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Amazon / Walmart / Amazon
There’s a trick to cleaning up quickly. Know what it is? It’s using a cleaning wipe. See, adding cleaning wipes makes keeping your routine easy and convenient. Whether you need to sanitize a food prep table for a meal or you are tackling everyday messes and spills, cleaning wipes are some of the most helpful tools to keep on hand.
When deciding which wipes to buy, you'll come across tons of options for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Some are made for specific uses, such as electronics or furniture. Others work for all-purpose cleaning. Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, our top pick, does it all and comes in multiple sizes so you can store it at home, in the car, and at work.
Read on for all the best cleaning wipes for messes in and around the home.
Best Overall
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
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Amazon
Disinfects and gets rid of 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria
Comes in multiple pack sizes
Safe for all surfaces
Strong scent
Can dry out if resealable tab is not secure
These wipes can do it all. They sanitize and disinfect while efficiently wiping away messes and spills. They remove up to 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria, including COVID-19, on non-porous surfaces. In order to get the full cleaning power, you’ll need to use enough for the surface to remain wet. Let it sit for at least 15 seconds before wiping it away. That means that you may need to use more than one wipe, even on a small area.
They come in a variety of sizes, including travel packs and canisters. We like the 75-count packs, because they are small enough to keep in a drawer at work but still a great value. They use a resealable envelope closure that you can open with one hand. Just make sure that you press it down well or the wipes inside will dry out.
These wipes leave behind a fresh clean scent that dissipates in a few minutes. The smell may be strong, but the wipes don’t use bleach so it does not linger long. The lack of bleach in the formula also means that these are milder on surfaces and skin.
Price at time of publish: $15 for 3 packs
Amount: 3 packs of 75 | Contains bleach: No | Compostable: No | Scent: Clorox fresh
Best Budget
Great Value Disinfecting Wipes
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Walmart
Disinfects and gets rid of 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria
Budget-friendly
Kills mold and mildew spores
Thin wipes
Hard to store
These budget-friendly disinfectant wipes also get rid of 99 percent of viruses and bacteria, including the flu. To get the full effect, you’ll need to leave the wipe on the surface between four and eight minutes, depending on the specific germs. They’re also effective against mold and mildew.
They come in a canister that is harder to store. However, you can pull wipes from the dispenser on the top and snap the lid back on, leading to fewer wipes drying out. There is enough cleaning solution in the bottom to re-wet any wipes that get dry. While the wipes are thinner than other options (and you may need to use more for the same level of clean), they are less expensive. Buying in bulk can also help save money.
Price at time of publish: $3
Amount: 75 | Contains bleach: No | Compostable: No | Scent: Fresh
Best for Travel
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes To-Go Pack
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Amazon
Disinfects and gets rid of 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria
Small enough to fit in a purse or bag
Textured cleaning surface
Strong scent
Expensive
These Lysol disinfecting wipes are the best to take with you in a purse, backpack, or bag. Each pack holds 15 wipes and is resealable to keep them from drying out. They kill up to 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses, including the flu and strep. These also have great cleaning power due to the textured micro-pocket pattern on the wipes. They break up dirt and debris on surfaces, making it easier to wipe away without scrubbing.
The lemon fresh scent is quite strong and may bother people who are sensitive to smells. In fact, it’s strong enough that if the resealable closure isn’t secure, you can smell the powerful wipes when they’re in your bag. They’re also expensive compared to buying in larger quantities. Still, we think they’re handy for on-the-go-travel.
Price at time of publish: $6 for 3 packs
Amount: 3 packs of 15 | Contains bleach: No | Compostable: No | Scent: Lemon fresh
Best Compostable
Clorox Compostable Cleaning Wipes
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Amazon
Safe for compost
Effective on grease
Certified by the EPA
Doesn't kill viruses or bacteria
Only compostable when put in a compost system
These wipes are made from plant-based materials so you can put them right in your compost bin when you are done cleaning up spills, messes, and even grease. Keep in mind that you do need to have a compost setup for them to break down efficiently. They’re also safe to use on most surfaces, including sealed granite, sealed hardwood, and surfaces that come into contact with kids and pets.
These are cleaning wipes rather than disinfectant wipes. This means that they aren’t effective on viruses and bacteria, but will take care of dirt, debris, and spills. In fact, the ingredients are milder and certified as a safer choice by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Price at time of publish: $21
Amount: 75 | Contains bleach: No | Compostable: Yes | Scent: Simply lemon
Best Natural
Lemi Shine Disinfecting Wipes
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Lemi-Shine
Disinfects and gets rid of 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria
Safe for a variety of surfaces
Biodegradable ingredients and materials
Expensive
Mild scent
The Lemi Shine wipes disinfect, killing up to 99.9 percent of viruses and bacteria, while also using mild, eco-friendly ingredients and materials. They use citric acid rather than bleach to clean and kill germs like Staph, Salmonella, and E. coli. The wipes are biodegradable, so you don’t need to worry about filling landfills with trash that will never go away. They even earned the EPA’s Design for the Environment seal.
These are a good option for those who are sensitive to chemicals and perfumes. They do not include dyes or chemical-based fragrances. You’ll find that they have a lemon fresh scent that is mild and pleasant. These are all-purpose cleaning wipes that are safe for non-porous surfaces, such as counters, highchairs and toys, appliances, and furniture. "However, since these wipes use citric acid rather than bleach, they're not suitable for use on marble, granite, or stone," notes Katie Berry, The Spruce's Cleaning Review Board member.
Price at time of publish: $7
Amount: 75 | Contains bleach: No | Compostable: No | Scent: Fresh lemon
Best Scented
Method French Lavender All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes
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Amazon
Nice scent
Part of a line of complementary cleaning products
Compostable
Expensive
Needs composting system to compost them
If you want a scented wipe, you can’t go wrong with Method’s lovely line of cleaning wipes. We’re especially loving the brand’s scent of French lavender, because it’s mild and works everywhere from the kitchen to the bathroom. Plus, it’s made of a blend of lavender, bergamot, purple sage, and chamomile. Sounds nice, right? There are also other Method cleaning products with the same scent so you won’t need to worry about competing smells when it’s time to deep clean your home.
These wipes are a bit pricey compared to others on our list. And they won’t kill viruses and bacteria, but they’re great for all-purpose cleaning. They’re also safe for appliances, countertops, bathrooms, and fixtures. These wipes can be composted when you are done, although you will need a compositing system.
Price at time of publish: $23 for 3 packs
Amount: 3 packs of 70 | Contains bleach: No | Compostable: Yes | Scent: French lavender
Best Furniture Wipes
Weiman Wood Cleaner and Polish Wipes
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Amazon
Cleans and polishes at the same time
Doesn't leave oily residue
Safe for kids and pets
Only for use on wood
Requires a separate buffing cloth for best results
Weiman wood cleaner and polish wipes are ideal for sealed wood furniture because they polish the surface while they clean. These wipes use plant-based ingredients to fill in tiny scratches in the wood surface, clean the wood, and add a protective barrier to future damage. They aren’t oily or waxy, and pets and small children can touch the surfaces right away. They also include a sun protectant that shields wood from bleaching or sun damage.
These aren’t the best to use on other surfaces, however. For the best application, you should buff any extra solution off the surface with a separate clean cloth. This adds an extra step and requires more materials, but can protect your wood furniture and other surfaces from damage.
Price at time of publish: $9
Amount: 30 | Contains bleach: No | Compostable: No | Scent: Unscented
Best for Cars
Tub O' Towels Heavy Duty Cleaning Wipes
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Amazon
Extra-large wipes
Effective on grease, oil, and paint
Safe for car interior or exterior
Expensive
Large storage canister
These cleaning wipes are heavy-duty and great for taking care of grease, dirt, and grime when cleaning your car. They can be used on the exterior to get rid of grease spots and scuffs. They are also mild enough to be used on food and dirt on the interior that your kids may have tracked inside. Each wipe measures 10 x 12 inches, twice as large as most others. That means that one wipe can clean more surfaces.
These wipes are a bit pricey. But considering their size, they are still a great value. The canister is larger than most others, which is expected. They’re ideal for keeping in the garage or with your home tools when you need to clean up a tough mess. Just keep in mind that they aren’t effective on viruses and bacteria.
Price at time of publish: $19
Amount: 90 | Contains bleach: No | Compostable: No | Scent: Citrus
Best for Electronics
Weiman Electronic Wipes
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Amazon
Doesn't streak, leave lint behind, or create static
Ammonia-free
Dries very quickly
Expensive
Not effective on surfaces other than electronics
Electronics can be hard to clean with traditional cleaning products. Liquids can cause damage and dry dusters don’t always reach everything. Weiman electronic wipes are streak-free, lint-free, and ammonia-free so they’re totally safe for electronics, such as computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. They also dry quickly and won’t create static that may impact your devices.
One wipe is often big enough to take care of multiple devices, especially the smaller ones, such as tablets and smartphones. To make the most of these expensive wipes, clean all of your devices at once. Otherwise, you may be using multiple wipes when only one would do. These may not be strong enough to clean up spills on other surfaces, but they work great on electronics.
Price at time of publish: $9
Amount: 30 | Contains bleach: No | Compostable: No | Scent: Unscented
Best for Baby's Skin
Boogie Hands Antibacterial Hand Wipes
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Amazon
Mild and non-irritating on baby's skin
Small packs good for travel
Ingredients can soothe irritated skin
Expensive
Not great for larger messes
Boogie Wipes are appropriately named and great for cleaning everything from runny noses to crayon from your little ones’ hands and the surfaces they touch. The main ingredient in these wipes is saline, which breaks down gunk while also clearing nasal passages. They have aloe, chamomile, and vitamin E for added relief.
They’re expensive, so we recommend keeping them specifically for the surfaces that your baby will come into direct contact with. They come in packs of 20 wipes, perfect for on-the-go use, but not ideal for larger messes at home. In fact, for some children, you can easily go through one pack in a single day. They also aren’t great for surfaces, due to their mild cleaning power and price. But if you need to wipe your child’s face or take care of your toddler’s messy hands, this is a top pick.
Price at time of publish: $14 for 6 packs
Amount: 6 packs of 20 | Contains bleach: No | Compostable: No | Scent: Unscented
Best for Baby Toys
Babyganics All-Purpose Surface Wipes
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Amazon
Doesn't include harsh cleaning ingredients
Fragrance-free
Doesn't require rinsing after wiping
Doesn't kill viruses and bacteria
Not safe for baby's skin
Every parent knows that you’ll have to clean your child’s toys eventually, sometimes multiple times in a single day. Babyganics wipes use child-friendly ingredients that you won’t need to rinse away and are super effective on everything from highchairs to teethers. They aren’t made for skin, however, so make sure that you limit its use to baby items and not babies themselves.
These do not kill viruses and bacteria, two things that children bring home often. If your child is sick, we recommend using a stronger option that does require rinsing. For everyday messes, these are great. They don’t include ammonia, bleach, phthalates, or sulfates. Instead, Babyganics uses plant-based ingredients to clean. These are also fragrance-free and perfect for babies and older children or adults who are sensitive to fragrances.
Price at time of publish: $20 for 2 containers
Amount: 2 packs of 75 | Contains bleach: No | Compostable: No | Scent: Unscented
Our top pick, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, sanitizes and disinfects hard, non-porous surfaces. It’s bleach-free and safe to use on fabrics and wood, too. For something even more budget-friendly, consider Great Value Cleaning Wipes. Although they may be a bit thin, they’re also effective on viruses and bacteria.
What to Look for in Cleaning Wipes
Purpose
Look for a cleaning wipe that is made for your cleaning needs. Some are specialized for surfaces, such as Weiman Electronic Wipes, which are great for smartphones, tablets, and laptops but not effective on other things. All-purpose cleaning wipes like Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are great for general cleaning and can be used on countertops, appliances, and other surfaces. Just know they may be too harsh for some items, such as electronics or baby toys. This is especially true if you are using harsh chemicals around delicate surfaces, such as natural stone countertops.
Ingredients
Disinfectant wipes tend to have stronger cleaning ingredients that target viruses and bacteria. While many are still bleach-free, they use stronger ingredients to break down dirt, as well as germs. If you want something milder and more natural, look for a formula that is free of bleach, ammonia, phthalates, and sulfates, like Babyganics All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes.
Scent
Citrus and lemon are two popular scents when it comes to cleaning wipes. While many aren’t super strong, those with sensitivities should look for a plant-based fragrance, such as the Method French Lavender All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes, or one that is fragrance-free, such as Babyganics All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes.
Environmental Standards
Compostable cleaning wipes like Clorox Compostable Cleaning Wipes are a great way to reduce your waste while keeping the convenience of a disposable wipe. Lemi-Shine Disinfecting Wipes are biodegradable and earned the EPA Design for the Environment seal. It’s also important to note that you should pay attention to the way you dispose of cleaning wipes. Even those that claim to be flushable can cause clogs in toilets and lead to other environmental hazards. The best way to dispose of a used cleaning wipe is simply to throw it in the trash. That way, you avoid clogging up toilets and the sewerage systems attached to them.
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Which is better: cleaning wipes or all-purpose spray?
Wipes are more convenient, which is why many households have them in their cleaning arsenal. However, they are almost always more expensive than all-purpose cleaning spray. For large messes, bring out the spray and save some money. For small cleaning jobs or when you want to wipe on-the-go, the convenience of a wipe is perfect.
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Are cleaning wipes good for cleaning and disinfecting?
Some cleaning wipes take care of surface cleaning, wiping up messes and lifting up dirt. They can even be effective on things like oil and grease. Disinfectant wipes have ingredients that kill viruses and bacteria. These can also clean, but their real benefit is in sanitizing surfaces.
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Do you need to rinse a surface after using cleaning wipes?
Most cleaning wipes are safe for household use and don’t require rinsing. The exceptions are when you use them on food preparation surfaces or surfaces that will come into contact with babies. Some cleaning wipes use chemicals that are not safe to consume. If you eat things prepared on these surfaces, you may be exposed to some harsh ingredients. Babies are known for putting things in their mouths, which means that anything they handle should be safe for them to chew on. You should rinse anything that is not cleaned with a baby-safe or food-safe wipe.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. She has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. As a mother of three young children, she always looks for cleaning products that combine effectiveness, convenience, and budget.