The benefits of disposable wipes in contamination control

A growing body of research suggests that disposable wipes are a safer and more effective infection control method than reusable cleaning cloths.

From misting to spraying to fogging, customers have a wide range of cleaning tools at their disposal for delivering cleaners and disinfectants – but choosing the right delivery mechanism can be difficult. While disinfectants can simply be sprayed onto environmental surfaces to kill or inactivate pathogenic microorganisms, wiping the surface is an important part of the cleaning process and an effective way to control contamination on a hard surface. The efficacy of the disinfectant is reduced by the presence of soil particles, the removal of which is especially key. Wetting the wipe significantly enhances particle entrapment and removal in comparison with dry wiping methods. A study by Rutala (2012) in the US involving Clostridioides difficile found that two to three log of spores were removed simply through the physical act of wiping the surface with a damp cloth.

A recent study from Arizona, conducted by the microbiologist Chuck Gerba, showed that laundered cleaning cloths are routinely contaminated with bacteria. 93% of sampled cloths (28 out of 30) from 10 different hospitals contained viable bacteria after laundering (three cloths were collected per hospital, with eight hospitals using cotton and two using microfibre cloths). The average bacterial load was 133CFU/cm2. Species identified included Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Aspergillus fungi. The microfibre towels had higher numbers of bacteria present than the cotton cloths.

In summary, pre-moistened disinfectant wipes can improve hygiene outcomes by providing mechanical action in wiping surfaces and reducing the complexity of the cleaning process by eliminating the challenges associated with managing used cleaning cloths, including cost, inadequate laundering, and storage requirements

THE BENEFITS OF USING WET WIPES

It is common for people to hold the idea that regular cleansing with soap and water is enough to protect the skin and odour. However, many studies have shown that soap can actually be drying to the skin and cause irritation. Frequent contact with soap and water strips the natural oils from the skin. Wipes are therefore important for removing faeces and urine without the need for scrubbing. Wet wipes can gently dissolve irritants, whilst helping maintain the skin’s natural PH. Prior to widespread use of modern absorbent hygiene products, incontinence associated dermatitis was a very common occurrence. Modern wet wipes have provided an important role in preventing contamination and transmission of infectious diseases. Wet wipes are pre-moistened with a 3 in 1 formula to cleanse, restore and protect skin with just a single wipe. They can be used to cleanse, moisturise and deodorise, offering anti-bacterial and barrier protection. Wet wipes can be used on every part of your body and specifically the areas that incontinence affects. These wipes are a necessity when making a trip to the appropriate facilities isn’t possible. Studies have found that the removal of washbowls and replacement with a pre-packaged solution such as wet wipes demonstrated a significant reduction in CAUTI rates of 88%. The Key Benefits of Using Wet Wipes:

-They are PH Balanced

-Some wet wipes are enriched with aloe and a light scent to sooth the skin and reduce odours

-Leave the skin soft and clean

-Ideal when running water is unavailable

-Improved skin health

-Enables quick and easy hygiene throughout the day

-Suitable for frequent use

-Raise personal hygiene standards

-Prevent the development of Incontinence Associated Dermatitis

-Convenient

Wet Wipes vs. Dry Wipes

Wet wipes are ready for use after buying, however they may also be warmed to further increase user comfort. They are often more convenient, as they feature a moisturising composition that deodorises skin as well as fighting bacteria to aid with infection control. Dry wipes are often preferred by some users for their lack of chemicals, making them more suitable for those with sensitive skin. If you are sensitive to perfumes and would rather use wet wipes, ensure you avoid using the wipes that are scented. They are also often free from chemicals and perfume, so are more ideal for regular use. Dry wipes, however, do require use alongside foams and other cleansing products, whereas wet wipes can be used alone. If you are on a budget therefore, wet wipes would be more convenient for you.