Lysol wipes come in different scents but the basic formulation is usually the same. They kill 99.9% of bacteria, combat viruses on surfaces, and wipe away allergens such as pollen, dust mite debris, pet dander, fungi, mold, and mildew.
The wipes are used to disinfect surfaces. The surface should be pre-cleaned before the wipes are used on the surface. So if one needs to clean kitchen counters and other areas near the stove, it might arouse a sense of caution. Are Lysol disinfectant wipes flammable?
Are Lysol Wipes Flammable?
The Lysol disinfectant wipes are non-flammable. This means that the wipes do not catch fire easily. Despite the fact that the wipes have ethanol and propanol as the main ingredient, they do not catch fire as easily as one might assume.
This also means that in case of a fire, disinfectant wipes do not aid to the severity of the fire, meaning it is not a fire hazard.
It is Important to Carefully Use Lysol Wipes!
Lysol disinfectant wipes should be used a certain way to ensure they are effective. Here are the important things you should know:
1- Wipe in One Direction
Wipe an item or surface in one direction. This means that a wipe should not be rubbed on a surface back and forth but in one stroke.
This will ensure that the areas you disinfect do not get re-contaminated by bacteria from a different area.
2- Use Only One Wipe per Surface
This means that if you’re wiping a doorknob, use only one wipe to disinfect it, and do not use the same wipe to wipe a different surface.
Using one wipe on multiple surfaces leads to cross-contamination which will make the wipe ineffective.
3- Use a Wet Wipe
Ensure you see the wetness on a surface while wiping. If you can’t see the wetness, it means the wipe is too dry and may not be potentially disinfecting.
You may need to get a new wipe from the pack or get a new pack in case the packaging was faulty or not properly sealed leading to the wipes drying.
4- Do Not Flush the Disinfectant Wipe Down the Toilet
This is because the wipe may end up clogging your toilet. Most of the wipes are not flushable and when you flush them, they accumulate in the piping and lead to clogs. (Source)
5- Do Not Use the Disinfectant Wipe on Your Skin
This is because the skin may be too sensitive to handle the chemicals in the wipe. They should not be confused with gentle wet wipes or feminine hygiene wipes.
The disinfectant wipes are not made to be used on the skin and may lead to irritation, blistering, or even burning.
6- For Surfaces That Come in Contact with Food, Rinse Thoroughly With Water
Once you wipe an object used to place food such as the countertop used to knead the dough, ensure you wipe down the surface thoroughly to prevent the remaining disinfectant from contaminating your food.
Also, Lysol wipes can dull granite surfaces, if used on them for a long time. So don’t use the wipes on granite countertops too often.
This is also a necessary step if you disinfect children’s toys, spoons, or plates. Rinse everything you disinfected with water since they may end up putting it in their mouths. This may cause them to have a stomach ache, fever, diarrhea, or vomiting.
7- Do Not Touch Treated Surface While Disinfecting
If you touch the disinfected surface while it is still wet. You might interfere with the liquids disinfecting properties as most of the wipes take at least 10 minutes to disinfect an area. It should be left alone until it is completely dry.
8- Do Not Re-Wet the Wipes after You Have Already Used Them
When the wipe begins to lose moisture, do not try to extend its usability by re-wetting it because its disinfectant properties are already finished. Once a wipe is completely dry, just toss it in the bin.
If you are wiping large surfaces and are afraid that you may use too many wipes, use a Lysol disinfectant spray. Pre-clean the area then spray the disinfectant on the surface and allow it to air dry.
Is it possible to Burn Lysol Disinfectant Wipes?
Disinfectant wipes are non-flammable and may be a hassle to dispose of by burning them. In the case the wipe does catch fire, ensure that you put it out with alcohol-resistant foam, carbon dioxide, dry powder, or water fog.
In cases where you needed to start a fire such as on a camping trip, using disinfectant wipes will not be a good fire starter. Their wet nature can make it more difficult for the fire to start and stay lit.
What is the possibility of Lysol Wipes Causing a Fire?
Lysol wipes rarely cause a fire. The wipes have to be intentionally ignited for them to really catch fire and even then, the flame may go out after a few minutes due to the excessively damp environment.
However, you should be careful when leaving the wipes in your car or other hot confined spaces. This is because the liquids in the packaging may evaporate from the wipe, expand and explode due to extreme heat. This will not cause any damage to your car but can cause you to get startled and end up causing an accident.
Ensure you keep your wipes in a cool and dry place to keep them fresh and away from heat or direct sunlight which may cause them to dry out.
Bringing Lysol Wipes on a Plane!
You can bring Lysol wipes on a plane. People bring wipes on planes to disinfect the armrest, the seats, and even the plates.
This has become especially common during the Covid-19 pandemic where people have become more cautious about the spaces they interact with and the hygiene of the things they touch.
Some people even keep disinfecting wipes handy to clean those sudden stains of coffee or tea.
Final Thoughts!
Disinfectant wipes have become a staple to so many people in recent years. They ensure that we can take the hygiene of areas we interact with into our hands by sanitizing hotel tables, chairs, benches, or even electronic devices we use every day such as phones and tablets.
However, you should take the necessary precautions while interacting with the chemical-filled wipes. This will make you get the most out of it while maintaining your safety and the safety of those around you.
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