Wet wipes classification, usage and precautions

In the fast-paced modern life, people's demand for convenient and efficient sanitation and cleaning is growing. Wet wipes came into being and quickly became an indispensable hygiene product in people's daily life, work, travel and other scenes with their unique advantages. What exactly are wet wipes? What types are there? What advantages do they have?

I. What is the definition and nature of wet wipes?

Wet wipes, as the name suggests, are a soft sheet soaked in a specific liquid. From a professional point of view, it is a disposable hygiene product with multiple functions such as cleaning, moisturizing, and antibacterial, which is uniformly impregnated with a solution of a certain composition using non-woven fabrics, fabrics, wood pulp composite fabrics, wood pulp paper, etc. as carriers. These carrier materials give wet wipes soft, flexible and certain strength characteristics, making them not easily damaged during the wiping process, and better adsorbing and removing dirt. The impregnated solution is the key to the various functions of wet wipes. Different solution formulas determine the different uses and characteristics of wet wipes.​

II. How are wet wipes classified?

(I) Classification by purpose​

1. General cleaning wet wipes​

General cleaning wet wipes are the most common type and are widely used in various cleaning scenarios in daily life. They are mainly used to clean hands, face, skin surface and the surface of ordinary objects, and can effectively remove common dirt such as dust, sweat stains, and light oil stains. Whether it is cleaning hands before going out for a meal, or wiping mobile phones, desktops and other items, general cleaning wet wipes can quickly work and provide people with a convenient cleaning experience. Its formula is usually mild and suitable for most people to use, and will not cause obvious irritation to the skin.

2. Baby-specific wet wipes​

Babies have delicate and sensitive skin and have extremely high requirements for hygiene and safety, so baby-specific wet wipes came into being. This type of wet wipes is extremely sophisticated in raw material selection and formula design. It uses natural, non-irritating materials as carriers, and adds soothing and moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera and chamomile to the solution. It can not only gently clean the baby's skin, such as buttocks, hands, face, etc., but also effectively prevent skin problems such as diaper rash, giving the baby's skin all-round care. At the same time, baby-specific wet wipes strictly follow relevant safety standards and do not add alcohol, fragrances, pigments, etc. that may irritate the baby's skin. ​

3. Makeup removal wet wipes​

Makeup removal wet wipes are designed for makeup removal needs and are a good helper for modern women's beauty care. It contains special ingredients that can dissolve makeup products, such as oil decomposers, surfactants, etc., and can quickly and effectively remove makeup from the face, eyes, lips, etc., including waterproof mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, etc. Compared with traditional makeup removal products and methods, makeup removal wipes are more convenient. There is no need for makeup removal cotton and other tools, nor does it require cumbersome cleaning steps. Just wipe gently to complete the makeup removal process. It is especially suitable for busy office workers, people who travel frequently, and people who travel. ​

4. Antibacterial wet wipes​

Antibacterial wet wipes are based on ordinary wet wipes, and antibacterial ingredients such as benzalkonium chloride and triclosan (some of which have been restricted for use due to safety issues) are added. These antibacterial ingredients can effectively inhibit or kill a variety of common bacteria and viruses, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, etc. They are often used in the medical and health field, such as equipment cleaning in hospital wards and hand disinfection of medical staff; they are also suitable for scenes with high hygiene requirements in daily life, such as kitchen cleaning, bathroom cleaning, and wiping and disinfecting public facilities such as door handles and elevator buttons during the peak period of influenza, creating a safer and more hygienic environment for people.​

5. Disinfectant wipes​

Disinfectant wipes are similar to antibacterial wipes, but are more stringent in terms of disinfection standards and scope of application. They usually use highly effective disinfectants that meet national standards as solution components, which can kill a large number of pathogenic microorganisms in a short period of time and achieve the effect of disinfection and sterilization. They are often used in professional medical scenarios such as preliminary disinfection of medical devices, cleaning and disinfection of skin around wounds, and deep cleaning and disinfection of public places during the epidemic prevention and control period. Due to the high concentration of disinfectant components in disinfectant wipes, they are relatively irritating to the skin, and are generally not recommended for daily cleaning of the skin surface.

(II) Classification by material​

1. Non-woven wet wipes​

Non-woven fabric is one of the most commonly used materials for wet wipes. It is a non-woven material made by bonding fibers together by physical, chemical or mechanical methods. Non-woven wet wipes have good softness, water absorption and breathability, comfortable touch, can fit closely to the skin surface, and effectively absorb dirt and moisture. At the same time, the production cost of non-woven fabrics is relatively low and easy to process and manufacture, so it occupies a large share in the market. According to different production processes, non-woven fabrics can be divided into spunlace non-woven fabrics, heat-bonded non-woven fabrics, spunbond non-woven fabrics, etc. Different types of non-woven fabrics have slight differences in texture, strength and performance, and are suitable for wet wipes for different purposes. ​

2. Cotton wet wipes​

Cotton wet wipes are made of natural cotton as the main raw material and are made through special processing. Because of its natural material, it has excellent skin affinity and minimal irritation to the skin, and is especially suitable for people with sensitive skin and babies. Cotton wipes have strong water absorption, can quickly absorb water and dirt, and are not easy to fluff and shed during the wiping process, making the use experience more comfortable and clean. However, due to the high cost of natural cotton and the relatively complex production process, the price of cotton wipes is usually higher than that of non-woven wipes. ​

3. Wood pulp wipes

Wood pulp wipes are made of natural wood as raw material, and the wood pulp fiber made by chemical treatment and mechanical processing is used as the carrier. This kind of wet wipes is soft and delicate, with good flexibility and strength, and is not easy to break during the wiping process. Wood pulp wet wipes also have excellent water absorption and cleaning ability, and can effectively remove various dirt. In addition, wood pulp is a renewable resource, relatively environmentally friendly, and meets the needs of modern consumers for green and sustainable products. Wood pulp wet wipes can be used alone or combined with other materials to make better performance wet wipes products.​

(III) Classification by packaging form​

1. Single-piece individually packaged wet wipes​

The biggest feature of single-piece individually packaged wet wipes is their portability. Each wet wipe is individually sealed in a small packaging bag, which is not contaminated by the outside world and can maintain its cleanliness and effectiveness for a long time. This packaging form is very suitable for use in scenarios such as traveling, business trips, and outdoor activities. People can put a few wet wipes in their pockets or bags and use them at any time without worrying about the wet wipes drying out or being contaminated when not in use. At the same time, single-piece independent packaging also makes it easy to control the amount of use and avoid waste. For example, when taking an airplane or train, you can carry a few single-piece individually packaged wet wipes with you to clean your hands and face at any time to maintain personal hygiene. ​

2. Extractable packaging wet wipes​

Extractable packaging wet wipes usually put multiple wet wipes in a larger packaging bag, and set a seal or lid at the bag mouth to prevent water evaporation and external contamination. This packaging form is suitable for use in fixed places such as homes and offices. Users can easily take out wet wipes by extracting them, and the use process is simple and quick. In order to further extend the shelf life of wet wipes and maintain their moisture, some extractable wet wipes will also design a unique water-locking structure at the bag mouth, such as double-layer sealing stickers, press-type lids, etc. In addition, the packaging specifications of extractable wet wipes are diverse, and users can choose packages with different numbers of pieces according to actual use needs. ​

3. Canned wet wipes​

Canned wet wipes generally place a large number of wet wipes neatly in a plastic can, and the can mouth is equipped with a rotating or press-type lid, which has good sealing. The advantage of canned wet wipes is its large capacity design, which can meet the needs of long-term and large-scale use in homes or public places. At the same time, the can design is easy to store and store, and it is not easy to take up too much space. When using, users can easily extract wet wipes through the design of the can mouth, and the moisture of canned wet wipes is not easy to evaporate, and can remain moist for a long time. For example, in crowded places such as kindergartens and nursing homes, canned wet wipes are an economical and practical choice.

III. What are the advantages of wet wipes?

(I) Unparalleled convenience

The convenience of wet wipes is one of its most prominent advantages. It can be used anytime and anywhere without the help of water or other cleaning tools. Whether it is cleaning hands and wiping the body outdoors without water, or quickly cleaning the surface of objects in places such as cars and offices, wet wipes can quickly work. Its small size and various packaging forms make it easy for people to carry it with them to meet various sudden cleaning needs in daily life. For example, when you are on a picnic, if you accidentally get your hands or clothes dirty, you can take out wet wipes to clean them immediately without looking for water and soap, which greatly saves time and energy. ​

(II) Efficient and significant cleaning effect

Wet wipes can effectively remove various dirt, and its cleaning ability should not be underestimated. For common dirt such as dust, sweat stains, and light oil stains, the cleaning ingredients and moist texture in wet wipes can quickly dissolve, absorb and take them away. When cleaning the surface of an object, wet wipes can penetrate deep into the gaps and textures, remove the dirt hidden in them, and make the surface of the object look brand new. Moreover, the cleaning process of wet wipes is relatively simple. Just wipe gently, without repeated rubbing or rinsing, and you can achieve the ideal cleaning effect in a short time. For example, when cleaning the screen of a mobile phone, wipe it gently with wet wipes to quickly remove fingerprints, oil stains and dust on the screen, making the screen clear and bright. ​

(III) Multifunctionality to meet diverse needs​

Wet wipes have many types, each with specific functions, which can meet people's diverse needs in different scenarios. From cleaning and care in daily life to beauty makeup removal; from disinfection and sterilization in the medical and health field to baby skin care, wet wipes can play an important role. In addition, some special-purpose wet wipes also have moisturizing, nourishing, anti-static and other functions, which further expands its application range. For example, in the dry autumn and winter seasons, using wet wipes containing moisturizing ingredients to wipe your hands can effectively prevent skin dryness and keep the skin moisturized.
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(IV) Safety and mildness​

Most wet wipes are formulated with safety and mildness in mind. In particular, wet wipes for babies and wet wipes for sensitive skin use natural, non-irritating raw materials and mild formulas, which are minimally irritating to the skin. At the same time, wet wipes produced by regular manufacturers have undergone strict quality testing and safety assessments, and meet relevant national standards and hygiene requirements to ensure that they will not cause harm to human health during use. Moreover, wet wipes are relatively gentle to use and will not cause wear or damage to the skin or surface of objects like some traditional cleaning products. For example, using wet wipes to clean a baby's buttocks will not rub the skin like using a rough towel, which can better protect the baby's delicate skin. ​

(V) Environmental protection and sustainable development potential​

With the continuous improvement of environmental awareness, the environmental performance of wet wipes has gradually attracted attention. At present, many manufacturers have begun to use degradable materials to produce wet wipes, such as natural plant fibers and bamboo fibers. After use, wet wipes made of these degradable materials can gradually decompose in the natural environment to reduce pollution to the environment. In addition, some wet wipes are packaged in recyclable materials, further reducing the impact on the environment. In the future, with the continuous advancement of science and technology, wet wipes are expected to make greater breakthroughs in environmental protection and sustainable development, providing people with greener and more environmentally friendly hygiene and cleaning solutions.

IV. What are the methods and techniques for using wet wipes?

(I) How to use hand cleaning

When using wet wipes to clean your hands, first take out a wet wipe, start from the fingertips, and wipe the fingers, palms, backs of hands, wrists and other parts in turn. Pay attention to carefully wipe the places where dirt is easy to hide, such as the gaps between fingers and the edges of nails. During the wiping process, you can use appropriate force, but do not use too much force to avoid damaging the skin. After wiping, let your hands dry naturally. If you need to clean again, repeat the above steps. In the absence of running water and soap, using wet wipes to clean your hands is an effective way to keep your hands clean, but it should be noted that wet wipes cannot completely replace soap and running water to thoroughly clean your hands. If conditions permit, you should still use soap and running water to wash your hands.​

(II) How to use facial cleansing​

For facial cleansing, it is crucial to choose wet wipes that are suitable for your skin type. When using, gently take out the wet wipes, start from the forehead, and gently wipe the face from the inside to the outside and from the top to the bottom. When wiping the skin around the eyes, be extra careful and gentle to avoid wet wipes entering the eyes. For oily areas such as the T zone (forehead, nose, chin), you can wipe more times as appropriate. After wiping, if you feel that there is still residual moisture on the face, you can gently press and dry it with a clean paper towel. It should be noted that facial skin is more sensitive, and it is not advisable to use wet wipes to clean the face too frequently to avoid damaging the skin's natural barrier. Generally, it is sufficient to use 1-2 times a day, and it is best to use skin care products such as toner and lotion for follow-up maintenance after use.
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(III) How to use for cleaning the surface of objects​

When cleaning the surface of an object, choose the appropriate type of wet wipes according to the material and degree of dirt of the object. For ordinary surfaces, such as mobile phones, computer keyboards, desktops, etc., take out the wet wipes and wipe them directly. When wiping, you can follow a certain order to avoid missing anything. For stubborn stains, you can apply the wet wipes to the stain for a while, and then wipe it after the stain softens. After cleaning, use a clean dry cloth to wipe off the remaining moisture on the surface of the object to prevent moisture residue from causing damage to the object. For example, when cleaning a computer keyboard, pay special attention to the dirt in the gap between the keys. You can fold the wet wipes into a suitable shape and clean them deep in the gap. For some electronic devices that are more sensitive to moisture, it is best to turn off the power of the device before using wet wipes to clean it, and make sure that the wet wipes are not too wet to prevent moisture from penetrating into the inside of the device and causing damage. ​

(IV) How to use makeup remover​

When using makeup remover wet wipes to remove makeup, first unfold a piece of wet wipes and gently cover it on the eyes, lips and other areas with heavy makeup. Stay for a while to allow the makeup remover ingredients to fully dissolve the makeup. Then, wipe gently from the inside of the eyes to the outside to remove eye makeup; for lips, wipe gently from the center of the lips to the sides to remove lip makeup. Next, use wet wipes to remove facial makeup according to the facial cleaning method. During the makeup removal process, be careful to avoid direct contact between wet wipes and eyes to avoid eye discomfort. After makeup removal, rinse the face thoroughly with clean water to clean the remaining makeup removal ingredients and dirt, and then proceed with subsequent skin care steps, such as using cleansing products to clean the face again, applying toner, lotion, etc. ​

(V) Instructions for use in baby care​

When using wet wipes to care for babies, make sure the baby is in a safe and comfortable state. When cleaning the baby's buttocks, first gently lift the baby's legs and wipe gently from front to back with wet wipes to avoid bringing bacteria from the anus to the urethra and causing infection. Be gentle during wiping to avoid hurting the baby. For the baby's hands and face, just wipe gently with wet wipes. If the baby's skin is damaged, red or swollen, avoid using wet wipes. Instead, use warm water and a soft towel to clean it, and consult a doctor in time. In addition, used wet wipes should be properly handled and not discarded at will to avoid environmental pollution and safety hazards.

V. What are the precautions for using wet wipes?

(I) Pay attention to product ingredients and applicable groups

When purchasing wet wipes, be sure to carefully check the product's ingredient list. For people with sensitive skin, avoid choosing wet wipes containing irritating ingredients such as alcohol, fragrances, pigments, preservatives, etc., and try to choose products with simple and mild ingredients, such as wet wipes for babies or wet wipes for sensitive skin. For scenarios with antibacterial and disinfection needs, ensure that the antibacterial and disinfection ingredients of the selected wet wipes meet relevant standards and are within the safe use range. At the same time, people of different age groups have different needs and adaptability to wet wipes, and appropriate products should be selected according to actual conditions. For example, children should avoid using adult antibacterial wet wipes to prevent the antibacterial ingredients from causing adverse effects on children's skin and health. ​

(II) Proper storage of wet wipes

The storage conditions of wet wipes directly affect their use effect and shelf life. After using the removable packaging and canned wet wipes, the bag or can mouth should be sealed in time to prevent water evaporation and the entry of dust, bacteria, etc. from the outside, which will affect the quality and hygiene of the wet wipes. Wet wipes should be stored in a cool, dry and ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature environment. High temperature will accelerate the evaporation of water in the wet wipes and the deterioration of the ingredients. Direct sunlight may cause chemical reactions in some ingredients in the wet wipes, reducing their effectiveness. At the same time, wet wipes should be placed out of the reach of children to prevent children from accidentally eating or playing with wet wipes and causing accidents. ​

(III) Avoid overuse​

Although wet wipes have many advantages, they should not be overused. Excessive use of wet wipes may destroy the natural oil layer and microbial balance on the surface of the skin, leading to dry skin, itching, allergies and other problems. For example, frequent use of wet wipes to clean hands will cause excessive removal of oil from the skin of the hands, lose the protective barrier, and easily cause skin problems. In addition, in some cases, wet wipes cannot completely replace traditional cleaning methods. For example, after contact with a large number of bacteria, viruses or dirt, soap and running water should still be used for thorough cleaning. Therefore, wet wipes should be used reasonably according to actual conditions to avoid blind dependence. ​

(IV) Properly handle wet wipes after use​

Wet wipes after use cannot be discarded in the toilet at will. Although most wet wipes are soft in texture, they are not as easy to decompose in water as toilet paper. After flushing wet wipes into the toilet, they may clog the sewer and cause serious problems to the drainage system. Wet wipes after use should be placed in the trash can and treated as domestic waste. For degradable wet wipes, they should also be properly handled in accordance with relevant regulations to ensure that they can be degraded in a suitable environment. In addition, after using wet wipes in public places, they should be placed in designated trash cans to keep the environment clean. ​

(V) Pay attention to the shelf life of the product​

Wet wipes have a certain shelf life. Check the production date and shelf life of the product before use. Expired wet wipes may cause water evaporation, ingredient deterioration, bacterial growth and other problems. Using expired wet wipes will not only fail to achieve the expected cleaning and care effects, but may also cause harm to the skin and health. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly check the wet wipes stored at home, clean up expired products in time and avoid using them. At the same time, when purchasing wet wipes, do not buy too many at one time to avoid waste due to expiration.
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Wet wipes have become an indispensable hygiene product in modern life with their diverse types, significant advantages, convenient methods of use and wide application scenarios. However, in the process of using wet wipes, we also need to pay attention to related matters. Only by correctly purchasing, storing and using wet wipes can we give full play to their role and bring more convenience and health protection to our lives. With the continuous development of science and technology and the increasing diversification of people's needs, wet wipes are expected to achieve more innovations and breakthroughs in materials, functions, environmental protection and other aspects in the future, providing people with better quality and more efficient hygiene and cleaning solutions. ​