Cleaning & disinfectant wipes
Pre-moistened wipes make cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment quick and consistent — beds, commodes, hoists, trolleys, bench tops and shared medical devices. MEC supplies neutral detergent wipes, combined clean-and-disinfect universal wipes from Clinell and Vernacare Tuffie, 70% alcohol surface wipes, Clinell sporicidal wipes, and dry low-lint cloths for use with your own cleaning solution.
How to choose cleaning and disinfectant wipes
| Wipe type | Best suited to | At MEC |
|---|---|---|
| Neutral detergent wipes | Routine cleaning to remove dirt and soiling from surfaces and equipment. Alcohol-free. | Tuffie 5 detergent, Bare+ Medical neutral pH |
| Universal (clean and disinfect) wipes | Cleaning and disinfecting in one step on beds, commodes, mattresses, hoists and non-invasive equipment, including visibly dirty surfaces. | Clinell Universal (packs of 40 and 200, buckets of 225), Tuffie 5 Universal |
| 70% alcohol surface wipes | Fast disinfection of clean, hard surfaces and small equipment. | Reynard IPA surface wipes, Germisept alcohol wipes |
| Sporicidal wipes | Outbreaks and rooms where spore-forming organisms such as C. difficile are a concern, as directed by infection control. | Clinell Sporicidal |
| Dry cleaning cloths | Low-lint cloths and towels for use with your own detergent or disinfectant, and for drying and general wiping. | Sontara all-purpose towels, Cello Rediwipe, Reynard Absorb cloths |
Cleaning removes the dirt that stops a disinfectant working, so heavily soiled surfaces need cleaning before they are disinfected — or use a combined universal wipe. Keep the surface wet for the contact time on the product label, use one wipe per item or area, and work from clean to dirty. Wipes are for surfaces and equipment, not skin: for skin antisepsis see skin prep and antiseptics.
Disinfectant wipe FAQs
What is the difference between detergent and disinfectant wipes?
Detergent wipes clean — they lift dirt, grease and organic matter. Disinfectant wipes kill microorganisms on a surface that is already clean. Universal wipes combine both in one step.
What are hospital-grade disinfectant wipes?
In Australia, hospital-grade disinfectants are regulated by the TGA and included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) for use in healthcare settings. Check the product label and your facility's infection control policy to confirm a wipe is suitable for the surfaces and organisms you need to cover.
When do I need sporicidal wipes?
Standard disinfectant wipes don't reliably kill bacterial spores. Sporicidal wipes are used when spore-forming organisms such as C. difficile are suspected or confirmed, usually on the direction of your infection control team.
Supplying wipes for a ward, clinic, aged-care facility or care team? Contact our team for volume pricing. See also surface disinfectants.