Four places you should never go without disinfectant wipes

Medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on March 11th, 2026.

Our world is filled with lots of germs; every day surfaces and normal outings can hide viruses, bacteria, and fungi. This is why disinfectant wipes matter, even if you think the surface is “clean enough.” Here are four common but surprisingly germ-heavy places where disinfectant wipes can help you stay healthy, plus some smart tips for using them wisely.

Why ordinary places can be a germ hotspot

Anything touched often by humans, like door knobs, handles, or buttons, is covered in germs. These surfaces are rarely disinfected between uses, allowing the germs to linger until the area is cleaned.

Just because something looks clean doesn’t mean that it is. Germs don’t care about appearances; clean-looking spaces can still harbor bacteria, viruses, or fungi. 

Fortunately, there’s a solution. Cleaning with disinfectant wipes, washing your hands regularly, or using hand sanitizers is a great way to be proactive and keep yourself healthy. 

Four places to never go without wipes

1. Hotel rooms

Planning to stay in a hotel soon? You’re going to want to add disinfectant wipes to your packing list. While hotel rooms are cleaned between guests, many surfaces, like remotes or light switches, aren’t disinfected, which means most hotel rooms have lots of germs that can make you sick. Studies have shown that the TV remote and the light switch contain the highest concentration of germs. 

So next time you stay at a hotel, consider traveling with disinfectant wipes. Before ordering room service, wipe down remote controls, light switches, doorknobs, the TV remote, nightstand surfaces, and bathroom fixtures. Also consider cleaning luggage handles, headphones, and phone chargers to reduce cross-contamination.

2. Airplanes and public transport

If you’ve ever gotten sick after getting off a plane and blamed your illness on the flight, you were probably right. Studies show that air travel can increase exposure to respiratory illnesses compared to less crowded forms of transportation due to close contact and shared airspace. 

This is due to sharing close quarters with other passengers and breathing dry air, which causes inflammation in your nose and respiratory tract. Rates of infection also go up because airplanes contain many germ-covered surfaces. 

In fact, the seatback tray contains more germs than the “flush” button in the lavatory because it is touched more often. To stay as healthy as possible while flying, start by cleaning with disinfectant wipes when you sit down. Target the seatback tray, seatback pocket, seatbelt buckle, and armrest. Be sure to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face when you fly.

3. Grocery stores & shopping carts

A University of Arizona study of 85 grocery carts found 72% of carts tested positive for fecal bacteria, and that the total bacterial levels on cart handles were higher than on many public surfaces, including restrooms.

Other germ-ridden grocery store surfaces include the produce aisle and door handles in the frozen food section. To stay healthy, it’s wise to disinfect the handle of your cart before you begin shopping, avoid touching your face, and disinfect your hands, phone, and wallet when you leave.

4. ATMs, payment touchpads & other money-handling situations

Withdrawing money from an ATM is a double-whammy when it comes to germs. Because the keypad isn’t disinfected between customers, and there are hundreds of fingers entering PINs every day, keypads are rife with bacteria. 

The second problem is that the money that comes out of the ATM is often covered with germs. Studies have shown that U.S. money tests positive for a variety of bacteria and fungal cells. And in another study, 90% of the bills tested positive for traces of cocaine. 

To reduce exposure to germs, use disinfectant wipes to wipe down ATM keypads or touchscreens before use and avoid touching your mouth or face until you’ve washed or sanitized your hands. After handling cash, clean your hands as soon as possible. When available, consider using contactless payment options to minimize contact with high-touch surfaces.

Conclusion & takeaway (“Better safe than sorry”)

Everyday routines, including flights, shopping, and traveling, can expose us to more germs than we expect. Having disinfectant wipes handy and using them with intention can help reduce your risk of illness. 

It’s not about paranoia, it’s about hygiene. A cleaning disinfectant wipe can give you peace of mind and help protect those around you, especially during cold and flu season or when traveling.

Disinfectant wipes should be an essential hygiene product for travel and daily life. But be sure to pair them with hand washing and keep yourself aware of where germs may be hiding.

If you do happen to get sick or need more advice on staying healthy, find a center near you and walk in or save your spot online.

FAQs

Here are frequently asked questions about cleaning with disinfectant wipes.

1. Why should I use disinfectant wipes when I’m out and about?

Disinfectant wipes help reduce exposure to germs on high-touch surfaces like shopping carts, ATMs, and airplane tray tables, making them one of the most essential hygiene products for travel and everyday errands.

2. Are disinfectant wipes safe to use on all surfaces?

Most cleaning disinfecting wipes are safe for hard, non-porous surfaces, but should not be used on skin, delicate electronics, or unfinished wood unless the label specifically says it’s safe.

3. How can I stay safe from germs without relying only on wipes?

Cleaning with disinfectant wipes works best when combined with regular handwashing, avoiding touching your face, and using contactless payment.

4. How do I store disinfectant wipes to keep them effective?

Store disinfectant wipes travel packs in a sealed container at room temperature and close the lid tightly after each use to prevent them from drying out.

5. Can disinfectant wipes protect me from COVID-19 or the flu?

Bactive disinfectant wipes and other EPA-approved disinfectant wipes can help reduce the spread of viruses like COVID-19 and the flu when used properly on surfaces, but they should be part of a broader hygiene routine.

References:

1. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/researcher-identifies-most-contaminated-surfaces-hotel-rooms
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5825178/
3. https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=2859060
4. https://ihpi.umich.edu/news/heres-how-dirty-your-money-really
5. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/cocaine-contaminates-majority-of-american-currency/