What are Hand Wipes?

In many hospitals and doctors' offices, the frequent use of special paper towels saturated in a mild cleansing or antibacterial solution is strongly encouraged. These paper towels are known as hand wipes, and are especially popular whenever working around contagious or infected patients. The hand wipes should kill enough bacteria and remove enough contaminants to prevent transfers between patients and visitors. Hand wipes can also be used to clean a person's hands after handling dirty or unsterilized medical equipment as well.

The use of hand wipes does not entirely replace the need for proper hand washing and decontamination, however. Visitors to a patient's room can use disposable wipes before touching the patient or handling his or her food. After the visit is over, visitors should once again used hand wipes to prevent the spreading of any harmful bacteria or viruses. Medical professionals will also use hand wipes after handling food trays or any waste materials.

Hand wipes are also popular outside of the medical community. Many parents carry waterless wipes in order to cleanse the hands of very young children, especially if a proper washroom is not immediately available. Waterless hand wipes contain a mild detergent solution, chemical fragrance and a fluid with a fast evaporation rate, such as rubbing alcohol or a product containing glycol. Once the package is opened, the solution on the hand wipes immediately begins to evaporate, which means no rinsing is required.

Because these hand wipes can dry out quickly when exposed to air, they are generally packaged in plastic dispensers with airtight lids or in single-use packs lined with a metallic foil. Some hand wipes are designed to allow one sheet to be dispensed as another sheet is drawn up to take its place, much like pop-up facial tissue dispensers.

Diners who order certain greasy or fried entrees such as fried chicken or barbecued ribs may also find individual hand wipes on their plates. These so-called "wet naps" allows diners to remove sticky or greasy residue from their fingers immediately after eating, making a formal trip to the washroom unnecessary. These hand wipes also employ a waterless detergent solution, which leaves a pleasant fragrance on the user's hands as it evaporates.

Certain grocery stores and other retail outlets may also present their customers with disposable hand wipes as they enter the building. These wipes can be used to sanitize the handle and child's seat of a grocery cart, or to clean off any potential contaminants picked up during shopping. Hand wipes can also be found in many classrooms, where communicable diseases and other biological hazards are common. Students and faculty members alike are encouraged to use antibacterial hand wipes after playing with communal toys or visiting the restroom.