PDI Sani-Cloth® AF Universal Wipes | Alcohol-Free Disinfecting Wipes

Widely used in the NHS

PDI is one of the most reliable brands in infection control. As such, their universal cleaning wipes are used throughout NHS facilities in the UK, endorsed by hospitals and GP surgeries as well as dental clinics, vets, and many other businesses that need to maintain hygienic environments.

PDI wipes are thoroughly tested against stringent British standards of safety and quality. They are trusted by healthcare professionals, suppliers, and distributors in the UK and internationally. 

What are universal antibacterial wipes?

Universal wipes are disposable towelettes impregnated with a 2-in-1 cleaning and disinfecting solution that kills a broad spectrum of potentially infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and TB. 

Universal sanitising wipes are suitable for use on non-porous surfaces and non-invasive medical devices such as blood pressure monitors. Their broad-spectrum disinfectant and gentle detergent mean they can be used on many materials.

How to Use Universal Wipes Properly

Sani-Cloth universal wipes are straightforward to use. They can speed up cleaning processes significantly. Here’s a simple step-by-step for using the wipes correctly:

1. Remove visible dirt and debris from the area (you can use the universal wipes to do this but remember to go over the area again with a clean wipe to disinfect it if there is visible soiling beforehand. 
2. Extract a wipe from the packet, bucket, or canister.
3. Swipe the wipe over the area in an ‘s’ motion, taking care not to go back over areas that have been covered with the same wipe.
4. Leave the surface to dry. If the surface dries before the total contact time, use additional wipes.

Alcohol-free Wipes vs Alcohol-Based Wipes

These alcohol-free disinfectant wipes can be used everywhere that alcohol-based wipes are used. They also have some benefits wipes alcohol-based disinfectants do not. The antiseptic wipes’ alcohol-free solution is not only non-flammable but much more gentle on the skin; it will not dry out the skin like alcohol and won’t sting if in contact with cuts. Quat-based alcohol wipes can be used as an alternative to alcohol wipes where exposure to alcohol and its fumes could be dangerous.

For suppliers and businesses sourcing alcohol-free surface wipes, alcohol-free respirator wipes, alcohol-free moist cleansing wipes for neonatal units, and alcohol-free disinfectant wipes dental clinics require; these are the ideal product.

About PDI Infection Control Disposables

Internationally known infection control brand PDI has been designing and manufacturing universal wipes and a wide range of other disinfecting and cleaning wipes for over 40 years. We stock other PDI wipes, including those made with isopropyl alcohol, chlorine bleach, and gentle detergents like aloe vera, so that you can take care of infection control no matter what the task at hand. 

Browse other PDI infection control wipes:

• PDI Super Sani-Cloth® Wipes
• PDI Sani-Cloth® 70% General Surface Wipes
• PDI Sani-Cloth® 70% Alcohol Wipes
• PDI Super Sani-Cloth Plus Wipes
• PDI Sani-Cloth Active Wipes
• PDI Sani-Cloth® Detergent Wipes
• PDI Alcohol Prep Pads
• PDI Sani-Cloth CHG 2% Alcohol Wipes
• PDI Easy Screen Cleaning Wipes
• PDI Sani-Cloth Food Probe Sanitising Wipes

Universal Wipes: FAQs

Have PDI universal sanitising wipes been tested against coronavirus?

PDI universal wipes have been tested to be effective against enveloped viruses, including coronavirus strains, with a contact time of 15 seconds.

Are PDI universal wipes effective against Covid-19?

PDI universal wipes have been tested according to the EN14476 method and accredited by a third party to be effective against the coronavirus strain that causes Covid-19. PDI universal wipes can kill Covid-19 with a contact time of 15 seconds. 

What is the active ingredient in PDI universal wipes?

PDI alcohol-free medical wipes can be used in many places alcohol wipes cannot. The active ingredient in PDI alcohol-free antibacterial wipes is a quaternary ammonium compound called didecyldimethylammonium chloride 0.450%w/w. This is just one active ingredient that universal wipes can contain. Find out more about what universal wipes contain in our blog and why we prefer quaternary ammonium-based wipes.

Consult the PDI Sani-Cloth universal wipes data sheet for more details on their active ingredient.

Why should you clean before disinfecting?

PDI alcohol-free sanitising wipes are 2-step wipes that can be used to both clean and disinfect surfaces in one go. This means cutting down on the time it takes to clean and then disinfect. However, if there is visible soiling on the surface you intend to disinfect, this must be removed first.

Visible dirt presents a physical barrier between the disinfectant and the surface that needs to be decontaminated, meaning the disinfectant will not be effective. Ensure surfaces are inspected before disinfecting them and remove visible debris beforehand. 

Alcohol-free cleansing wipes can be used to do this, but you will need to use a new, clean wipe to carry out the disinfecting step afterwards.  

What different sizes does this product come in?

PDI universal wipes come in many different sizes and container designs to suit different cleaning procedures and environments. We also stock these products in different sizes depending on how often you need to clean:

• Packet of 40 wipes
• Universal wipes bucket 225 (pack of 4 for £34.08)
• Sani-Cloth universal wipes 200 canister (pack of 6 for £32.04)
• Flow wrap packets of 100 (pack of 12 for £43.90) and universal wipes 200 (pack of 6 for £44.10)

What are the contact time and kill count of PDI universal wipes, and why is this important?

Contact time is the time needed for the disinfectant to take effect. No disinfection is instant. It takes time for the active ingredient to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and TB. Due to the structure of different microorganisms, disinfectant takes a longer or shorter amount of time to work. 

PDI universal wipes can kill enveloped viruses like Covid-19, HIV and hepatitis B or C in just 15 seconds, but it takes longer for the disinfectant to work on other potentially infectious agents, for example, TB, which needs a contact time of 120 seconds. 

It’s important to be aware of contact times because the wipes will be less effective if their solution isn't present on the surface for the full contact time. If the surface dries before the contact time is up, use extra wipes to ensure it is wet for the full contact time.

Why are wipes better than a cleaning solution?

Disposables like PDI universal wipes make cleaning processes more efficient, hygienic, and safer than using alternatives like sprays and solutions. Swapping out universal wipes for other traditional cleaners can:

• Minimise the risk of human error when making up cleaning solutions from concentrated products.
• Minimise the time taken to mix up cleaning solutions from concentrated products.
• Speed up cleaning procedures by removing the step of mixing products, spraying, and rinsing surfaces.
• Optimise hygiene through single-use wipes, rather than reusable cloths.
• Ensure excellent hygiene by using containers that keep unused wipes clean.

Universal wipes shouldn’t be used where exposure to quaternary ammonium is dangerous. It’s also important to use chlorine bleach-based disinfectant wipes like PDI Sani-Cloth® Chlor where you need to kill spores, as quat and alcohol-based wipes will not be effective.

Where can universal wipes be used?

As their name indicates, alcohol-free cleansing wipes use is wide-ranging. PDI Universal Wipes are NHS approved as well as other brands such as Clinell Universal Wipes for use in healthcare environments. They are commonly used in hospitals, care homes, dental clinics, veterinary clinics, and more.

But they are also used in other businesses that need to maintain excellent levels of hygiene, such as tattoo shops, beauty parlours, and schools. Find out more about where universal wipes can be used. 

What are PDI universal wipes a good alternative to?

Use universal wipes as an alternative to disinfectant sprays, concentrated solutions, and other pre-dosed wipe products. PDI universal wipes are thoroughly tested to be highly effective with a fast contact time. 

Make sure that PDI universal wipes are effective against the microorganisms you target with your current cleaning products before making a switch. Remember that universal wipes cannot kill spores, so you need a chlorine bleach-based wipe for that purpose. 

Universal wipes should not be used on the skin as a detergent or disinfectant. The quaternary ammonium active in the solution can cause redness and irritation if overused on the skin. You should also keep it away from delicate areas such as the eye under all circumstances. There are many alternatives for cleaning and disinfecting skin that won’t cause irritation. We recommend:

• PDI Hygea Hand Wipes
• PDI Sensitive Newborn Wipes
• PDI Hygea Hands & Face Personal Washcloths
• PDI Hygea Chlorhexidine Wash Cloths

Where can PDI universal wipes be stored?

PDI alcohol-free moist wipes are ergonomically designed to be easy to transport, store, and use. When following best hygiene practices, minimal contact should be made in the steps between extracting a wipe and using it. 

For that reason, we offer brackets for both the canister and the wrap pack designed by PDI specifically for this product with matching green for easy identification. The brackets can be mounted onto a wall, pole, or any other sturdy surface, holding the wipes in place to make extraction easy.  

How should you dispose of PDI alcohol-free wet wipes?

Residual liquid in empty containers and packets should not be poured away, instead soak the remaining solution up with dry tissues and dispose of the used containers in your recycling bin or general waste.

Dispose of used wipes into your clinical waste bin as they may be contaminated with potentially infectious material.