A Quick Look At Kimwipes Vs Micro-Fiber Wipes

by erin on April 4, 2011

There 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.

Packaging Differences
Micro-fiber sheets are not disposable and therefore do not come in a container that is designed to hold them for the long-term. Kimwipes however, have a molded dispenser that protects the wipes from damp and dust. These dry-wipes are not comparable with other wipes because of their unique and specific purpose and the only comparable product for comparison is the micro-fiber sheets.

Cleaning Products
Both wipes and sheets are effective for cleaning delicate items. They are both extremely smooth and non-abrasive. However, the micro-fiber is a polyester blend that may pick up particles of dirt that can get embedded in the fabric and cause damage to glass. An argument has been raised that the fiber sheets are less abrasive and softer than the paper wipes, however this is a debate that is ongoing and appears to be based on an individual’s personal preferences. The wipes are used in labs for cleaning lenses, slides and pipettes. Optical lenses or tinted glass may not be appropriate for cleaning with wipes because of the chemicals in the product.

Lense Cleaner
The use of the wipes is now expanding to the photography field with many photographers finding it effective when used with a few drops of ROR (Residual Oil Remover). There is debate, however, that some photographers feel the wipes may damage the lense of a camera, so it is important to try the product on an inexpensive lense before moving to a more expensive part of your equipment.

Absorbency
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.

Different Uses
When sanitation, convenience and cleanliness are a concern, using the micro-fiber sheets are not disposable and require regular cleaning. Kimwipes are disposable and are available in both small 250 sheet boxes to larger boxes for areas where they will be used on a regular basis. In addition, the dispensers are easily transported and easy to put near the area where they are needed.

Conclusion
When compared, Kimwipes provide a soft, non-abrasive sheet that is contained in a dispenser that keeps the sheets clean and protected from liquids or debris. The uses for these wipes is expanding as more people attain products that require regular cleaning with a product that removes dust, lint, and liquids without the use of paper towel dispensers. They are convenient and easy to place near any work area. A photographer will want to test the wipes to make sure that they will meet their needs before using them on more expensive lenses.

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