Antimicrobial Wipes vs Food Service Wipes: What’s the difference?

Key Takeaways :

  1. Food service wipes are an economical choice for everyday tasks like wiping tables, counters, and spills.
  2. Antimicrobial wipes are better suited for heavier, frequent cleaning while helping the wipe stay fresh and odor-free.
  3. Both wipes can work together, with different types or colors assigned to specific cleaning zones and tasks.
In foodservice environments, not every wiping task requires the same type of wipe. A restaurant kitchen, bar, cafeteria, or hospitality operation may need wipes for everything from cleaning up spills and wiping countertops to handling heavier, more frequent cleaning throughout the day.
That’s where choosing the right wipe matters.
Two common options are food service wipes and antimicrobial wipes. Both are designed for foodservice and hospitality environments, however, they serve slightly different purposes.
So, what’s the difference between antimicrobial wipes and food service wipes—and which one is right for your operation?

What Are Antimicrobial Wipes?

Antimicrobial wipes are designed with antimicrobial properties that help inhibit the growth of microorganisms within the wipe itself.
The EZPZ EZF150WQ Antimicrobial Wipe, for example, is designed to help prevent bacterial growth and keep the wipe fresh and odor-free even after repeated use. It has a 20″ x 13″ sheet size in blue and white color options. It also comes quarter-folded for easy dispensing.
Antimicrobial wipes are particularly useful when wipes are being used frequently throughout the day and need to remain fresh between uses.

The EZPZ antimicrobial line is designed for foodservice and hospitality applications, including food prep areas, commercial kitchens, bars, and tabletop cleaning. The wipes are intended for heavier wiping tasks than the standard food service wipes.

Antimicrobial wipes are a good fit for:

  • Heavier-duty wiping tasks
  • Food prep areas
  • Commercial kitchens
  • Bars
  • Tables and countertops
  • High-frequency cleaning environments
  • Applications where odor control and freshness are important

Why Are Food Service Wipes?

Food service wipes are designed for everyday cleaning tasks in restaurants, bars, kitchens, and other foodservice environments. They provide a reusable, economical alternative to traditional bar mops and rags.
For example, the EZPZ EZF200PQ Food Service Wipe is designed for light-duty, everyday cleaning. It comes in pink and blue. Its 20″ x 13″ size makes it suitable for wiping down counters, food prep areas, and front-of-house tables. The wipe can be rinsed and reused multiple times before being discarded.
The EZF200PQ is also designed with a cloth-like, low-lint construction, making it a practical replacement for traditional bar mops that require regular laundering.
Food service wipes are a good fit for:
  • Wiping countertops and prep areas
  • Cleaning tables and other front-of-house surfaces
  • Managing everyday spills
  • General kitchen cleanup
  • Replacing reusable bar mops and rags
For operations that need an economical wipe for routine cleaning throughout the day, food service wipes can be a simple and practical solution.

Antimicrobial Wipes vs. Food Service Wipes: Key Differences

At first glance, these wipes can seem very similar. Both are 20″ x 13″, quarter-folded, reusable during the day, and designed for foodservice environments. The biggest difference comes down to the level of cleaning and the properties built into the wipe.

Feature Food Service Wipes Antimicrobial Wipes
Primary use Everyday cleaning Heavier, frequent cleaning
Typical applications Counters, prep areas, tables Prep areas, kitchens, bars, tables
Antimicrobial properties No Yes
Reusable during the day Yes Yes
Size 20″ x 13″ 20″ x 13″
Fold Quarter-folded Quarter-folded
Colors Blue & White Blue & Pink
Alternative to bar mops Yes Yes
Sheets per box 200 150

The EZF200PQ contains 200 sheets per box, while the EZF150WQ contains 150 sheets per box.

Which Wipe Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on the cleaning demands of your operation.

Choose antimicrobial wipes for heavier, frequent wiping.

If your operation puts more demands on its wipes or you’re looking for a wipe with antimicrobial properties, antimicrobial wipes may be the better fit.

The EZF150WQ is designed for heavier wiping tasks and incorporates antimicrobial properties intended to inhibit microbial growth within the towel and help keep it fresh and odor-free during use.

Choose food service wipes for everyday cleaning.

If your team primarily needs an economical wipe for wiping down tables, counters, prep areas, and other surfaces throughout the day, food service wipes are a practical choice.

The EZF200PQ is designed specifically for light-duty, everyday cleaning and can be rinsed and reused multiple times before disposal.

It’s Not Always About Choosing One

Food service wipes and antimicrobial wipes don’t necessarily need to compete with each other.

Many foodservice operations have different cleaning zones and different wiping needs throughout the day. A restaurant could use standard food service wipes for routine table and counter cleaning while stocking antimicrobial wipes for areas that require heavier or more frequent wiping.

Color-coded options can also help organize wiping systems and separate cleaning tasks. EZPZ offers both food service and antimicrobial wipes in multiple color options.

The goal isn’t simply to find the “best” wipe. It’s to match the wipe to the job.

The Bottom Line

Food service wipes are built for economical, everyday cleaning in foodservice environments. They’re a practical alternative to traditional bar mops and rags and can be reused throughout the day.

Antimicrobial wipes offer additional antimicrobial properties and are designed for heavier, frequent wiping where keeping the wipe fresh during use is an important consideration.

Both can play an important role in a professional cleaning program. The best choice depends on your application, cleaning frequency, and the level of performance you need from your wipe.

Looking for the right wipe for your foodservice operation? Explore EZPZ Brands’ food service wipes and antimicrobial wipes to compare your options and find the right fit for your customers or facility.

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