Though already popular, the COVID-19 pandemic skyrocketed the demand for disinfectant wipes. Masking and vaccines were contentious along political fault lines, but the public was united in its embrace of wipes. Americans zealously wiped countertops, door knobs, and even groceries.
While other pandemic precautions waned, the disinfecting frenzy continues. The American Cleaning Institute–the trade group representing disinfectant manufacturers–proudly declared that “Americans are still wild about wipes.” In North America alone, the disinfectant wipes market grew to USD 3.72 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 5.64 billion by 2031.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans conscientiously using wipes, perhaps you haven’t heard the warnings from scientists. Here’s what you should know.
Common Ingredients are Linked to Health Harms
The disinfectant wipes of popular brands often contain antimicrobial chemicals called quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). According to a peer-reviewed paper I wrote along with 21 other scientists from 14 universities, four government agencies, and three NGOs, these chemicals can do more harm than good. We found that they are linked to reproductive, developmental, respiratory, and skin harms. A more recent study from Case Western Reserve University found a link to neurological damage. Further, these chemicals can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making certain bacteria resistant both to the antimicrobials themselves and also to critical antibiotics.
Even if you don’t use QACs yourself, you are likely still exposed as they are used in public spaces including stores, gyms, offices, and schools. Residential, commercial, and industrial uses of QACs release them in wastewater, which results in QACs in sewage sludge as well as water and sediments downstream of wastewater treatment plants. It’s no wonder that the levels of QACs in the environment and our bodies have increased.
Disinfectant Wipes are Usually Unnecessary
According to the CDC, cleaning surfaces with plain soap and water gets rid of most germs, including SARS-CoV-2. The agency does not recommend disinfecting for everyday purposes. What’s the difference between cleaning and disinfecting? Cleaning refers to the process of removing dirt, grime, and other debris along with germs from surfaces, and can be accomplished with plain soap and water. In other words, soap works by removing rather than killing germs. Disinfecting refers to the process of killing germs, wiping out both good and bad microbes. Even in healthcare and other scenarios that would benefit from disinfecting, better alternatives to QACs include hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, and alcohol-based cleaning products.
What You Can Do
Clean surfaces with plain soap and water. Simply mix warm water with liquid non-antibacterial soap (the CDC recommends one teaspoon of soap per liter of water) and apply the solution to the desired area using a cloth or sponge, and scrub gently to lift contaminants. Rinse the surface with clean water to remove any soap residue and dry it with a clean towel. If you still want to use wipes, best to use wipes without QACs or other antimicrobials. Most happy, happy birthday QACs found on ingredient labels can be identified with names that end in “ammonium chloride” or similar.
It’s time to turn the page on the disinfectant craze. By embracing age-old, tried-and-true cleaning methods like soap and water, we can reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals, protect our environment, and contribute to a healthier future for generations to come.
