As a daily cleaning product, wet wipes' safety and hygiene directly impact consumer health. To ensure product quality, wet wipes undergo a rigorous testing process encompassing raw materials, production, and finished products.
Step 1: Raw Material Testing
Wet wipes' raw materials include non-woven fabric, water (purified or RO water), and additives (such as antiseptics and moisturizers). The non-woven fabric undergoes physical testing, such as for strength, softness, and the presence of migratable fluorescent substances, to ensure the absence of harmful chemical residues. Water quality testing is particularly crucial and must comply with the "Standard for Drinking Water Hygiene" (GB 5749) or higher standards for purified water. Microbial and heavy metal content must be strictly controlled.
Step 2: Production Environment and Process Monitoring
Wet wipes production must be conducted in a cleanroom. Environmental testing includes air cleanliness, temperature, and humidity control to prevent microbial contamination. During the production process, samples of semi-finished products are collected and tested for pH and microbial indicators (such as total bacterial count, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus) to ensure compliance with the "Hygiene Standard for Disposable Hygiene Products" (GB 15979).
Step 3: Comprehensive Testing of Finished Products
Finished wet wipes undergo several key tests:
1.Microbiological Testing: This includes testing for total bacterial count, pathogenic bacteria (such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and hemolytic Streptococci), and fungi to ensure compliance with national standards.
2.Chemical Safety: This tests for preservatives (such as MIT and CMIT), alcohol content (if present), pH (typically 5.5-7.5), and fluorescent brighteners.
3.Physical Properties: This evaluates the wet wipes' liquid content, dimensional stability, abrasion resistance, and packaging seal to prevent leakage or drying.
Step 4: Compliance and Certification
Wet wipes that pass testing must comply with national or international standards (such as the EU EN 1276 sterilization standard) and obtain relevant certifications (such as FDA and CE) before they can be marketed.
The rigor of the wet wipes testing process is directly related to product safety and market trust. Companies must establish a comprehensive quality control system to ensure that every wet wipe meets health standards.