Alcohol Wipes
Alcohol wipes come with 70% isopropyl alcohol and are used to disinfect cuts, scrapes and intact skin. The alcohol wipes usually come in prepackaged kits so that the alcohol does not evaporate on exposure to the environment. Alcohol wipes are used to make sure the skin, cut or scrape is free from contamination which could result in some to deadly infections. The alcohol wipes are used in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, healthcare facilities and are trustable item used in first aid kits to quickly and efficiently disinfect the area which requires treatment. Alcohol wipes are for external use only and are mostly to be disposed off immediately.
- Alcohol wipes are meant for single use only.
- Disinfecting the area before an injection or drawing blood reduces the chances of infection.
- The disposed of alcohol swab that contains traces of blood should be considered as waste.
6 Best Alcohol Wipes by Healthcare Professionals Recommendation
- Deyo Disinfectant wipes
- IPA wipes
- Instant Hand Sanitizer wipes with Aloevera & Vitamin E – diamond wipes
- 70% Isopropyl Alcohol wipes [Pharma C wipes]
- Meishiyu – 50 pcs. Disinfection wipes pads (cleaning sterilization 75% alcohol wipes)
- Dynarex – sterile alcohol prep pads
Salient Features of wipes:
- High absorbency and liquid retention
- Strong, will not tear, shred or lint
- Holds up to the most rigorous scrub
- Plastic safe
- Flammable+
- Regular cleaning strength
How to Make Disinfectant Wipes with Alcohol
CDC recommends alcohol as a very effective cleaner to disinfect all types of household surfaces. To make alcohol-based disinfectant wipes, use at least 70% rubbing alcohol (undiluted) for the most effective and good cleaning. Take a roll of paper towels (or small kitchen cloths for reusable wipes) and an airtight container large enough to store them. You can cut the paper towel roll into half to fit if required. Choose a container that's not used for storing food, beverages, or other cleaners and label it to avoid an accidental mix-up. Use the below mentioned steps on how to make disinfectant wipes using alcohol:
- Pour rubbing alcohol into your airtight container, leaving enough room at the top so the cloths can fit inside.
- Add the paper towels or cloths to the container and fully submerge them in the alcohol.
- Let the wipes soak for at least five minutes before using.
You can also turn the pre-made wipes, such as unused makeup wipes or baby wipes, into disinfectant wipes by submerging them in rubbing alcohol (but these wipes should never be used with bleach). After wiping down the surface with your alcohol-based disinfectant wipe, let the solution sit in for at least five minutes to effectively kill germs and viruses present.
How to Make Disinfectant Wipes with Bleach
Bleach is another powerful disinfectant that is very effective and is used against the corona virus, but it requires special care when been used. The harsh chemical can discolor clothing and irritate your sensory organs. You must always wear rubber gloves and make sure that the room or the area where it is used is very well ventilated when you are working with bleach, including the time when making and using the disinfectant wipes.
Statutory warning: Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaners, as it results in dangerous chemical reactions.
To make disinfectant wipes yourself with bleach, one must first check the expiry date on the bottle to make sure the bleach is still effective, as the chemical starts to degrade after a shelf-life of about six months. Then put on rubber gloves and follow these instructions to make homemade disinfectant wipes with bleach:
- Prepare the bleach solution by mixing 4 teaspoons of bleach per quarter of water.
- Pour the solution into some airtight container, ensuring that it is not filled up to thetop.
- Add the paper towels or cloths into the container and fully submerge them in the solution.
- Let the wipes soak for at least five minutes before using them.
Always wear rubber gloves when cleaning with bleach-based disinfectant wipes.
It's important to note that when it is mixed with water, the bleach is only effective for about 24 hours, so these homemade disinfectant wipes are not intended for a long-term storage. For the best disinfecting power, you'll need to make a fresh batch of bleach disinfectant wipes for everyday use often.
Although store-bought wipes are the most effective and convenient option, the disinfectant wipes will work efficiently and effectively. Until store shelves are restocked, they might be your best option for a quick clean.
