And are they safe?
QUINCY, ILL. -- We've heard a lot lately about H-1-N-1 cases going up in this country because of back to school.
Back to school also starts fears of staph infection, strep throat, and cold and flu viruses being spread around.
We all know it's important to wash our hands with soap and water, and do it often.
But what about all the other things we touch...door knobs, telephones, pens and pencils?
One solution might be a chlorine based wipe.
But we wondered if they work and are they safe.
They're convenient, they're relatively inexpensive, but do they work?
"Chlorine based products have a long record of cleaning inanimate objects such as walls, knobs, places in the restroom as well as the kitchen. They are formulated to clean and kill most of the bacteria," says Dr. Musab Saeed with Quincy Medical Group.
The only downside would be if you are allergic to chlorine.
"Too much of anything is not good either. Chlorine or alcohol based are good, but there has to be some rationality to it. I'm not aware that chlorine can develop into toxicity, but it can happen," says Dr. Saeed.
"If the fumes get to you from the chlorine, I would definitely turn on an exhaust fan. Use gloves if they bother your skin," says Kathy Harman, a nurse with Quincy Medical Group.
Chlorine can cause skin irratation like dryness, cracking, and peeling. But according to Dr. Musab Saeed and Kathy Harman, a nurse with Quincy Medical Group, these wipes can help stop the spread of many bacteria.
How good are they for schools to use?
"It's a good idea especially with issues of staph infection. We see infections in schools. A lot of chlorine based products have good activity with it," says Dr. Saeed.
As far as keeping your hands clean though, the number one way to stop the spread of illness is by washing your hands. Also remember to use a paper towel to turn the faucet off and to open the door.
These chlorine based wipes can be used on just about anything from countertops to the phone on your desk, to the pens and pencils you use every day.
Just make sure you read and follow the directions on the wipes.
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