Don’t Use Disinfectant Wipes To Clean These 9 Things
Disinfectant wipes are a go-to for quick cleaning, but they’re not made for everything. In some cases, these wipes can actually cause more harm than good by damaging finishes, spreading germs, or leaving behind stubborn residue. Knowing what to avoid helps you protect your home, your health, and your stuff. Here’s what you shouldn’t be using them on.
1. Your Skin
Disinfectant wipes are made for surfaces, not skin. They contain harsh chemicals like alcohol and bleach substitutes that can dry out or irritate your hands, especially with repeated use. They’re also not effective for sanitizing hands in the way soap or hand sanitizer is. If you’re trying to clean up after touching a public surface or something dirty, just wash your hands instead.
2. Food Surfaces
Using disinfectant wipes on kitchen counters, cutting boards, or tables before food prep might seem smart, but it can actually backfire. These wipes leave chemical residues that shouldn’t come in contact with anything you eat. Unless the label says the surface is safe for food contact and tells you to rinse afterward, don’t use them on areas where meals are made or served.
3. Electronics
Phones, tablets, and laptop screens have delicate coatings that help reduce glare and smudges. Wiping them with disinfectant wipes can strip those layers, leaving screens dull or streaky. Even worse, the moisture can sneak into buttons and ports. Stick to a microfiber cloth with a little screen-safe cleaner or a lightly dampened cloth to keep your devices safe and clean.
4. Leather or Faux Leather
Wiping down leather chairs, car seats, or bags to clean them might seem convenient, but disinfectant wipes can actually dry out the material and cause cracking over time. The alcohols and other solvents in them break down protective finishes and wear away the surface. Instead, use products designed for leather care, or just a soft cloth and mild soap when needed.
5. Finished Wood
Wood furniture and flooring often have special finishes that give them their shine and help with durability. Disinfectant wipes can dull that finish or even strip it, especially if you rub too hard or use them often. You may also see streaks or discoloration after the surface dries. If you need to clean wood, go with a product specifically labeled for wood or just warm soapy water.
6. Pet Bowls and Toys
We all want clean spaces for our pets, but disinfectant wipes aren’t the way to do it. They leave behind chemical residue that’s unsafe for animals, especially when it ends up on things they lick or chew. Your pet’s belongings are not the thing to skimp out on when cleaning. Clean bowls and toys with warm, soapy water and rinse them well.
7. Eyeglasses
If your glasses are smudged, grabbing a nearby disinfectant wipe sounds like it should work just fine, but disinfectant wipes can scratch the lenses or ruin the anti-reflective coating. Plus, the residue can cause fogging and reduce clarity. Instead, rinse your glasses under lukewarm water and clean them with a proper lens cloth or glasses cleaner.
8. Children’s Toys
Children often put toys in their mouths, especially when they’re young. Disinfectant wipes can leave behind harmful chemicals that are not meant for ingestion. Even if a toy looks clean afterward, the surface might still carry traces of something unsafe so stick to soap and water or baby-safe cleaners if you’re cleaning things kids will be handling closely.
9. Car Touchscreens and Interiors
Car interiors have a lot of sensitive materials, from soft-touch plastics to infotainment screens. Disinfectant wipes can scratch or cloud screens and strip color or texture from other surfaces. For cleaning your car, it’s best to use automotive interior products made for those specific materials. There are even easy-dispense car interior cleaning wipes that function just like disinfectant wipes, so it can still be just as convenient!
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Disinfectant wipes are useful, no doubt, but like any tool, they work best when used correctly and in the right place. Knowing what not to clean with them saves you from costly damage, health risks, or just extra, unnecessary cleanup. We’re not saying to cut out disinfectant wipes entirely, just to be more aware of where you’re using them!
Daniel Mitchell
