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Home → Blog → First Aid Tips → Antiseptic Wipes In Your First Aid Kit

Antiseptic Wipes In Your First Aid Kit

Alcohol Wipes vs Antiseptic Wipes: Which Should You Use?

We receive questions from businesses and safety managers across the country asking the same thing: “What belongs in my workplace first aid kit?”
One of the most common questions that comes up is alcohol wipes versus antiseptic wipes. This is a frequent point of confusion. They look similar but using the wrong one can actually slow down the healing process.

Don’t Use Alcohol on Open Wounds

It might feel like that “sting” means the alcohol is working, but it is actually a sign of tissue damage. You should never use alcohol wipes to clean a bleeding cut or scrape.

Why? Alcohol is an extremely harsh astringent. While it kills bacteria, it also destroys healthy skin cells your body needs to start the healing process. This can lead to increased pain, longer healing times, and even scarring.

The Professional Choice: BZK Antiseptic Wipes

For modern wound care, BZK (Benzalkonium Chloride) antiseptic wipes do a better job of killing the germs without damaging the wound or causing pain.

  • Painless: They don’t sting, making wound care more comfortable.
  • Effective: They effectively kill germs and bacteria without damaging the surrounding tissue.
  • Safe: Unlike the “old school” remedies like Mercurochrome (which was eventually banned for its mercury content), BZK is the workplace standard for safe, effective wound cleaning.

Where Do Alcohol Wipes Belong?

Alcohol wipes still have an important role in your first aid kit. Use your alcohol prep pads for:

  • Sanitizing Tools: Cleaning tweezers, scissors, or thermometers.
  • Intact Skin: Prepping an area of unbroken skin before an injection or a splinter removal.

Summary: Use Antiseptic BZK Wipes for the wound and save the Alcohol Wipes for the equipment.

Keeping your kit stocked with the right supplies ensures your team gets back to work safely and quickly. You can find OSHA-compliant antiseptic wipes and first aid kit refills on our website.

Shop our selection of first aid antiseptics.