When deciding on which wipes to buy, there are tons of options for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Some are made for specific uses, such as electronics or furniture. Others work for all-purpose cleaning. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, our top pick, does it all and comes in multiple sizes so that you can store it at home, in the car, and at work. They come in a variety of sizes, including travel packs and canisters. We like the 75-count packs because they are small enough to keep in a drawer at work but still a great value. They use a resealable envelope closure that you can open with one hand. Just make sure that you press it down well or the wipes inside will dry out. These wipes leave behind a fresh clean scent that dissipates in a few minutes. The smell may be strong, but the wipes don’t use bleach so it does not linger long. The lack of bleach in the formula also means that these are milder on surfaces and skin. Price at time of publish: $10 for 3 packs They come in a canister that is harder to store. However, you can pull wipes from the dispenser on the top and snap the lid back on, leading to fewer wipes drying out. There is enough cleaning solution in the bottom to re-wet any wipes that get dry. While the wipes are thinner than other options (and you may need to use more for the same level of clean), they are less expensive. Buying in bulk can also help save money. Price at time of publish: $4 The lemon fresh scent is quite strong and may bother people who are sensitive to smells. In fact, it’s strong enough that if the resealable closure isn’t secure, you can smell the powerful wipes when they’re in your bag. They’re also expensive compared to buying in larger quantities. Still, we think they’re handy for on-the-go-travel. Price at time of publish: $7 for 3 packs These are cleaning wipes rather than disinfectant wipes. This means that they aren’t effective on viruses and bacteria, but will take care of dirt, debris, and spills. In fact, the ingredients are milder and certified as a safer choice by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Price at time of publish: $24 These are a good option for those who are sensitive to chemicals and perfumes. They do not include dyes or chemical-based fragrances. You’ll find that they have a lemon fresh scent that is mild and pleasant. These are all-purpose cleaning wipes that are safe for non-porous surfaces, such as counters, highchairs and toys, appliances, and furniture. Price at time of publish: $6 These wipes are a bit pricey compared to others on our list. And they won’t kill viruses and bacteria, but they’re great for all-purpose cleaning. They’re also safe for appliances, countertops, bathrooms, and fixtures. These wipes can be composted when you are done, although you will need a compositing system. Price at time of publish: $23 for 3 packs These aren’t the best to use on other surfaces, however. For the best application, you should buff any extra solution off the surface with a separate clean cloth. This adds an extra step and requires more materials, but can protect your wood furniture and other surfaces from damage. Price at time of publish: $9 These wipes are a bit pricey. But considering their size, they are still a great value. The canister is larger than most others, which is expected. They’re ideal for keeping in the garage or with your home tools when you need to clean up a tough mess. Just keep in mind that they aren’t effective on viruses and bacteria. Price at time of publish: $15 One wipe is often big enough to take care of multiple devices, especially the smaller ones, such as tablets and smartphones. To make the most of these expensive wipes, clean all of your devices at once. Otherwise, you may be using multiple wipes when only one would do. These may not be strong enough to clean up spills on other surfaces, but they work great on electronics. Price at time of publish: $9 They’re expensive, so we recommend keeping them specifically for the surfaces that your baby will come into direct contact with. They come in packs of 20 wipes, perfect for on-the-go use, but not ideal for larger messes at home. In fact, for some children, you can easily go through one pack in a single day. They also aren’t great for surfaces, due to their mild cleaning power and price. But if you need to wipe your child’s face or take care of your toddler’s messy hands, this is a top pick. Price at time of publish: $12 for 6 packs These do not kill viruses and bacteria, two things that children bring home often. If your child is sick, we recommend using a stronger option that does require rinsing. For everyday messes, these are great. They won’t include ammonia, bleach, phthalates, or sulfates. Instead, Babyganics uses plant-based ingredients to clean. These are also fragrance-free and perfect for babies and older children or adults who are sensitive to fragrances. Price at time of publish: $16 for 2 containers
Ingredients
Disinfectant wipes tend to have stronger cleaning ingredients that target viruses and bacteria. While many are still bleach-free, they use stronger ingredients to break down dirt, as well as germs. If you want something milder and more natural, look for a formula that is free of bleach, ammonia, phthalates, and sulfates, like Babyganics All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes.
Scent
Citrus and lemon are two popular scents when it comes to cleaning wipes. While many aren’t super strong, those with sensitivities should look for a plant-based fragrance, such as the Method French Lavender All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes, or one that is fragrance-free, such as Babyganics All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes.
Environmental Standards
Compostable cleaning wipes like Clorox Compostable Cleaning Wipes are a great way to reduce your waste while keeping the convenience of a disposable wipe. Lemi-Shine Disinfecting Wipes are biodegradable and earned the EPA Design for the Environment seal. It’s also important to note that you should pay attention to the way you dispose of cleaning wipes. Even those that claim to be flushable can cause clogs in toilets and lead to other environmental hazards. The best way to dispose of a used cleaning wipe is simply to throw it in the trash. That way, you avoid clogging up toilets and the sewerage systems attached to them.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. As a mother of three young children, she always looks for cleaning products that combine effectiveness, convenience, and budget.
