There are several products that make everyday cleaning easier. These include disinfectant wipes or wipes, which many of us use regularly. However, experts warn that they are not suitable for every surface or object in the home. In some cases, they can even cause more harm than good.
- Experts warn that disinfectant wipes can damage various types of objects.
- You should pay particular attention to leather, vinyl or electronics.
- They are also not suitable for the skin or objects for children and animals.
Many people think that disinfectant wipes are universal, but this mistake can lead to unexpected problems. Professional cleaners have therefore drawn attention to six categories of objects and surfaces on which you should avoid using towels in order to avoid damaging them.
Experts emphasize that if your leather sofa or favorite moccasins get dirty, it is better to use a special leather cleaner than disinfectant wipes. While it’s tempting to quickly wipe away a red wine or mud stain, it can cause more damage, especially if they contain bleach. “Such cloths can easily damage leather items,” said Alessandro Gazo, a cleaning expert at American cleaning service Emily’s Maids of Dallas.
Disinfectant wipes are not suitable for leather items. (illustrative photo)
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Disinfectant wipes should also not be used on vinyl surfaces such as car seats or floors. As Sara Aparacio, cleaning specialist at Homeaglow explained, their use can lead to color changes, fading or brittleness of the material. “If they also contain bleach, they can damage the vinyl and degrade it over time,” she noted.
It may seem logical to clean the toys with disinfectant wipes so that your little ones can play with them again. However, it should be remembered that small children often put them in their mouths. “I don’t recommend using chemical wipes. You should rather choose non-toxic cleaning products. In an emergency, a simple solution of soap and water will also work well” added Aparacio.
Disinfectant wipes should not be used on toys either. (illustrative photo)
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iStock
Disinfectant wipes should also never be applied directly to the skin, even on adults. Although some people wipe their hands with these products, hand sanitizer gels are the right choice. The reason is the chemicals contained in these wipes. Aparacio said some brands are so strong that gloves must be worn when using them.
Protecting pets from the harmful effects of disinfectant wipes is also very important. Aparacio says you should avoid cleaning animal bowls with these products. Because pets can react very badly to chemicals, which can lead to serious stomach problems or painful dermatitis.
Disinfectant wipes can cause health problems for animals. (illustrative photo)
Source:
iStock
Use screen cleaners instead when cleaning electronics such as TVs or phones. “Their surface is very sensitive and could be damaged,” said Gazo. If you don’t have a screen cleaner, a damp microfiber cloth is a safe alternative. “Wipes can break down the fingerprint-resistant surface layer on devices, which can disrupt or completely disable some features,” concluded Aparacio.
This article comes from the Ringier publishing partner website. The content and data contained in it were taken without editorial intervention.
