Key Takeaways
- Some disinfecting wipes aren't labeled as food-safe, and surfaces should be wiped with water afterwards to ensure safety. Always check the instructions on the packaging for clarity.
- If you're looking to avoid wipes, consider using food-grade hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol. For everyday cleaning, a simple mixture of water and dish soap will do the trick.
Incorrectly Cleaning Countertops Has Been a Common Practice Among Many
Recently, a cleaning hack on TikTok had me questioning the use of disinfecting wipes on food-contact surfaces. After confirming with Melissa Vaccaro, senior food safety program specialist at the National Environmental Association, I learned that while many household disinfectants like Clorox have high concentrations of chemicals, not all wipes are safe for food-contact surfaces. If used, they should be wiped down with potable water afterwards to remove chemical residue.
Vaccaro advises using products without fragrances and to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and mixing, as well as any post-application rinse. While wipes aren't required by regulations in food service facilities like restaurants, reading the label is vital to understand the specific instructions for each product.
Before tossing out your disinfecting wipes, consider wiping your counters with water afterwards to get rid of the chemicals left behind. Using a diluted isopropyl alcohol solution is a good alternative for everyday cleaning. Just be sure to use a food-grade version and dilute and rinse thoroughly before contact with food.
Insights
If you're looking for greener alternatives, consider microfiber cloths with sanitizing solutions, a vinegar and water solution, Biom's All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes, or steam cleaning. These alternatives are not only safe for food-contact surfaces but also eco-friendly and effective at reducing microbial contamination.
Restructured and Revised Content
When it comes to cleaning food-contact surfaces, it's important to prioritize safety. Some disinfecting wipes may not be food-safe, and the chemical residue should be washed away after use. If you're looking for alternatives, consider using food-grade hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol, or opt for eco-friendly alternatives like microfiber cloths, vinegar or Biom's wipes.
Recently, a viral TikTok video had me questioning the use of disinfecting wipes on food-contact surfaces. After speaking with Melissa Vaccaro, an expert in food safety, I learned that while disinfecting wipes are effective at killing germs, they may not be safe for all surfaces. If you choose to use wipes, Vaccaro advises wiping down the surface with water afterwards to remove the chemical residue.
Vaccaro also suggests using FDA and EPA-compliant products that are fragrance-free and following the manufacturer's instructions for use and mixing. If you're looking for greener alternatives, consider microfiber cloths with sanitizing solutions, a vinegar and water solution, Biom's All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes, or steam cleaning. These methods are not only safe for food-contact surfaces but also eco-friendly and effective at reducing microbial contamination. Thank you to TikTok for sparking my curiosity, and to Vaccaro for setting me straight on food safety!
- After seeing a cleaning hack on TikTok, I started questioning the use of disinfecting wipes on food-contact surfaces.
- According to Melissa Vaccaro from the National Environmental Association, not all disinfecting wipes are safe for food-contact surfaces and should be wiped down with potable water afterwards.
- If you're looking for alternatives to disinfecting wipes for everyday cleaning, RealSimple suggests using a simple mixture of water and dish soap or food-grade hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol.
- When following cleaning tips from social media platforms like TikTok, it's important to consider the safety and food-contact surface compatibility of the cleaning agents used, as outlined by experts like Melissa Vaccaro.
