'Avoidable Risks of Minimal Toxic Exposure When Cleaning With Disinfectant Wipes: 5 Things You Should steer clear of'
In the pursuit of a clean and sanitary home, it's essential to be mindful of the products we use. While disinfectant wipes are a popular choice, they may not be suitable for every surface. Here's a guide on when to avoid using disinfectant wipes and what alternatives to consider.
Painted furniture and walls
Avoid disinfecting wipes as they can cause shiny patches or streak marks. Instead, opt for dusting with a dry microfiber cloth or use a dry Swiffer mop to reach high places without damaging the surfaces.
Upholstery and fabric surfaces
Disinfectant wipes are not suitable for porous fabrics as they do not disinfect properly and may leave moisture that causes staining or mildew. Use fabric-safe cleaners or steam cleaning methods for proper sanitation. For refreshing upholstery, sprays like Lysol Fabric Disinfectant Spray or chemical-free fabric refreshers can be used, but always spot test first. Steamers like the Bissell Little Green are a chemical-free alternative to kill bacteria on contact, with attention to fabric type.
Delicate electronic devices (phones, tablets)
Instead of wipes that may be abrasive or damage coatings, use disinfectant wipes with 70% isopropyl alcohol sparingly or follow manufacturers’ recommendations such as spraying a 70% alcohol solution onto a microfiber cloth to gently clean.
General mechanical disinfection alternative
Dry steam cleaning is recommended for disinfecting various hard surfaces without chemicals. Devices like the Ladybug Dry Steam Cleaner can kill a broad range of pathogens rapidly without leaving residues or promoting resistant microbes.
It's important to note that even if rinsed with water, trace amounts of residues from disinfectant wipes can still linger, causing irritation, sores, inflammation, or allergic reactions. Moreover, disinfectant wipes can damage a home's healthy microbiome.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has certified Attitude products as non-toxic, meaning they contain no harsh chemicals or artificial compounds. Other products like Dawn dish soap, Whoosh screen cleaner, and a Swiffer mop are available at Walmart, while a microfiber cloth is available at Walmart. A silicone air blower is also available at Amazon.
In summary, for surfaces sensitive to disinfectant wipes, opt for dry dusting, fabric-safe cleaners, steam cleaning, or alcohol-based cleaning with soft cloths to keep your home sanitary without damaging materials.
When considering the cleaning of painted furniture and walls, avoid disinfectant wipes as they may cause shiny patches or streak marks, instead opting for dusting with a dry microfiber cloth or a dry Swiffer mop.
In the case of food-and-drink preparation areas, it's crucial to use non-toxic, chemical-free products like those certified by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) such as Attitude products, as harmful chemicals can affect our lifestyle negatively.
