfecting is actually rather significant.
Cleaning means that you are removing dirt and germs from a surface. By using some type of soap, you are removing the germs from the surface but are not necessarily killing them. It minimizes the number of germs and bacteria on your surface, but it is not as effective at eliminating cold and flu viruses.
On the other hand, disinfecting kills germs on surfaces. It does this using antimicrobial pesticides which can be rather harsh on the skin and the environment. You may want to note that disinfecting something does not necessarily mean it is clean. It could still be caked with dirt, even though the bacteria have been removed.
Both activities need to be done regularly to keep your kitchen safe and free from bacteria. This is especially true for areas where you prepare certain foods such as meats. You need to clean and disinfect routinely to promote a healthy environment.
One of the major benefits of disinfecting wipes is that they are advertised to kill germs and bacteria on contact. Several products on the market claim to kill up to 99.9 percent of these bacteria based on research. The question is, do these disinfecting wipes really work effectively according to the CDC?
The answer is not so clear-cut. These disinfecting wipes may work to kill germs, but you must make sure that you read the instructions thoroughly before you begin cleaning. Some products are solely for cleaning while others are both cleaners and disinfects.
For products designed to clean as well as disinfect, you may find two separate sets of instructions. Cleaning usually requires that the cleaning agent simply come into contact with a surface. On the other hand, disinfecting typically requires that the cleaning agent remains on the surface for a specific length of time.
Usually, the disinfecting agent must remain on the surface for at least three to five minutes. Some products call for longer wait times of ten minutes or so. The surface will need to remain wet during this time if you hope to kill the germs and bacteria. Be sure to read the instructions on your cleaner carefully to determine how long the cleaner needs to do its job.
For most disinfecting wipes, you can simply allow the cleaner to air dry. This often gives it enough time to kill the germs and bacteria. It also makes cleaning a quick one-step process for you.
EWG Disinfecting Wipes
Many people are familiar with the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a group that is dedicated to helping people make educated decisions about the products they use. They rate everything from makeup products to non-toxic disinfectant wipes for how safe they are for regular use. What do they have to say about the use of disinfecting wipes?
A quick glance at their list of disinfecting wipes shows that many receive extremely low scores. Most products receive a rating of either a D or an F, meaning that they have a high concern for hazards to health or the environment.
The reason it is so hard to find EWF disinfecting wipes is because of the way that these wipes are made. Disinfecting wipes are designed to kill off germs and bacteria by using antimicrobial pesticides. These chemicals trigger several different health concerns including asthma and allergies. The EPA is responsible for paying attention to how these pesticides are used in our cleaners, but they cannot guarantee safety.
Top 3 Non-Toxic Disinfectant Wipes
As a result, it is challenging to find a quality disinfecting wipe that does not pose a risk to health. While none of the wipes listed on our ranking here have the EWG seal of approval, they do make promising steps toward the creation of safer products.
1. CleanWell Botanical Disinfecting Wipes
Discerning consumers often want to purchase non-toxic wipes that also contribute back to the environment. The CleanWell Botanical disinfecting wipes (on Amazon) gives you the best of both worlds. They are tough on dirt and grime while remaining plant-based. They are completely free of harsh cleaners like bleach and are great for kids and pets.
Unlike many of the more natural wipes are simply all-purpose, but they do disinfect. The CleanWell product is designed to fill this niche in the market with a plant-based alternative to harsh cleaners. According to research, they kill up to 99.9 percent of household germs using their botanical formula, including those associated with the cold and flu viruses.
Additionally, these wipes have some unique features that you need to know when making a purchase:
- Vegan
- No animal testing
- Gluten-free
- No rinse is required on food preparation areas or children’s toys
- Lemon scent
- Deodorizing capabilities
Even better, these non-toxic disinfectant wipes are still affordable. Each container has 160 wipes in it.
2. Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Wipes
Another natural option that you may want to consider is the Seventh Generation Disinfecting wipes. These are convenient options that you can use anywhere without rinsing or wiping when the cleaning job is finished. You can safely use them in food preparation areas, though you may need to do some pre-cleaning for particularly tough stains and messes.
The Seventh Generation offering is another one of the best non-toxic disinfectant wipes that relies on a botanical formula to kill germs and bacteria. They are up to 99.9 percent effective against the cold and flu virus. The primary ingredient in their formula is thymol derived from natural essential oils instead of harsh cleaners like bleach.
These natural disinfectant wipes will leave your home smelling particularly fresh with their lemongrass citrus scent. A pack of three gives you a total of 210 wipes. This product is great for someone who wants a natural way to clean up stains and messes without the hassle of making their own DIY non-toxic wipes.
3. Clorox Compostable Cleaning Wipes
Many people use Clorox wipes in their kitchens and bathrooms on a regular basis. However, these wipes can contain harmful ingredients that are not safe for babies and pets such as bleach. This household name brand has come up with a new solution that should put your mind at ease: Clorox Compostable Cleaning Wipes.
The new formula is bleach-free and fragrance-free so that you can safely use it on all of the surfaces that a baby may touch. These wipes are also dye-free. It can clean baby toys, messes, and any other hard surface around your home with a safe non-toxic cleaning agent. You can dispose of the wipes when you finish with them but do not flush them down the toilet.
This is a great alternative for individuals who would prefer to stick with a common household name that they are familiar with instead of branching out into more natural formulas. Clorox is a trusted brand for most individuals, and this product should live up to your expectations.
Last but not least, these Clorox Compostable Cleaning Wipes are an affordable option for someone who has to do a lot of cleaning. Just don’t use Clorox wipes on granite.
Are Clorox Wipes Safe on Skin?
It seems important to address a pressing question that many people have about this leading name brand: Are Clorox wipes safe on the skin? They have the potential to be highly effective at killing germs and bacteria on hard surfaces. Many people wonder whether it is safe to use on their hands and other body parts to kill germs that they may come into contact with.
The answer is no, they are not safe for use on human skin. These wipes are not a replacement for baby wipes. They can cause serious damage to young children and can even damage adult skin as well.
Some people may develop mild reactions to these wipes including red, itchy, or peeling skin. More severe allergic reactions are possible as well, but most people will only develop mild reactions to these cleaning agents.
While it may not harm you to hold one in your hand while scrubbing your kitchen counters, they are not designed to sanitize your skin. All of their claims in regard to their cleaning powers are only proven by use on hard surfaces.
DIY Natural Disinfecting Wipes – Homemade alternative
Perhaps you prefer the many benefits of being able to make your own home cleaners. If you learn how to make your own natural disinfectant wipes, you can rest assured that you know exactly what ingredients they contain. This is a safe alternative to purchasing harsh cleaners that might be rough on your skin, countertops, and other kitchen surfaces.
To make the best all-natural disinfecting wipes, you need a handful of ingredients:
- A roll of paper towels or a small pile of roughly thirty 4×6 cloth
- Natural dish soap
- Rubbing alcohol
If you are using cloths, make sure that you have a good storage place for them. A solid glass jar is a good option so that you can easily reach in to grab a rag at a time when you need it.
If you are using paper towels, you will want to store them in a canister. You can place the entire roll in an old baby wipes container or an old container of disposable disinfecting wipes. When you insert the new roll of paper towels, remove the cardboard tube from the center so that you can pull the paper towels out one at a time.
The trick to removing the cardboard tube is to wait until the entire roll has had time to soak in the cleaning solution. This will make it much easier and more pliable to take out without damaging the entire roll.
How to Make Your Own Disinfecting Wipes
In a small bowl, combine two cups of water with two tablespoons of dish soap and ½ cup of rubbing alcohol. Pour the mixture over the cloths or the paper towels. Easily add a natural scent with the addition of essential oils. Add a few drops of your favorite blend for a relaxing aroma or use an essential oil known to help kill bacteria such as lemongrass essential oil.
The Best Non-Toxic Disinfectant Wipe
Knowing how to spot the best non-toxic disinfectant wipes and how to use them properly can make cleaning your kitchen easier than ever before. Using some of these natural options, you can contribute to a healthier planet while reaping the benefits of their antimicrobial properties. Choose from one of these store-bought versions or whip up a batch of your very own non-toxic disinfectant wipes that you can easily customize.
No matter how you choose to clean your kitchen for the cold and flu season, these non-toxic wipes can certainly help you get the job done.
FAQ
What can you use to make your own natural disinfectant wipes?
You can combine Dawn dish soap, rubbing alcohol, and warm water to make your own natural disinfectant wipes. Simply combine those ingredients and pour them over a pile of rags or a roll of paper towels.
Are Clorox wipes safe on skin?
No, Clorox wipes are not safe on skin. They can cause mild issues like red and itchy skin or more severe allergies. Do not use these as a substitute for baby wipes.
What should I look for in the best non-toxic disinfectant wipe?
You should look for a plant-based formula that does not use bleach, harsh ingredients, or synthetic fragrances.
Is cleaning the same as disinfecting?
No, cleaning and disinfecting are two different things. Cleaning means removing germs from the surface of an object while disinfecting means killing germs.
Last update on 2024-04-03 at 05:03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
