Can Disinfecting Wipes Kill COVID-19?

In a world full of uncertainty, one thing is certain: we’re all searching for ways to keep ourselves and our loved ones as healthy and as safe from COVID-19 as we can. We need to be as proactive as possible and stay informed about what works and what doesn’t. That takes time, resources, patience—and we completely understand if you’re running out of any (or all) of them. So, we’ve pored through the latest information and resources to give you the 411 on how COVID-19 spreads, the best types of disinfecting wipes to use, and the most effective ways to use them.

How does COVID-19 spread?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus that causes COVID-19 is believed to spread mainly from person to person, predominantly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are within six feet of someone infected, or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

How long does SARS-CoV-2 (the COVID-19 virus) live on surfaces?

Scientific research currently shows you’re less likely to contract COVID-19 through objects and surfaces, like computer equipment, doorknobs, changing tables, and countertops. However, SARS-CoV-2—the coronavirus that causes COVID-19—can live for hours to days on a variety of surfaces, depending on the material they’re made from. So, cleaning surfaces is important in the fight against this disease, and disinfecting is vital if you suspect SARS-CoV-2 or another virus is present.

Which disinfectants kill the COVID-19 virus?

When it comes to SARS-CoV-2 and coronaviruses in general, it is essential to use EPA-approved disinfecting products to frequently disinfect the surfaces and objects your family uses. The key here is the difference between disinfectant wipes and all-around or all-purpose cleaning wipes: disposable disinfecting wipes have a solution on them that includes a chemical pesticide. 

When purchasing disinfecting wipes, first make sure they are effective in killing the viruses and bacteria that you want to kill. Second, you’ll want to make sure you’re using them the right way so they work effectively. 

“[Disposable cleaning wipes are] designed to kill viruses and bacteria on hard surfaces like doorknobs, counters and TV remotes,” says Carla McWilliams, MD, an infectious disease specialist with the Cleveland Clinic. “The label will tell you what germs the wipes can kill, so look for the coronavirus on the label. There are hundreds of EPA-registered disinfectants that can kill the coronavirus. Don’t worry about one particular ingredient or brand. Just read the label.”

How do you kill the COVID-19 virus on surfaces?

Be sure to follow these four steps to ensure you are using your disinfecting products correctly in the fight against COVID-19 and other illnesses caused by coronaviruses:

• Check that your product is EPA-approved. Find the EPA registration number on the product. Then, check to see if it is on the EPA’s list N of approved disinfectants.

• Read the directions on the label. Follow the product’s directions carefully. Be sure to confirm the surface types the product is safe to use on, as well as any warning statements.

• Pre-clean the surface. If the surface is visibly dirty, or the directions specify pre-cleaning, be sure to clean it before disinfecting.

• Follow the contact time. The contact time is listed on the label under the directions. It specifies how long the surface must remain wet to ensure the product is effective. If the disinfectant solution dries on the surface before the contact time ends, you will need to re-apply the product.


How do Nice 'N CLEAN® Disinfecting Wipes differ from other leading brands?

Nice 'N CLEAN® Disinfecting Wipes are an efficient and effective tool against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. They are proven to kill 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 on hard, nonporous surfaces within 3 minutes. Contact times vary by brand and range from 3 to 10 minutes. In addition, Nice 'N CLEAN® Disinfecting Wipes are 64% larger than the leading household wipe. Each wipe is 9.8 inches by 8.2 inches vs. 7 inches by 7 inches for other brands. Larger wipes mean you can clean and disinfect more surface area at a time, which translates to less time cleaning.

Bigger surface coverage combined with faster germ-killing action can be especially beneficial during cold and flu season.

Stock up on Nice 'N CLEAN® Disinfecting Wipes in store at Costco.