As more people leave their homes in the next few months thanks to vaccination efforts, the question is: “What will ‘normal’ life look like after the Coronavirus pandemic?” Experts in the hard surface cleaning industry that post-pandemic more surfaces will be cleaned and cleaned more frequently as consumer health and safety remains in the spotlight…and wipes demand will continue to be strong.

Recently, cleaning products powerhouse Clorox, launched the Safer Today Alliance, a partnership with the Cleveland Clinic and the CDC, that will work with major companies like United Airlines, Uber, Enterprise car rentals and AMC movie theaters to boost infection control and disinfectant protocol in public spaces. Clorox, and particularly its disinfectant wipes business, received a major boost during the pandemic and the company is clearly looking to extend these increases well past Covid-19.

It’s probably a safe bet. While the days of wiping down groceries and mail deliveries has waned—at least for now—it is likely that wipes will remain a major part of consumers’ lives as they re-enter public transportation hubs, movie theaters, workplaces and other public spaces.

According to a February 2021 survey conducted by Ipsos for American Cleaning Institute, 55% of consumers say they are using disinfectant wipes more now than at the beginning of the pandemic and experts believe this usage will continue for some time as consumers rely on the potability and convenience benefits of cleaning wipes as they become more mobile.

Certainly, wipes manufacturers are bullish. All of the wipes manufacturers we spoke to for our article, “Wipes Manufacturers Meet Demand Surge,” have and are continuing to invest in new wipes machinery. Clorox and other major leading brands are also ramping up relationships with contract manufacturers to help get more of their products on shelves.

As one contract manufacturer put it, “Wipes are going to be more of a norm.” As consumer cleaning habits adapted during the pandemic continue, it looks like good times will continue for wipes.

Karen McIntyre
Editor