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Why Dry Wipes Are Better Than Wet

26 August 2025

Jennie Hollingsworth

Wipes can be an effective alternative to reusable cloths, and can be used for a variety of tasks ranging from wiping down and cleaning surfaces to treating patients in a clinical setting.
There are many types of wipes available, all with their own benefits for certain tasks. Whether you choose a wet wipe product or dry, there are many different wipe products that can be effectively used in the workplace.
You may be more familiar with wet wipe products, which are often marketed as baby wipes, or beauty skin care products. But there will always be a question around whether dry wipes are a better product choice. Take a look at why dry wipes could be considered better than wet wipes.

Cheaper Packaging

Wet wipe products require specific packaging in order to keep them moist – their packaging is required to be non-absorbent and waterproof to prevent the wipes from drying out. Having specific packaging needs could impact the overall price of the product, and therefore you may find that dry wipes are cheaper than the average wet wipe products due to this.

Ideal for high volumes of use

Dry wipes can be very convenient to have available. If your wipe usage tends to be higher, then you may find that dry wipes are the preferred choice for you. Wet wipes are effective, particularly when cleaning surfaces, however a dry wipe can have more practical uses such as soaking up spillages without spreading them further.

Dry wipes won’t dry out over time

Wet wipe products can dry out over time, especially if they include alcohol in their formulation. This can become frustrating as it creates a higher level of product wastage compared to dry products. Dry wipes stay dry until you need to use them, and therefore can be stored for a longer period without any impact on the efficiency of the product. Dry wipes can help to avoid product wastage as you don’t need to dispose of them as you would with an unused but dried out wet wipe.

Use with your own cleaning products

Wet wipes are infused with a particular cleaning fluid which makes them highly effective for a multitude of purposes. However, a dry wipe gives you the flexibility of using your own choice of cleaning chemical rather than being limited to the chemical already in the wipe.
Using a dry wipe is an effective solution if you are trying to reduce your chemical use and favour more environmentally friendly cleaning options instead. They allow you more choice, so you can use the products you favour to get the job completed.

They’re highly absorbent

Dry wipes are highly absorbent and in clinical settings this can help workers attend to spills quickly, keeping both areas and patients clean. They’re made from the same woven cloth as wet wipes, but as they don’t already contain any product, their ability to absorb liquids is stronger.

Different weights are suitable for different tasks

Dry wipes come in different weight types to make them suitable for a variety of cleaning tasks. Light Dry Wipes help to cleanse the skin easily without a high level of wastage. For heavy soiling, the Heavy Duty Dry Wipes are highly effective and are ideal for patient care. Having a combination of both wet and dry wipe products means that you will always be prepared for any situation requiring a wipe product.

Fragrance Free

Dry wipes tend to be make using cotton, which means they’re suitable and safe for a variety of cleaning and hygiene purposes. Dry wipes are fragrance-free, meaning they’re safe for all skin types including sensitive skin which may become irritated with some wet wipe products. Wet wipes usually have some form of fragrance, which can come from the chemical formulation, or an added perfume, which adds to irritation when using these products.

They don’t contain harsh chemicals

A benefit of dry wipes is that they don’t contain any harsh chemicals – this is hugely beneficial for sensitive skin, but also for the environment. While they can also be used in conjunction with cleaning chemicals, they can also be used alone which means fewer chemicals are being disposed of.

They’re portable

Dry wipes can be transported without the risk of any chemical fluid leaking out of them – and are ideal to be carried in a bag or pocket as no chemical will leak on to clothing or other items.

Dry wipes from phs Direct

At phs Direct, we supply several products to help ensure your workplace is fully stocked with the cleaning supplies you need. We sell a range of both dry and wet wiping products to make sure your needs are met. Dry wipes have many benefits, making them a valuable product for your workplace. Whether you would like to buy individual packs of wipes or need to buy in bulk, phs Direct can deliver what you need.

As one of the leading providers of cleaning and hygiene products, phs Direct can provide you will all of the essential products, and can advise on which products are most appropriate for your needs. Explore phs Direct to see our dry wipes selection and the other products we can offer to help you always keep your workplace clean and hygienic.

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