Regular readers will know I don’t enjoy wasting time or money, and since failing to use disinfecting wipes correctly does both, it’s something I want to avoid! In this post, I’m sharing 6 common errors people make with disinfecting wipes that can limit or even nullify their benefits.

Disinfecting wipes make it easy and convenient to sanitize many household surfaces. I especially like my homemade version because they produce less waste and I don’t have to worry about them drying out. But as you’ll soon see, following the package directions is crucial if you want your disinfecting wipes to work correctly.
6 Mistakes You Make With Disinfecting Wipes
1. You Use Them Too Often
Experts say that overusing antimicrobial chemicals can have unintended side effects like eliminating beneficial bacteria from your environment. It’s important to disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly (and most surfaces after someone’s been ill), but you don’t need to disinfect everything every time you clean.

2. You Don’t Clean Surfaces First
Speaking of cleaning, it’s important to know that many disinfecting wipes are only designed to disinfect. To use them correctly, clean dust or dirt from surfaces using an all-purpose cleaner (or even a damp cloth) before disinfecting.
3. You Don’t Get Surfaces Wet Enough
The instructions for Clorox wipes and other store-bought disinfecting wipes often specify how long a surface should remain wet after wiping for the product to work as intended (4 minutes, in the case of Clorox wipes). A single wipe may not keep a large surface like a countertop wet long enough for proper disinfection.
4. You Don’t Shake The Container
Luckily, there’s an easy way to re-saturate disinfecting wipes so they keep surfaces wet for the recommended amount of time: shake the container! A quick shake will help the wipes reabsorb any disinfecting solution that has pooled at the bottom of the container and make it easier to use the wipes correctly.

5. You Use Them On Stone Countertops
Commercial disinfectant wipes often contain citric acid that can erode protective coatings on stone countertops that help prevent stains and discoloration. Skip the wipes and clean your granite or other stone countertops with a stone-safe formula like my homemade granite cleaner.
6. You Don’t Rinse Food Prep Surfaces
You can use disinfecting wipes on surfaces you use to prepare food, but it’s important to rinse those surfaces with water afterward to remove chemical residues. (This also applies to toys and other objects children might put in their mouths.)
Conclusion
Avoiding these common errors will help you get the most out of your disinfecting wipes, whether you buy them or make them yourself. You’ll also enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is clean and safe for your family.
How do you use disinfecting wipes at home?