Disinfecting wipes use chemicals (disinfectants) to kill germs on surfaces and objects like counters or keyboards. Many of these wipes use bleach, alcohol, or quaternary ammonium (QUAT) solutions to maximize their germ-killing efficiency. Their packaging usually states that they kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Disinfecting wipes should be approved by the EPA for their efficacy and found on the EPA List N for their effectiveness in killing COVID-19.
Only products found in the EPA's List N are certified to kill COVID-19.
Disinfecting wipes are typically used for hard surfaces in your home, gym, hospital, daycare, university, and churches. These wipes destroy bacteria, fungi, and viruses within 10 minutes and prevent new bacteria and viruses from forming on surfaces. Disinfecting wipes are ideal for cross-contamination prevention, an issue that regularly contributes to mass outbreaks. These wipes require "dwell time," which means the surface should remain wet for a period of time. Always use these wipes according to the label.
You'll find these wipes most commonly used in the healthcare industry because they offer 100% certainty when cleaning up blood or other body fluids. They're extremely effective in destroying dangerous fungi, bacteria, and viruses - including COVID-19.
Bottom line: Use these when you need to be certain that you have safely wiped away COVID-19 and disinfected your space or equipment. Remember to let the surface remain wet after wiping.