Disinfectant cloth 

Ⅰ. Definition

A disinfectant cloth is a cleaning product with disinfection functions. It has been specially treated and is capable of removing stains and disinfecting the surface of objects during the wiping process. It is usually composed of fabric combined with disinfectants or substances with disinfection capabilities.

Ⅱ. Materials

1. Fabric materials
   • Fiber types
     • Common types include cotton and microfiber. Cotton cloths have strong water – absorption and can effectively adsorb stains and disinfectants. For example, in a home kitchen, a cotton disinfectant cloth can effectively wipe away grease while releasing the disinfectant for disinfection.
     • Microfiber has a large specific surface area and can adsorb more dust and tiny particles. In cleaning electronic devices, a microfiber disinfectant cloth can remove dust and fingerprints from the screen without scratching it and achieve disinfection.
   • Weaving methods
     • Plain – woven disinfectant cloths have a relatively tight structure and good durability, suitable for wiping rougher surfaces.
     • Knitted disinfectant cloths are usually softer and have better elasticity, and can better conform to curved surfaces when wiping objects.
2. Disinfectant components
   • Chemical disinfectants
     • For example, chlorine – containing disinfectants can effectively kill a variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. However, chlorine – containing disinfectants may be corrosive to the surfaces of certain materials, so caution is required when using them.
     • Quaternary ammonium salt disinfectants have relatively low irritation and have residual activity on the surface of objects, which can continuously play a certain disinfection role.
   • Natural disinfectant components
     • Some disinfectant cloths contain plant extracts, such as tea tree oil, which has antibacterial and anti – inflammatory properties and can play a certain disinfection role to some extent and is environmentally friendly.

Ⅲ. Working principles

1. Physical adsorption and wiping
   • The fabric of the disinfectant cloth itself physically adsorbs dust, grease, and other stains on the surface of objects onto the cloth. During the wiping process, the stains are removed by friction.
2. Chemical disinfection effects
   • When the disinfectant on the cloth comes into contact with microorganisms on the surface of objects, the disinfectant will destroy the cell walls, cell membranes of microorganisms, or interfere with their metabolic processes, thereby achieving the purpose of killing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms.

Ⅳ. Application scenarios

1. Home environment
   • In the kitchen, it can be used to wipe stoves, tableware, refrigerators, etc., to remove grease and disinfect, preventing food contamination.
   • In the bathroom, it is used to wipe toilets, washbasins, bathtubs, etc., to prevent the growth and spread of bacteria.
   • It is used to wipe and disinfect children’s toys to ensure children’s health.
2. Medical facilities
   • Cleaning and disinfecting bedside tables, bed guardrails, etc. in hospital wards to reduce the risk of cross – infection.
   • Disinfecting the surfaces of some small medical devices, such as stethoscopes and sphygmomanometers.
3. Public places
   • In school classrooms, it can be used to wipe desks, door handles, etc., to ensure a hygienic environment for teachers and students.
   • On public transportation, it is used to clean seats and handrails to prevent the spread of germs.
   • Shopping carts and shelves in shopping malls and supermarkets can also be cleaned and disinfected with disinfectant cloths.