Gretchen Schaefer
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Study Shows Antimicrobial Wipes Most Effective in Killing Germs
WASHINGTON, DC (September 8, 2008) – A study released in early June by the University of Cardiff in Wales confirmed the effectiveness of disinfectant wipes as compared to detergent and natural antimicrobial wipes. The study raised questions about the role of wipes in the transfer of bacteria in hospital settings, and concluded that for wipes to be effective, disinfectant level wipes must be selected and used properly in accordance with the label, which will likely instruct users to leave the wiped surface thoroughly wet for a number of minutes.
“It is always important to follow label instructions for any disinfecting product—especially in hospital settings,” said Chris Cathcart, CSPA President. “A wipe must be used as directed at home as well, which means the wiped surface must be thoroughly wet for a number of minutes to effectively kill germs.” Cathcart said. “A surface that is not thoroughly wet will not be disinfected because it is the solution in the wipe that carries the disinfecting power.”
The study’s researchers did not say which wipes were used in their tests or whether the wipes they used were approved by the United Kingdom for hospital use. The wipes were tested under challenging conditions with intentionally high levels of dried staph and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. To further increase the stringency of testing, the surfaces were wiped for just 10 seconds well short of U.S. registered exposure times for disinfectants. Though the challenge was significant, the Cardiff staff demonstrated that disinfectant wipes offer superior bacterial kill and less transfer between surfaces as compared to detergent or natural antimicrobial wipes.
“CSPA applauds the work being done by Cardiff University in Wales. It is critical that housekeeping practices are evidence-based.” said Cathcart. “If hospital staffers don’t use proven cleaning practices and disinfectants according to use directions, their cleaning regimens could spread rather than prevent hospital acquired infections like MRSA.”
Additionally, testing regulations in the U.K. are quite different from those required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For wipes to be effective against hospital acquired infections like MRSA, they are tested in simulated use studies in accordance with government guidelines followed by registration with the U.S. EPA as being effective against those organisms.
Please see CSPA’s fact sheet for more information on antimicrobial wipes and the Cardiff study.
About CSPA
The Consumer Specialty Products Association is a non-profit national trade association representing approximately 250 companies engaged in the manufacture, formulation, distribution and sale of hundreds of familiar consumer products. It is organized into seven divisions: Aerosol Products, Air Care, Antimicrobial Products, Cleaning Products, Pest Management Products, Industrial and Automotive Specialty Chemicals, and Polishes and Floor Maintenance. For more information
