Why You Might Want to Rethink Using Wipes for Home Cleaning

We all occasionally grab a wipe from the pack to clean up at home, right?

Of course, we're not talking about deep cleaning, and don't even mention the word 'wipe' around those who are obsessed with cleanliness. But for those whose schedules are crazy and who want to get things done, they might 'sin' with a quick wipe of the stove or fridge. For them, it's important to share what we discovered this week.

Wipes might clean the surface, and when you look at the fridge you've just wiped, it does look clean.

But what about what you can't see? Well, maybe it's better not to know, but we'll tell you anyway: each wipe, especially if you're using the same one for multiple surfaces, leaves a trail of bacteria on what you think is a clean surface.

Even if you call it your 'friend in need' for the moment, the wipe is not truly your friend. If you saw the bacterial trail it leaves on every corner you clean, there'd be no doubt.

Lilly Cameron, a cleaning expert and cleaning tips blogger in the U.S., says that once used, a wipe already contains bacteria, and if you clean other surfaces with it, those bacteria will transfer there too.

She notes this is true for any surface but especially for kitchen counters and tables, which often get dirty with oils and stubborn stains. "I know sometimes it's necessary, but I believe you can resist the temptation. Instead, opt for a cloth or sponge with hot water and soap, and change it often, just like you would with a dish sponge."

Another risk posed by antibacterial wipes is the chemicals they contain, which, according to Cameron, "can damage surfaces around the house when used long-term. For example, on wooden furniture, it might dull the shine over time," she concludes.