Benefits
Alcohol wipes are a very handy to keep around in emergency aid kits, in travel boxes, and just about everywhere else! The wipes are saturated with an isopropyl alcohol, which is a sterilizer that will kill bacteria. Standard alcohol wipes contain an isopropyl alcohol t is between 70-99% alcohol. They are an easy alternative to other instant sanitizers, and you will be able to travel effortlessly with them, unlike messy gel sanitizers. These wipes will remove dirt and debris that regular gel and foam sanitizers tend to leave behind.
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Standard alcohol wipes will usually come in small, flat packs. Rip open a pack, and the alcohol wipe will be in the package, ready for use. Most are about a 5” square, and come already moistened with the alcohol solution. Popular uses for alcohol wipes are for sanitation and sterilization, but can also wipe up messy fingers in a snap. They usually have a shelf life of about a year; if they are left over time, the alcohol in the wipes will evaporate, rendering the alcohol wipe useless. Some brands will claim to have special packaging that will prevent their wipes from drying out for more than two years. Although this may be true, alcohol wipes should be used within a year. Do not use if the package looks strange, ripped, or gives off a strange odor.
It is recommended that you do not use alcohol wipes too often though. The alcohol, while sanitizes effectively, will also dry out skin. While most wipes are used for sanitization purposes, alcohol wipes with a lower percentage of alcohol, such as 70%, are also commonly used for cleaning purposes. Such wipes can be found for use in cleaning electronic equipment, screens and computer parts.
Alcohol wipes can be found in your local drugstore, office supply retailer, and can even be ordered over the internet. If you plan on using many of them, such as for company use, plan to buy in bulk. The percentage of alcohol in the wipes is dependent on their intended use. A higher percentage of alcohol will be found in wipes that are intended for medical usage, while a lower percentage (60-80%) is usually intended for use with cleaning computer and office equipment. A lower amount of alcohol does not necessarily mean that the wipe’s sanitation power is lowered, but only suggests that the wipe will not dry out skin as much.
The wipes are meant to be portable and disposable. If you are especially eco-minded, you might want to look into purchasing biodegradable wipes, which will help to cut down on wastes that go into our landfills. Most of them are made of a cotton-polyester blend that is fabric-like. Some wipes also claim to be flushable.
Do not use alcohol wipes on open wounds and mucous membranes. Doing so may result in discomfort and pain, and never ingest a wipe. The alcohol on the wipe is not the same as the alcohol in liquor, and you should never allow anyone to put an alcohol wipe in their mouths.
