Alcohol Wipes

IPA or Isopropyl alcohol wipes can be used for a variety of applications depending on the amount of alcohol contained in them. A wipe with a lower concentration of around 70% can be used for general cleaning and act as a disinfectant for hands, surfaces or objects. Products with higher alcohol levels of 90% or more are often used in industrial environments.  A good example would be welding wipes which have a high concentration that acts as a powerful degreaser.

Wipes with higher concentrations of isopropyl alcohol can cause damage to delicate or porous materials like wood, acrylic, paint and some plastics. It can also harden rubber over time with repeated use. Always read the directions for use and test on a small area before wiping the full surface.

Yes, the typical alcohol concentration for wipes to act as a disinfectant is 60%-90% and kill 99% of germs and bacteria. However, lower concentrations in this range are seen as more effective as they take longer to evaporate,  increasing their antibacterial sanitizing effect.

Both types have similar disinfectant properties as surface cleaners, although those made from Isopropyl alcohol are also antiseptic.  Ethanol is safer than Isopropyl if ingested, and is also less drying on hands and skin. Therefore, Ethanol wipes may be the better choice for catering and food preparation environments or where regular skin contact is possible.

Antiseptic wipes typically contain a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, which helps kill or inhibit the growth of various microorganisms on skin and wounds to prevent infection. Alcohol wipes primarily contain alcohol, usually isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, which acts as a disinfectant by killing germs and some viruses on objects or hard surfaces.