Disinfecting wipes and sanitizing wipes, while similar in purpose, have distinct differences in their level of efficacy and their intended use.
Sanitizing wipes are designed to reduce the number of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces and hands to a safe level, as determined by public health standards or requirements. They're typically used in environments where the goal is to quickly clean and reduce germs, such as gyms, offices, or homes. Sanitizing wipes are also often safe for skin contact, making them a good choice for quick hand hygiene when soap and water are not readily available.
Disinfecting wipes, on the other hand, are designed to kill a broader spectrum of microorganisms and generally do so in a specific amount of time, often listed on the product's packaging. These wipes are often used in healthcare settings or in situations where a surface has potentially been exposed to harmful pathogens. Disinfecting wipes can eliminate bacteria and viruses, including those that sanitizing wipes may not, such as certain types of fungi or tougher bacteria.
However, disinfecting wipes should not typically be used on skin and are usually reserved for surfaces only. It's also important to know that disinfecting wipes often require a certain amount of surface wetness and contact time to be fully effective, according to their instructions.
In general, while both sanitizing and disinfecting wipes play an essential role in cleanliness and disease prevention, the choice between them depends on the specific needs of the situation and setting.