They’re also not the same as disposable cleaning wipes. So when it’s time to kill viruses, bacteria, and other types of germs, it’s important to know which one’s best for the job. Here’s what’s inside this guide:
Not all wipes are created equal. And even though they seem similar, antibacterial wipes aren’t the same as the ones that disinfect.
They’re wipes soaked in cleaning solutions that kill bacteria. Antibacterial wipes kill germs (bacteria) on hard surfaces that are also “high-touch” like:
They’re especially useful for areas where babies eat and play. This is because antibacterial wipes are the same as sanitizing wipes. But they aren't the same as disinfecting wipes. Here’s a quick breakdown of the difference:
Antibacterial wipes have some kind of bacteria-killing agent linke:
These agents kill bacteria on hard surfaces and hands. But they don’t always kill viruses, and there are a few reasons for this.
1. Contact time
Disinfectants have to stay on surfaces for several minutes to completely kill viruses. This is called contact time or dwell time. If the surface doesn’t stay wet with disinfectant for long enough, the wipes can’t do their job. Plus, it’s important to clean surfaces with a cleaning solution before disinfecting.
Antibacterial hand wipes however usually only need a quick swipe or two. The antibacterial solution is strong enough to reduce bacteria to a safe level. And it doesn’t have to sit on hands or skin for minutes at a time.
But, antibacterial wipes designed for hard surfaces may have to sit for about 30 seconds. Before wiping surfaces with antibacterial wipes, clean them first with soap and water. Or use some kind of cleaning solution. Read the antibacterial wipe pack for instructions on how to use them properly.
2. Chemicals
Antibacterial wipes use different ingredients compared to disinfecting wipes. Antibacterial wipes usually have to be safe enough to use on the skin. So naturally, they’ll have less harsh ingredients.
Disinfectants have to kill all viruses, bacteria, and fungi. So they’re going to have way more ingredients — and they’re going to be harsher. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers disinfectants as pesticides. This is why there are strict regulations around what’s a sanitizer and what’s a disinfectant. And it’s why disinfecting wipes aren’t for:
Wear gloves when using disinfecting wipes, or wash hands immediately after use. This protects the skin from chemicals found in heavy duty wipes. Such wipes are with hospital grade disinfectant or other harsh ingredients.
Learn more about the
difference between cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting in our newest article.
Yes! But always check the label first. If the wipe pack says the wipes are antibacterial or sanitizing, go for it. But if they’re labeled as antibacterial AND disinfecting, that’s a no-go.
Disinfecting wipes aren’t designed for contact with human skin. They contain ingredients that strip away the skin's natural oils and “good” bacteria. This can lead to rashes, itchiness, and even swelling — especially for children.
Antibacterial hand wipes are soaked in bacteria-killing chemicals. They’re safe for hands and contact with human skin. But if they’re not used correctly, they won’t kill as much bacteria as they could. Here’s how to get the most from hand wipes:
There’s absolutely a difference between antibacterial wipes and disinfecting wipes. Here’s a cheat-sheet to know when to use which:
Antibacterial Wipes |
Disinfectant Wipes |
Kills bacteria |
Kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi |
Safe to use on hands |
Never safe to use on hands |
Antibacterial wipes OK to use on hard surfaces |
Disinfecting wipes OK to use on hard surfaces |
