CaviWipes vs. CaviCide: Disinfecting Surfaces in Clinics and Surgery Centers

CaviWipes and CaviCide are EPA-registered intermediate-level disinfectants proven to kill 70 pathogens, including TB, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV. While CaviWipes are ideal for high-touch surfaces and electronics, CaviCide spray/liquid is more cost-effective for large areas like floors and operating room tables.

As medical care hubs, health clinics and surgery centers are often hotspots for various germs and viruses. Regularly disinfecting surfaces in these facilities is a critical task that directly impacts health outcomes for everyone onsite. Honest Medical offers CaviWipes and CaviCide Disinfectants from Metrex, which are EPA-registered and the gold standard for ensuring the cleanliness and safety of surfaces in clinical and surgical settings. In this blog, we will discuss EPA registration and the EPA levels of disinfection; the standards for cleanliness as determined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); the different types of surfaces that require disinfecting; how each type should be treated; and the best product choice for disinfecting surfaces in your medical clinic, surgical center or other healthcare setting.

EPA Pathogen Lists and Levels of Disinfectants

The EPA lists products proven to kill specific pathogens within a required contact time. These lists are alphabetical, with each list  given a letter, ie. K, N, S. Additional lists are added as new pathogens are discovered. The lists curated by the EPA cover a wide range of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, microbes and fungi. CaviWipes and CaviCide have proven efficacy against 70 pathogens (as of 2025) identified by the EPA and are EPA registered based on their rigorous testing. The EPA has also claimed CaviWipes and CaviCide effective against emerging viral pathogens.

The EPA has established three classifications for the use of disinfectants based on their ability to eliminate pathogens – High, Intermediate and Low. The levels cover a range of cleaning objectives from critical medical devices to non-critical surfaces. Choosing the appropriate level depends on the human risk involved. The following is a summary of each disinfectant classification and where it applies:

• High-Level Disinfectants (HLD): These disinfectants kill all bacteria, viruses and fungi and even some bacterial spores. HLDs are necessary for surgical instruments but are often too toxic for general surface disinfection.
• Intermediate-Level Disinfectants (ILD): Disinfecting surfaces in most healthcare facilities requires ILD products, including CaviWipes and CaviCide by Metrex. ILDs kill all vegetative bacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and most viruses and fungi. Metrex disinfectants kill 70 pathogens including the SARS and COVID-19 viruses.
• Low-Level Disinfectants (LLD): While LLDs kill most vegetative bacteria and some fungi, they can’t kill spores or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These disinfectants, which include detergents, are typically used on furniture, floors and bedrails if the risk of pathogens is low.

What Are the Standards for Disinfecting Surfaces in Healthcare Facilities?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) publishes guidelines for cleanliness standards in healthcare facilities. The following is a summary of that guidance:

Cleaning Routines

• Clean high-touch areas daily including bed rails, door handles and light switches. Also floors are to be cleaned daily at a minimum – more often if needed.
• Deep clean rooms when a patient is transferred or discharged including surfaces, beds, furniture and bathrooms.
• Make sure cleaning is done before and after procedures, using extra precautions if there is a risk of contamination.
  

Cleaning Techniques

• Use a clean-to-dirty approach when disinfecting surfaces, which means start in cleaner areas and move to dirtier areas to minimize the possibility of cross-contamination.
• Make sure all visible soil is removed before you apply a disinfectant.
• Focus on high-touch areas for frequent cleaning and disinfecting that can kill pathogens.
• Clean reusable and cloths and mops, which should be laundered frequently to prevent the spread of germs.

Disinfection Standards

• Use cleaning agents that are hospital-grade EPA-registered disinfectants such as CaviWipes, CaviCide Liquid and CaviCide Spray.
• Ensure surfaces remain wet for the manufacturer’s recommended contact time to effectively kill all pathogens.

Why Choose CaviWipes and CaviCide for Pathogen Control?

As industry-standard, ILD products, CaviWipes and CaviCide Liquid  provide fast-acting protection against a wide spectrum of pathogens. The CaviCide Liquid can be used to mop floors or use the  CaviCide Spray for disinfecting surfaces in smaller areas. The following are some of the advantages these Metrex products offer:

• Ensure Rapid Kill Time: Within one minute or less, they kill bacteria, fungi and viruses, including SARS and COVID-19. Within three minutes or less, they kill Tuberculosis (TB), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus. 
• Provide a Broad Spectrum of Coverage: They have been proven effective against a broad range of dangerous organisms – 70 pathogens –  on the EPA Lists.
• Offer Convenience: By combining the attributes of a cleaner, a disinfectant and a deodorant, you save by reducing inventory and saving time during clean-ups.
• CaviCide Liquid Doesn’t Need to Be Diluted: CaviCide liquid or spray is ready to use with no need for mixing. This eliminates the possibility of having a solution that is too strong or too weak when disinfecting surfaces.
• CaviWipes Don’t Bunch Up: You can use these wipes without fear they will bunch up because they are made of non-woven, non-abrasive material.
• Have a Low Alcohol Content: Some brands of disinfectant are damaging to plastic or vinyl, but CaviWipes and CaviCide have a lower alcohol content than competitors, making them safe on any surface. In addition, they don’t contain any other harsh chemicals.

CaviWipes vs. CaviCide: When Should You Use a Wipe vs. a Spray?

Both CaviWipes and CaviCide are EPA-registered and approved ILDs that are used worldwide in clinics, surgical centers, and other healthcare facilities. Honest Medical offers these Metrex disinfectant products in wipes, liquid and spray bottles.

• CaviWipe Disinfecting Towelettes
• CaviCide Surface Disinfectant Cleaner
• Cavicide Disinfectant Spray

 

The following chart shows the applications that work best for each product:

Area to be Disinfected	CaviWipes	CaviCide Spray	Reasons
High-touch areas that need a quick cleaning: doorknobs, light switches, etc.	✅		Wipes are more convenient for small, quick clean-upsBetter than an aerosol for small spaces because no chemicals are released into the airReduces the risk of cross-contamination because wipes are used once and discarded.Low-alcohol, non-bleach formula
Remote controllers, phones, other electronic devices	✅		Wipes are more  convenient for cleaning small objectsA spray would apply too much liquid that can be damaging to electronics
Large areas such as counters, tables and floors.		✅	Using a spray or mop reaches large areas in less timeBecause more liquid is applied when disinfecting surfaces, dwell time can be increased to ensure all microorganisms are eliminatedMore cost effective than wipes for large areas
Heavily soiled areas and soft areas such as fabric		✅	Spray is more effective at penetrating and breaking down heavy soil on hard and soft areasIncreased dwell time of spraying a liquid ensures complete disinfection against some pathogens
Areas and objects with sharp corners or irregular shapes		✅	Spray can get into corners that are hard to reach with wipes

Honest Medical Has the Disinfectants You Need

Whether you are a clinic, surgery center, or hospital, Honest Medical offers the EPA-registered CaviWipe and CaviCide disinfectants you need to ensure all surfaces are kept clean and free from pathogens. Visit the HonestMed website to access a wide range of health and wellness products, priced affordably and delivered with speed and efficiency. Learn more by speaking to an HonestMed Care Specialist at (833) 933-2323. We’re here to provide you with product knowledge, support, and expertise to ensure that you get the right products for your unique needs and budget.