To disinfect, surfaces must stay visibly wet with the wipe's solution for a full 4 minutes. To just sanitize, it only takes 10 seconds.
To disinfect and sanitize hard, nonporous, non-food-contact surfaces: Wipe surface with enough wipes for treated surface to remain visibly wet for 4 minutes (disinfecting) or 10 seconds (sanitization). Let the surface dry.
Because norovirus is a highly contagious, non-enveloped virus, standard alcohol-based or "antibacterial" wipes are largely ineffective. To properly kill norovirus, you must use EPA-registered disinfectants that explicitly state virucidal efficacy against norovirus on their packaging.
Bleach may be considered the gold standard for disinfecting, but Clorox Wipes — and other disinfecting wipes like them — are made with anti-bacterial formulas that are designed to kill "99.9% of bacteria," including Salmonella and E. coli, Clorox says.
To use Clorox Wipes correctly, wipe the hard, nonporous surface until it is visibly wet. Allow it to remain wet for the full duration specified on the packaging (usually 1 to 4 minutes) to kill germs, then let it air dry.
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You are not required to wear gloves, as the official Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Safety Data Sheet lists no special protective equipment for general use. However, wearing gloves is highly recommended if you have sensitive skin or are cleaning frequently, as the disinfectants can strip natural oils and cause dryness or contact dermatitis.
Clorox wipes can be problematic because their active ingredients—like quaternary ammonium compounds ("quats") and bleach—are linked to respiratory issues, asthma, and skin irritation. Overusing them can also breed antibiotic-resistant "superbugs", while the chemicals themselves can damage surfaces, pollute waterways, and linger as harmful residues.
The best natural disinfectants/sanitizers are:
Both Lysol and Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are highly effective, killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. The better choice depends on your specific needs:
To disinfect, use a chlorine bleach solution with a concentration of 1,000 to 5,000 ppm (5 to 25 tablespoons of household bleach [5% to 8%] per gallon of water) or use an EPA-registered disinfecting product against norovirus.
Washing your hands with soap and water is a much more effective way to protect yourself from norovirus. That's because “soap is a detergent, and it can dissolve and break apart the capsid and inactivate the virus pretty efficiently,” he explains.
A stomach virus (viral gastroenteritis) cannot be cured by medication; your own immune system is what ultimately kills the virus. Treatment focuses on supportive care: staying hydrated with electrolyte drinks, getting rest, and eating bland foods until your stomach settles.
The wipes should be used so the surface remains wet for a 4-minute contact time*. Following the contact time, the surface should be rinsed thoroughly with potable water if contact with food is likely. Hands must be washed well with soap and water, even if chemically resistant gloves are used.
Norovirus is a notoriously stubborn virus that is resistant to many standard household cleaners (like alcohol). To effectively kill it, you must use an EPA-registered disinfectant specifically tested to be effective against norovirus.
With a 1 minute broad-spectrum contact time, OPTIM 1 is one of the fastest and most effective cleaner & intermediate level disinfectants. OPTIM 1 provides the confidence that you are compliant and mindful of patients, staff, equipment and the environment without compromise: the perfect balance.
Rubbing alcohol is more commonly used in disinfecting and cleaning things but the drawback is that it is harsh on the skin. It is not recommended to be used on open skin or wounds including newly shaved skin as it will sting and damage healthy tissue.
Mrs. Meyer’s is not strictly non-toxic, but rather a "low-toxin" or greener alternative to conventional cleaners. While they avoid harsh chemicals like parabens and phthalates, they still rely on some synthetic preservatives and artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin or pose environmental concerns.
While official safety guidelines do not require special protective equipment for occasional use, it is generally recommended to wear gloves. Clorox wipes contain disinfectants and chemicals that can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation, dryness, and contact dermatitis.
Swap toxic bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds (quats) in Clorox wipes for botanical-based alternatives or safe DIY recipes. The easiest replacements are natural, pre-soaked disposable wipes or concentrated sprays paired with reusable cloths.
Wiping Front to Back
If you don't have any physical limitations preventing you from reaching around your body to wipe from front to back, it's generally considered the safer route to go. You'll be moving feces away from your more delicate parts, lowering the risk of infection.
Clorox® Expert Disinfecting Wipes are great for storing in your house. Known as a great choice when it comes to disinfecting wipes, they provide professional disinfection in just one step, killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria in just 1 minute.
Yes, you can use Clorox disinfecting wipes on your phone. Both Apple and Samsung approve using bleach-free Clorox wipes to gently wipe down the hard, non-porous exterior surfaces of your device. However, you must avoid getting moisture into any openings and be aware that excessive use can eventually wear down the screen's protective coating.
Some people develop reactions on their hands or other skin surfaces after using disinfecting wipes. Household cleaning products often contain preservatives and fragrances, which might cause allergic reactions, including rashes, after contact with human skin.