A growing body of research suggests that disposable wipes are a safer and more effective method of infection control than reusable cleaning cloths. While disinfectants can simply be sprayed on environmental surfaces to kill or inactivate pathogenic microorganisms, wiping surfaces is an essential part of the cleaning process and an effective way to control contamination on hard surfaces.
When used properly, disposable wipes can provide better infection control because they limit the spread of infection. Once surfaces are decontaminated with wipes and properly treated, any possible infection has no chance of spreading to new areas and other patients.
If the wipes are simply thrown away after use, it stands to reason that disposable wipes generate more non-recyclable waste than reusable cloths. However, due to environmental and hygienic considerations, some wiping products are suitable for processing in a dipping machine. This means these products never end up in landfills and further reduces the risk of cross contamination.
