A Short Review Of Kimwipes
† Tuesday, May 17th, 2011There are many circumstances when having a wipe that is specifically designed for delicate equipment if critical to the efficient functioning of a laboratory, school, or other occupation. Kimberly-Clarke began manufacturing Kimwipes primarily for use in laboratories. Made with a wood pulp and a small amount of chemical additives that makes the wipes pick up lint and debris from items made them a common part of a labs supplies. However, with the popularity of finding wipes for use outside of a clinical environment, more people are comparing these wipes with micro-fiber wipes in an effort to get the product that will best meet their needs.
Micro-fiber cloths normally do not come with a dispenser, since they are not disposable. These provided an effecitve alternative to the use of paper towel dispensers. However, the dispenser made for the dry-wipes is a seamless, molded plastic that protects the wipes from spills. There are very few other products that can be compared to the disposable wipes because they have been used almost exclusively in labs and health care facilities.
The micro-fiber sheets are manufactured from polyester which makes them less absorbent than the disposable wipes. Both are not abrasive, however the dry, disposable wipes have been the traditional choice for cleaning pipettes, lenses and slides. The disposable wipes are not made to be used on tinted or optical lenses, however and micro-fiber sheets are often even less abrasive, but may become embedded with debris.
Photographers debate the benefits and differences between these wipes and micro-fiber for cleaning camera lenses. If you are a photographer, trying to determine the best product for cleaning lenses, it will be best to use each of the wipes on a small, inexpensive lense. Some photographers have noted that using the Kimwipe with a small amount of Residual Oil Remover (ROR) is very effective. However, other professionals have commented that the wipes are not have damaged camera lenses.
When the surfaces and items you will be cleaning require an absorbent material, the Kimwipes provide a greater level of absorbency than Micro-fiber sheets. However, there is not a great deal of absorbency with the wipes as they are not designed to be barriers for water or other liquids. It is felt that the material used to make the micro-fiber sheets repels liquid rather than absorbs it effectively.
Micro-fiber wipes are not disposable so a method for cleaning them between use is required to keep them from developing a build-up of dirt and oil which can damage your items. Kimwipes are disposable and come in boxes ranging from 250 to 500. Schools, laboratories, and locations where there is no means of cleaning find the Kimwipes a more convenient and versatile tool for maintaining cleanliness.
Using Kimwipes for cleaning laboratory items or glass that is not used for optics or is tinted, will often be the most logical choice when compared to micro-fiber wiping products. When you need to find a portable and easily disposable way to keep a work area clean, the affordable and lightweight Kimwipes will give you the flexibility and versatility you want without having to resprt to paper towel dispenser. If you are a photographer, it will be important that you test both products to determine which will be best suited for your needs.