Over the last twelve months, it’s safe to say that we’ve turned into a nation of wipers. Whether you’re amongst the cohort of people who religiously wipe down their grocery shopping without fail, or simply carry an emergency pack around in your bag with you, wet wipes are now part and parcel of everyday life.
When it comes to which surfaces to wipe, some are more obvious than others; going on public transport, for instance, and you’ll probably think twice before holding a handhold without having first wiped it down. For some other surfaces, however, they’re so ingrained within our daily lives that even the most scrupulous of scrubbers tend to forget about. With that in mind, the team here at Guardpack, who provide their own range of award-nominated antibacterial wet wipes, wanted to list ten of the surfaces that are most often forgotten about, when it comes to wiping down. But first…
“Why Wet Wipe, Anyway?”
As with most things in life, the main answer lies in science. Although COVID-19 is a recent and rapidly evolving virus, various research studies from around the globe have already shown that the COVID-19 virus can survive on plastic and stainless steel countertops for up to 72 hours and up to 24 hours on cardboard. With new variants regularly surfacing with seemingly higher transmissibility, there’s been a renewed call for us all to double down on our hygiene efforts, wherever we are.
1. ATM Machines
In recent years, we’ve been increasingly transitioning towards a cashless society. Whilst the COVID-19 outbreak might have seen a drastic decline in the usage of ATM machines across the UK, this statistic will likely be reversed again once current lockdown restrictions are eased and we’re able to return to our pre-pandemic retail habits.
Unfortunately, ATM machines also often act as hotbeds of viral transmission; the extra privacy people want whilst inputting their PIN numbers means that even small coughs, splutters and sneezes are likely going to be shed directly onto the number pad. Giving the buttons a quick once over with an antibacterial wet wipe is a good way to help mitigate this risk. The same goes, of course, for any kind of PIN machine and not just ATM machines – whether that be in a restaurant, department store or on your weekly shop.
2. Online Deliveries
Online shopping has become a mainstay for many during the pandemic, but have you ever stopped to think just how many people might have handled your Amazon delivery? With the quick turnaround offered by many delivery companies, there’s a chance that if your package has come into contact with the COVID-19 virus, it may well still be alive when it reaches your door. We all love to tear into a delivery when it arrives, but next time, do yourself a favour and give it a quick wipe first!
3. Computers & Keyboards
Although most of us are stuck at home at the minute, inevitably the time will come when we can return to our offices and other workspaces. “Hot-desking” has taken off as a workplace phenomenon in recent years, but viruses thrive on shared surfaces. As part of workplace COVID-Secure protocols, employers should be ensuring workers use their own individual work stations, wherever possible. If, for whatever reason, this isn’t possible, then using an antibacterial wet wipe both before and after you use somebody else’s computer and keyboard is a must.
4. Bathroom Taps
Ironically, given their status as beacons of good hygiene, bathrooms are actually where many of us most often drop the ball when it comes to staving off the virus. Whilst you might always scrub away at your hands to the tune of “happy birthday”, that good work can easily be undone when you go to turn off the tap. These typically-metallic surfaces are ideal for the COVID-19 virus to linger on and will easily transfer onto your freshly cleaned hands, if you’re not careful. A quick wipe of the tap before you start washing your hands (particularly in shared bathrooms) will leave you with all bases covered and clean.
5. Phone Charger
“Can I borrow your charger, please?” is one of modern society’s most commonly used phrases, particularly by younger people, and especially given how quickly the batteries of modern smartphones drain. But viruses don’t discriminate and they certainly don’t care if you’re down to 6% by midday. The easiest way to keep you, your friends and your colleagues safe is preferably not to share equipment in the first place. If you do, though, and you can’t bear to see your friends deprived of their screen time, then you know what to do. Give it a wet wipe!
6. Light Switches
The humble light switch probably doesn’t hold much of your attention the majority of the time, but perhaps it should do. In an environmentally-conscious era, we all want to do our bit by saving energy wherever we can. We’re always told about the importance of turning off the lights when they’re not needed – and rightly so – but just as with any other high-touch surface, they can be what causes viral transmission. Wiping down your light switches semi-regularly (especially in places like the office) with an antibacterial wet wipe isn’t over the top, it’s simply good hygiene!
Contact Us
After having been affected by the pandemic for such a long time now, it can be all too easy for us all to let down our guard. So, if you’d like to find out more about our own antibacterial wet wipes or about our manufacture of individual wet wipe sachets, then get in touch! Call us today on 01245 505 807 or by filling in our online contact form.
