Are Disinfecting Wipes Spreading Pathogens?

Are Germs Get A Free Ride With Disinfecting Wipes?

New study finds cleaning disinfecting wipes are extremely inconsistent in killing pathogens on surfaces, even after 10 seconds of wiping.


Disinfecting Wipes Spreading Pathogens

Disinfecting Wipes Spreading Pathogens

This article comes to us from Sanosil International.  This study brings new insight on the discussion around disinfecting wipes?

The first study ever of clinical detergent wipes validates that manual cleaning falls short in the serious job of killing pathogens. Further, the wipes often spread germs around, creating a more dangerous environment for hospital patients and staff.

A team of researchers from Cardiff University’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences tested seven commercially sold detergent wipes on three superbugs that are highly contagious and life-threatening: Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)Clostridium difficile (C diff.); and Acinetobacter baumannii.

Their findings were published online in the American Journal of Infection Control.

In testing, the Welsh team found that the wipes were extremely inconsistent in killing pathogens on surfaces, even after 10 seconds of wiping. Perhaps even more disconcerting is that all seven of the detergent wipes repeatedly spread significant amounts of bacteria over an average of three consecutive surfaces, essentially making the potential infection problem worse.

“The rise of healthcare related infections has placed huge emphasis in recent years on cleansing and disinfection practices,”

Professor Jean-Yves Maillard from the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science said in a statement.

“Hospitals need to be sure that the cleaning products they’re using are actually safe.”

We concur—and we note that wipes also can’t be relied on in any setting where germs are an issue, including nursing homes and locker rooms. In places where commercial wipes or other cleaning sponges and rags are used, the final step should be eliminating the results of cross-contamination by using a true, whole-room disinfection system.

Further, we believe that disinfectant fogging is vastly superior to manual cleaning and disinfecting. First, there’s little control over how thorough manual cleaning is because the technique is highly dependent on people of various ages, levels of fitness and energy to do the job. The study confirms that manual cleaning also moves germs around, making all areas – not just high-touch areas – even more dangerous.

 

Questions About This Article?

N

EPA Approved Process

We use the Sanosil Halo Disinfection System. One of the only EPA approved systems for whole space disinfection.

N

Residue Free Infection Control

Our infection control services leave surfaces clean and free of residue.

N

Destroy Super Pathogens

The Sanosil Halo disinfection system is EPA validated to kill 99.9999% of (hard to kill) C.Difficile spores.

N

Utah Based Company

Proudly serving Salt Lake City and the entire state of Utah.

N

Hospital-Grade Disinfection

Create a pathogen free zone with our hospital-grade infection control and disinfection services.

N

Infection Control Professionals

Our technicians are properly certified and always professional.

Infection Control Experts


Our team of infection control experts are licensed and certified. We have the expertise and experience to handle your infection control and disinfection needs.

Forward Thinking


We are always looking at and adding new technologies that can improve the cleaning and infection control process.  Have a question about your infection control or cleaning needs? Call us today.

Problem Solvers


We bring new ideas and solutions to our clients every day. Call us with your questions or problems. We’re happy to help point you in the right direction (even if that direction is another company).

Customer Support


Most cleaning companies don’t offer customer support, but we do! We provide emergency services to our clients. Help is just a phone call away (801) 438-7632.