Mistakes You’re Making With Antibacterial Wipes
Not Reading Directions
Drying Surfaces Too Fast
Wiping Your Hands
Not Cleaning First
Using Them On Soft Surfaces
Cleaning Toys
Not Using Enough
Cleaning Fruits and Veggies
Flushing Them Down the Toilet
Using Them to Clean Your Phone
Leaving Them in Hot Places
Using Them on Pets or Their Dishes
Sanitizing Too Much
Using Old Wipes
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SOURCES:
Erica Hartmann, PhD, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University.
The Journal of Hospital Infection: “Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and their inactivation with biocidal agents.”
CDC: “(Coronavirus Disease 2019) Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home: Everyday Steps and Extra Steps When Someone is Sick,” “Detailed Disinfection Guidance,” “Cleaning and Disinfection for Households: Interim Recommendations for U.S. Households with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),” “Supplemental Guidance for Child Care,” “Food Safety: Fruit and Vegetable Safety.”
EPA: “6 Steps for Safe & Effective Disinfectant Use,” “List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19),” “Guidance For Cleaning and Disinfecting: Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes,” “Selecting and Serving Produce Safely,” “Is it okay to flush disinfecting wipes?”
FDA: “Q&A for Consumers: Hand Sanitizers and COVID-19.”
Mount Sinai: “Quaternary Ammonium Compounds in Cleaning Products: Health & Safety Information for Cleaners and Supervisors.”
National Capital Poison Center: “Are Cleaning Wipes Safe?”
Cleveland Clinic: “How Long Will Coronavirus Survive on Surfaces?”
Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control: “Surface area wiped, product type, and target strain impact bactericidal efficacy of ready-to-use disinfectant Towelettes.”
California Water Boards: “The Public Advised to NOT Flush Disinfecting Wipes, Paper Towels down Toilet -- Throw Them Away Instead.”
The Humane Society of the United States: “How to keep your pets safe around cleaning products.”
Mayo Clinic: “What are superbugs and how can I protect myself from infection?”
Michigan State University: “Expiring Products -- Disinfectants & Medications.”