High demand for cleaning and disinfecting wipes has been a hallmark of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that demand doesn’t look like drying up any time soon.

More than a year after store shelves were empty of disinfecting wipes, the demand for wipes remains strong. A recently published survey by the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) found that 83 per cent of American households use cleaning, disinfectant, or antibacterial wipes at least once a week.

The online survey of more than 1,000 adults, conducted by international market research firm Ipsos on behalf of ACI in February, sought to determine if consumer cleaning and disinfecting practices established during the COVID-19 pandemic would continue.

The survey results found:

• 92 per cent of respondents have used a cleaning, disinfectant, or antibacterial wipe
• 29 per cent used a wipe product every day of the week
• 52 per cent indicated they keep wipes in two or three locations around the house
• 64 per cent cited effectiveness as the most important factor when deciding which type of cleaning wipe to buy
• 62 per cent of respondents plan to continue pandemic-related cleaning behaviours for the health and wellness of others.

“Cleaning is caring,” said Brian Sansoni, ACI’s senior vice president of communications, outreach, and membership. “Proper use of cleaning and disinfecting wipes is a part of that process.

“Millions of Americans will continue to rely on these products as a part of their daily and weekly routines to help keep their households clean and safe. It’s important for wipe and cleaning product manufacturers to re-emphasize smart, targeted hygiene practices that focus on the safe, proper and beneficial use of their products.”

Other cleaning and disinfection practices popular during the coronavirus pandemic will likely remain for many Americans, found the survey. In particular, 50 per cent of respondents say they will continue to frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces.

“As we hopefully and eventually will put the pandemic in the rear-view mirror, it’s important for wipe and cleaning product manufacturers to re-emphasize smart, targeted hygiene practices that focus on the safe, proper and beneficial use of their products,” said Sansoni.