The holidays are fast approaching — and for many of us, this means opening our home to friends and family.  After months of working from home, working out at home, staycations, distance learning, and general cocooning, it's probably safe to say our living spaces could use some freshening up before our guests arrive. In this article, we’ll go over cleaning tips you can use to clean and disinfect those high-traffic areas in each room with the right wet wipe for the job!

The Right Wipe for the Right Job

Before you begin your holiday cleaning and guest prep, you’ll need to make sure you have adequate supplies. While it is possible to find uses for wet wipes in every room of your house, you need to use the right wipe for each task — and each surface — to ensure optimal effectiveness and efficiency.

Disinfecting Wipes

Perfect for cleaning hard, nonporous surfaces such as kitchen counters, toilets, and frequently touched items like doorknobs and light switches, disposable disinfectant wipes like Nice 'N CLEAN® Disinfecting Wipes are convenient because you don’t need a separate roll of paper towels and a bottle of disinfecting solution to achieve the cleanliness you need. Be sure to read and follow the instructions on how long to keep the area wet for it to be effective. These wipes will be your go-to tool for cleaning and disinfecting your home before your guests arrive — and maintaining your home’s freshness during their stay.

Flushable Wipes

In addition to providing a more comfortable and soothing wiping experience, flushable wet wipes are also more effective at cleaning your bottom than toilet paper alone. Nice 'N CLEAN® SecureFLUSH™ Technology Flushable Wipes are not only safe for well-maintained sewers and septic systems, they’re also biodegradable [1] and break apart 5 times faster than the leading toilet paper. Be sure to provide a supply of these flushable [2] wipes in each of your bathrooms for your guests!

Hand Wipes

While washing with soap and water is always best, hand wipes are great in a pinch if you don’t have easy access to running water, but still need clean hands. Nice 'N CLEAN® Hand Wipes are proven to kill and remove 99% of the most common bacteria on hands while also wiping away dirt and grime. Our plant-based hand wipes come in two formulas: 70% Alcohol and Antibacterial. Both are more effective than hand gels in removing bacteria, dirt, grime, and other impurities from hands. Slip some of these handy wipes in a welcome basket in your guest room, along with some travel-sized body wash, shampoo, towels, and bottled water to help guests feel more at home.

Personal Care and Cosmetic Wipes

These include wipes that are tailor-made for specific uses, such as facial cleansing cloths, acne treatment pads, and makeup-removing wipes. Body wash cloths can be refreshing on a hot summer day, after a sweaty workout, or in lieu of a shower during a camping trip. Having these available in your medicine cabinet in the guest bathroom will be appreciated!

ALSO READ: The Best Wet Wipes for Camping

Baby Wipes

Perhaps the best known of all wet wipes, baby wipes are specially designed with gentle formulas for sensitive and delicate baby skin. From changing dirty diapers to cleaning up after a messy meal, these disposable wipes are versatile and convenient, even long after your little one is potty trained! While formulas and wipe material vary by brand, Nice 'N CLEAN® BABY Wipes are made with purified water and naturally-derived ingredients that help keep baby’s skin healthy. Having some available in your home during the holidays is a great idea in case someone drops by for a visit with their little ones in tow.

Holiday Cleaning Made Easy

Before the cookies are baked, the eggnog is decanted, and the candles are lit, the house must be prepped for holiday fun! Fortunately, there’s a wipe that can do it all! If you guessed disinfecting wipes, then you’re correct!

Please keep in mind:

1. Disinfecting wipes are not flushable and should be thrown away immediately after use.
2. Disinfecting wipes should never be reused to prevent cross-contamination. Use a fresh wipe for every surface.
3. Always allow the surface to air dry thoroughly according to the directions on the package to ensure effectiveness.
4. Always read and follow the directions on the package before using disinfecting wipes. They are meant for hard, nonporous surfaces. Do not use them on soft furnishings, such as carpets, curtains, mattresses, and sofa cushions.
5. If using on a food-contact surface such as a kitchen counter, rinse with potable water after the disinfecting wipe formula dries. 

Disinfecting the Bathroom

Disinfecting wipes are perfect for cleaning your toilet, bathtub, shower walls, bathroom tiles, faucet, sink, and vanity counter. Be sure to use a fresh wipe on each area and wet the entire surface with the disinfecting formula on the wipe. Then allow it to dry according to the package directions for optimal efficacy. Contact times for killing viruses and bacteria vary by brand and generally range from 3 to 10 minutes. For example, Nice 'N CLEAN^® Disinfecting Wipes kill 99.9% of bacteria [3] and viruses [4] in 3 minutes, including the COVID-19 virus^ɸ. 

Once you’ve taken care of the major areas, finish up by using fresh wipes on the light switches, door handles, faucet handles, drawer handles, and towel racks. 

For stubborn stains, consider a disinfecting wipe with texture for a more effective clean. Lemon-scented Nice 'N CLEAN^® Disinfecting Wipes have a scrubbing side for removing gunk and grime, and a wiping side for cleaning and deodorizing. Plus, it leaves your bathroom smelling clean and refreshing.

Disinfecting the Kitchen

Use disinfecting wipes to clean kitchen counters (especially after handling raw meat), the stove, backsplash tiles, faucet handles, and the sink. They’re also great for cleaning the handles of the refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, and microwave. Your trash can also deserves a thorough cleaning inside and outside regularly. 

Again, the key here is to ensure each surface is cleaned with a fresh wipe and is saturated with the disinfecting formula. Make sure you allow all the surfaces to air dry thoroughly according to the wipe directions. Also, after using disinfecting wipes on food-contact surfaces, always be sure to thoroughly rinse them with potable water.

Disinfecting the Kids’ Room or Playroom

Ah, time to enter the domain of our little and lovable germ-spreaders. Following the directions on the wipes package, use disinfecting wipes on nonporous surfaces such as your children’s furniture, storage areas, and toy chests. While you can use disinfecting wipes on nonporous plastic toys, if your child or any of their playmates tend to put toys in their mouth, be sure to rinse the toy with potable water after disinfecting.

LEARN MORE: How to Clean and Disinfect Toys Safely

Disinfecting the Bedrooms

Use disinfecting wipes for wiping down bedroom furniture, light switches, and drawer handles. If you have a TV in your bedroom, give the remote control a wipe down as well as light switches and door handles. Depending on the material of your headboard and bed frame, you can also wipe them down. Again, allow the surfaces to dry thoroughly, and use extra wipes to cover all surfaces if needed. 

Disinfecting the Living Room

While it’s not recommended that you use disinfecting wipes on soft furnishings like cushions, rugs, and drapes, there are places where a disinfecting wipe can be effective in cleaning and protecting your loved ones and guests. One of the germiest items in your house is the television remote control. It’s something we recommend disinfecting daily, especially if you like to snack and channel surf at the same time. Other living room areas that you can use disinfecting wipes to clean are tables, lamp bases, light switches, bookcases, and shelving. 

FIND OUT: The Top 10 Germiest Spots at Home

Disinfecting the Dining Room

If you’re hosting a holiday meal, this is where the magic happens (besides the kitchen, of course). Before you set out the fancy china and silverware, use disinfecting wipes to clean your dining table, chairs, sideboard, and any other nonporous furniture. 

Host a Nice and Clean Holiday Gathering

As more and more people get vaccinated, social gatherings are getting safer. But cleaning is still as important as ever. 

Being a good host during the holidays has always been a great (and stressful) responsibility. It doesn’t only involve preparing food and planning fun activities and events; it also involves cleaning and preparing your home to help ensure your guests feel safe and comfortable.

As you prepare to spend time with loved ones this holiday season, celebrate with peace of mind, knowing your home is cleaned with the help of the Nice ’N CLEAN^® brand. We’re here to help your family (and friends) stay healthy and well, one wipe at a time. 

[1] When disposed of in the toilet

[2] Safe for well-maintained sewer and septic systems. Not recommended for use with motorhomes or basement pump systems.

[3] Effective against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella enterica (Salmonella), Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria), Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

[4] Effective against common cold virus caused by Coronavirus and common flu virus caused by Influenza A H3N2 Virus

^ɸKills SARS-CoV-2 on hard, nonporous surfaces

If you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19, you may be wondering, “So, can I travel after getting the COVID vaccine?” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it is safe to travel if you’re vaccinated, and recommends extra precautions if you are unvaccinated. 

What Does It Mean to Be Fully Vaccinated?

Before you make any travel plans, let’s clarify what the CDC means by being “fully vaccinated.” Individuals are considered to be fully vaccinated:

• Two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, including the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson

• Two weeks after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, including the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

No matter how old an individual is, if they do NOT meet these requirements, they are NOT fully vaccinated, and should continue to take the CDC’s outlined precautions until they are, especially if they plan on any sort of travel without getting vaccinated.

Exceptions to these guidelines include:

• People who are immuno-compromised (have a condition that weakens their immune system) may not be completely protected even if they are fully vaccinated.

• People who take medication(s) that weaken their immune system may not be completely protected even if they are fully vaccinated.

Individuals who fall into either category should continue to take all of the precautions recommended by the CDC for unvaccinated people unless (and until) they are told otherwise by their healthcare provider.

CDC-Recommended Safety Travel Tips

While medical experts concur that those who are fully vaccinated can go back to many of their pre-COVID activities, they also agree on following the CDC’s new travel guidelines. These include several safety steps you should still be taking when traveling, whether you’re fully vaccinated or not.

Wear a mask over your nose and mouth

Regardless of your vaccination status, wearing a mask in public enclosed areas is still the best way to maximize your safety from the Delta variant and other “spinoff strains” of SARS-CoV-2. This includes:

• Airports and airplanes, trains, buses, terminals and stations
• All forms of public transportation
• Hotel lobbies, hostels, and other shared lodgings
• Areas of high transmission rates (Not sure if your destination is experiencing substantial cases of COVID? Use this data tracker on the CDC website when planning your trip to monitor the situation.)
• Areas where masks are required by local laws, rules, and regulations

Avoid crowds

Try to avoid the busiest times for restaurants, theaters, tourist attractions, and other indoor spaces. Ask your travel agent or hotel concierge for the best off-peak times to visit the places on your agenda — sometimes, they’ll even be able to book you a better table for an early dinner, or snag better seats at a matinee performance. 

Wash your hands

COVID, including the Delta variant, is caused by a virus, and one of the best ways to limit spread and protect yourself and others is by washing your hands thoroughly and often. After spending time in a public place — or after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose — scrub your hands with plenty of soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

What can you do when you’re traveling and find yourself without access to a restroom? Nice ’N CLEAN® SANI-HANDS® Sanitizing Hand Wipes kill and remove 99.99% of bacteria* on hands while also wiping away dirt and grime that gel sanitizers can't. Individually wrapped and portable, they are the perfect travel companion. Slip some in your suitcase, purse, or pocket, and you’re ready to see the sights! 

Learn More: Pandemic-Safe Travel Tips

When in doubt, disinfect 

Just being in a new place is part of the pleasure and the excitement of travel, but it also leaves the standard of sanitation up to others, especially in heavily-trafficked areas like tourist destinations (and their public restrooms.) You don’t need to leave anything to chance, though. Nice ’N CLEAN® Disinfecting Wipes have been clinically shown to kill bacteria and viruses, including 99% of the COVID-19 virus^ϕ in 3 minutes. Our extra large, pre-moistened wipes contain a proprietary solution designed to clean, deodorize, sanitize, and disinfect in one step. Use them on high-touch surfaces, such as:

• Airplane: Arm rests, tray tables, windows
• Cars: Steering wheel, console, dashboard, door handles
• Hotels: Remote control, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, toilets, faucets, sinks, phones
• Restaurants: Tables, chairs

Learn More: Can Disinfecting Wipes Kill COVID-19?

Healthy Travel Starts With CLEAN™

Despite the ongoing concerns about variant spreads and hotspot outbreaks, you can help keep yourself and your family safer and healthier by taking precautions when going on vacation after being vaccinated. In addition to wearing your mask indoors, always pack some Nice 'N CLEAN® Wipes in your carry-on so you have easy access to an easy and convenient way to clean surfaces or your hands while out and about. Healthy travel starts with CLEAN™ so always make sure you're well stocked with hand and disinfecting wipes. 

*Kills 99.9% of commonly found bacteria.

^ϕKills SARS-CoV-2 on hard, nonporous surfaces.

References:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html   
2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/JJUpdate.html 
3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Moderna.html 
4. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html 
5. https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/27/politics/cdc-mask-guidance/index.html 
6. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view 

Is a road trip in your future? Planning road trips these days isn’t just about which route to take, where to stop, and where to stay overnight. It also involves taking precautions to project yourself and your family from COVID-19. Even if you’re vaccinated, it can be helpful to wear masks when indoors or in crowded areas, and to use cleaning products, such as hand wipes and disinfecting wipes.

Healthy Travel Starts With CLEAN™

If you’re making plans to take to the open road, you are certainly not alone. According to a recent Bridgestone Americas survey of 1,000 respondents quoted by the New York Times, more than half plan to vacation by car this summer, and 80% of them feel safer in a car than on a plane. 

More people on the road means more people making pit stops, fueling up, and booking overnight stays in hotels, motels, and hostels. There’s already a shortage of car rentals available (those in the industry are calling it a “carpocalypse”) due to this year’s surge in demand, while car rental companies are still trying to right-size after selling off much of their fleets during the height of the pandemic in the U.S. 

All of this means that when it’s your turn to pull up to the gas pump, swipe the key card to your hotel room, or slide behind the wheel of that rented ride, countless others have already done so — possibly leaving behind bacteria and viruses, including the virus that causes COVID-19. 

And while businesses are still trying to maintain the higher standards of cleanliness we all have come to expect during the pandemic, many are struggling with fewer employees and depleted resources.

However, this doesn’t mean you should forgo your trip! On the contrary, by taking matters into your own hands — and taking along plenty of Nice ’N CLEAN® Disinfecting Wipes and Nice ’N CLEAN® Hand Wipes — you’ll be able to rest easier knowing that everyone on your road trip is better protected!

We’ve all been indoors so long, we might be out of practice when it comes to recognizing high-traffic touch areas that always need attention. Here are a couple of road travel tips to help you get in the habit!

Filling up your tank

If plastic gloves are available, be sure to use them and throw them away afterward. But if they’re not, before you get started, take a little time to wipe down the keypad, pump handle, and anywhere else you touch on the gas pump with Nice ’N CLEAN^® Disinfecting Wipes, and allow them to dry thoroughly before use. These one-step cleaning, sanitizing, deodorizing, and disinfecting wipes kill 99.9% of the COVID-19 virus^ɸ in 3 minutes, and are proven to kill viruses [1] and bacteria [2] 25% faster than leading brands (3 minutes vs. 4 minutes). And don’t forget to always follow up by wiping your hands with a Nice ’N CLEAN^® Sani-Hands^® Hand Wipe before getting back in the car. All used wet wipes should be thrown away in a trash can.

Taking bathroom breaks

Be prepared for any road trip bathroom breaks with travel packs of Nice ’N CLEAN^® Flushable Wipes. The 16-count portable packs are convenient to take and use anywhere so you can always have a refreshing and soothing restroom experience no matter where you are. Also be sure to have Nice ’N CLEAN^® Disinfecting Wipes on hand to wipe off door handles, faucet handles, and the toilet seat (if seat covers aren’t available). 

Navigating diaper changes on the road

If you’re traveling with a baby, make sure to pack plenty of Nice ’N CLEAN^® Baby Wipes in your diaper bag so you don’t get caught empty handed during a diaper blowout on the road. During a road trip, you have two main options for diaper changes: in your vehicle or in a public restroom. If you choose a restroom at a rest area or gas station, be sure to wipe off the changing table with a Nice ’N CLEAN^® Disinfecting Wipe and allow the surface to air dry before placing your child on the table. 

LEARN MORE: Flushable Wet Wipes vs. Toilet Paper: Which is Better?

Snacking on-the-go

Whether it’s snacks in the car or meal stops along your route, food plays a vital part during road trips. Pre-moistened Nice ’N CLEAN^® Sani-Hands^® Hand Wipes are perfect before and after you eat. They kill and remove 99% of bacteria [3] on hands, and are more effective than gel sanitizers because they also wipe away dirt and grime (as well as the sticky ice cream drips and the yummy artificially bright orange residue from your favorite chips). 

Did you spill your coffee when hitting a pothole during a sip? Did your toddler decorate your windows with sticky handprints? Good thing you also packed Nice 'N CLEAN^® Disinfecting Wipes, which are perfect for cleaning up messes and spills on hard, nonporous surfaces. 

LEARN MORE: Skin-Friendly Wet Wipes: Learn Which Types Are Safe

Enjoy your Nice and Clean Ride 

We all seem to have a little wanderlust after months of social distancing and staying home. The trick to traveling now is to plan ahead, be responsible, and travel smarter. As you head on down the highway, remember that healthy travel starts with CLEAN™ so don’t forget your Nice 'N CLEAN^® Wipes.

References

1. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/18/travel/summer-travel-road-trip.html  
2. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/21/travel/rental-car-shortage.html 
3. https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/possible-carpocalypse-predicted-in-chicago-as-summer-travel-begins/2292040/ 
4. https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/tips/summer-road-trip-covid-advice/ 
5. https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/covid-road-trip-holidays-wellness/index.html 

^ɸKills SARS-CoV-2 on hard, nonporous surfaces

[1] Effective against common cold virus caused by Coronavirus and common flu virus caused by Influenza A H3N2 Virus

[2] Effective against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella enterica (Salmonella), Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria), Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

[3] Kills 99.9% of the most common household bacteria.

Summer 2021 is here, and with it the anticipation of a little less fear and a little more cheer. However, be sure to keep in mind that COVID-19 is still a very real threat — and one that should be taken into account no matter what your travel plans entail. We all know that healthy travel starts with CLEAN™, so here are three COVID-safe vacation ideas that are sure to provide a memorable (and well-deserved) getaway! 

3 Fast (and FABULOUS!) COVID-Safe Vacation Ideas

1. ROAD TRIP!

Whether this conjures up wonderful childhood memories of family vacations (or horrible ones of car sickness), calling shotgun on getaways with friends, or the belly laughs while watching Chevy Chase’s legendary performance in National Lampoon’s Vacation, the great American road trip is back! 

And this time, you can do it your way. Prefer to take a rental car on the road and leave yours behind? Why not? Ready to skip the traditional pup tent and s’mores for something a little more luxe? There are hundreds of smaller lodges, bed-and-breakfasts, boutique hotels, and inns that are reopening their doors and ready to accept reservations. 

The key here — as with all good vacation ideas during COVID — is planning ahead. You can find a travel agent to help plan your road trip or plot every stop yourself. Travel agencies are nice because their agents are well-versed in the best places to stay and the best route to take, while also being up-to-date on the latest COVID travel restrictions, protocols, and information. If you’re more of a DIY vacationer, you can do your own research online or use an app, such as the AAA TripTix^® app, to help you plan road trips to millions of destinations. It also includes over 300 pre-planned routes and itineraries to popular destinations across the U.S. 

If you’re planning on taking your own vehicle, make sure you take it in for a checkup so that you can minimize any car issues while you’re on the road. Little things like getting your oil checked, refilling your wiper fluid, and checking your tire pressure can make a difference when you’re driving for hours a day.

WHAT TO PACK: Road tripping means long stretches of riding, eating, drinking, and other activities in the car. Before you bust out any snacks on the road, use a hand wipe to wipe off dirt and grime. Nice 'N CLEAN^® Sani-Hands^® Hand Wipes also kill and remove 99% of bacteria* on hands. Use one before eating, and another one after!

Make sure to wipe these key areas when using a hand wipe:

• Individual fingers, fingertips, and nails
• Between fingers
• Palms
• Back of hands
• Wrists 
• Forearms

LEARN MORE: Hand Sanitizer: Wipes vs. Gels

Another important wet wipe to have on hand for road trips are disinfecting surface wipes. They’re helpful for cleaning up any unexpected spills and messes along the way. Use Nice 'N CLEAN^® Disinfecting Wipes to...

• Dust and clean the interior of your car: steering wheel, cup holders, dashboard, center console, doors, door panels, and windows. 
• Clean up messes and spills (we guarantee at least one beverage will be spilled along the way!)
• Clean off any bird droppings. It’s happened to all of us.

 
2. MARITIME MERRIMENT! 

For many, the shore is impossible to resist during this time of year. As you pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and shades, consider this: Just as you’re planning on spreading your beach towel on one of America’s favorite beaches in California, Florida, or down the Jersey Shore, so are several hundred-thousands of others, and that’s going to make social distancing somewhat challenging. So what’s the COVID-safe solution? Consider a beach that’s off the beaten path! Beaches aren’t just expensive oceanside property surrounded by pricey hotels and big-ticket amenities — they can also be found along the nation’s inland lakes, rivers, and even canals.

And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not take it a step further and consider staying on the water in a houseboat? In her article, 9 Charming Houseboat Rentals for a Socially Distanced Summer Trip, travel writer Maggie Fuller describes nine houseboat rentals available across the country at a variety of price points and locations, all with amenities that are sure to provide a memorable getaway. 

WHAT TO PACK: Similar to the road trip, having antibacterial hand wipes around will make your time on the beach or in a house boat more convenient. Hand wipes are great for wiping sand and sunscreen off your hands, and you can use them before and after eating if you don’t have access to soap and water.

Another type of wet wipe to consider packing is moist toilet tissue. Flushable wipes are a convenient and refreshing way to clean up after using the restroom. If you plan to bring along flushable wipes on your trip, here are 3 tips to follow:

• Confirm it’s flushable. Don’t assume all moist toilet tissue is flushable. Made with plant-based fibers, Nice 'N CLEAN^® Flushable Wipes feature Eco-Flush^® technology that has passed all flushability guidelines and is safe for well-maintained sewers and septic systems.
• Flush individually. Moist toilet tissue should be flushed down the toilet one at a time to minimize the chances of clogging. 
• Check the plumbing. Flushable wipes are not recommended in motor homes or with basement pump systems, so be sure to ask whether the houseboat plumbing can accommodate them. 

LEARN MORE: Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?

3. HOUSE SWAP! 

Instead of booking an Airbnb from a stranger, swap homes with a friend! Whether it’s across town or across the country, arranging a house swap would give each of you the opportunity to vacation in a new place without necessarily having to worry about the cost of a hotel. 

Be sure to set some ground rules ahead of time. For example: agree to get vaccinated and/or socially distance ahead of time to reduce the possibility of COVID-19 exposure, and clean and disinfect your homes thoroughly before and after your swap.

To ensure your personal safety — and to avoid potential conflicts with your swap partner — it’s a good idea to follow Airbnb guidelines, such as bringing your own linens, utensils, and toiletries. Also, agree in advance which areas of each other’s property and amenities are off-limits. Leaving each other a list of recommended local attractions, restaurants, and take-out menus, as well as your Wi-Fi and Netflix passwords, is a nice touch.

HOW TO PREP: To prepare your house for your guest, be sure to disinfect all surfaces ahead of their stay. This is especially important for high-touch surfaces such as light switches, doorknobs, faucet handles, drawer handles, appliance handles, and countertops. Use surface wipes like Nice 'N CLEAN^® Disinfecting Wipes to thoroughly clean the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and bedrooms. Leave a package or two of disinfecting wipes on the counter or in the drawer for your guests to use during their stay. This is a great way to show consideration and care for your guests’ safety and health. After they depart, be sure to thoroughly disinfect your home again.

LEARN MORE: Tips for Cleaning Your Entire House with Wet Wipes

   
Vacation During COVID is Possible!

With the CDC’s travel guidelines in mind, many of us are dusting off our suitcases and dreaming of the relaxation and revitalization travel brings. With a little imagination, some organized preparation, and some wet wipes from the Nice 'N CLEAN^® brand, you can make vacationing during COVID a rich, rewarding, and safe experience for the whole family. Healthy travel starts with CLEAN™!

*Kills 99.9% of the most common household bacteria.

References:

1. https://triptik.aaa.com/home/index.html 
2. https://www.afar.com/magazine/houseboat-rentals-in-the-united-states-you-can-rent-now 
3. https://www.businessinsider.com/safe-vacations-during-covid#book-a-socially-distant-hotel-stay 
4. https://www.priceoftravel.com/13437/best-vacation-destinations-for-americans-during-covid-19/   
5. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html

Venue… check!

Invitations… check!

Wedding gown and tux… check and check!

Wedding cake… check!

Flowers… check!

Menu… check!

Disinfecting wipes… check?

Wedding planning has always had an element of stress. After all, whenever you mix cherished dreams with challenging deadlines (and an often impossible budget), tensions are bound to run high. And since early 2020, happy couples around the world have had an additional stress to take into account: the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with some flexibility, foresight, and creativity, it’s possible to plan a COVID wedding. Check out these ideas that help keep your bridal party, guests, and vendors safe.
 

Think intimate, for now.

If you’ve always planned on a huge wedding bash with hundreds of guests, a symphony orchestra, and a mile-long buffet, you can still consider having that in the future. But for now — with COVID safety top of mind — a small, intimate gathering of your closest friends and family members will enable you to create beautiful memories of your wedding day. 

According to UK wedding site Hitched, many couples in Europe have opted for what’s being referred to as a “minimony,” a small, in-person or virtual ceremony on their original wedding date, complete with an officiant or celebrant. They wear their wedding outfits, exchange vows and rings, and serve a mini-version of their wedding cake. Many of these couples then plan a larger “sequel” wedding to be held at a later date with all of their loved ones (often booking their venue on what will be their first anniversary). 

A “minimony” gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll get to enjoy both a private and romantic ceremony with just your nearest and dearest — and later have that big, gorgeous wedding you’ve always wanted (with an extra year to plan and save for it)!
 

Be transparent with your guests.

When you send your save-the-date announcement and wedding invitations, use the opportunity to share the safety measures you’ll be observing during your wedding and reception. Let guests know about your plans for social distancing. If you expect guests to wear masks — even if they have already been vaccinated — be clear so that they know ahead of time. This is also a good time to share whether you’ll be providing masks for guests so they can plan ahead. 

You are the hosts, and as such, you get to decide what safety measures you want your guests to observe during the wedding. Be sure to reinforce these details on your wedding website if you have one. Information like this will help relieve potential anxiety some guests may have about attending. 

Communicate with your vendors.

Not only should your guests be informed of your safety requirements, your vendors also need to be on the same page with you. Work with your venue when planning ceremony and reception seating and create a floor plan that encourages social distancing. Also, ask them about the frequency of restroom and kitchen sanitation during your event, especially if there are other events booked at the same time. Ask whether they will stock personal protective equipment (PPE) such as Nice ’N CLEAN^® Disinfecting Wipes in high-traffic areas to encourage frequent wipe-downs of countertops and other hard surfaces where germs are typically found. Nice ’N CLEAN® Disinfecting Wipes are proven to kill 99.9% of viruses [1] and bacteria [2]. They’re also effective against the COVID-19 virus^ɸ after 3 minutes of contact time.

Check with your caterer and find out the precautions they take when preparing and serving food (wearing masks and gloves, etc.). If you have hired a DJ, discuss the music. Any dances that encourage guests to mingle closely or have direct contact on the dance floor should not be included on the playlist. 

These conversations aren’t as fun as choosing your menu or picking out your first song, but they are extremely important. Remember, this is your event, and they are your vendors. They should respect your wishes, and keep the safety of your guests (and their staff) top of mind.

FIND OUT: Can Disinfecting Wipes Kill COVID-19?

Consider an outdoor venue.

Unfortunately, people who have been vaccinated, people without symptoms, or even those with a recent negative test result can all still spread the COVID-19 virus to others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Large Gatherings page, people are less likely to get or spread COVID-19 during outdoor activities. The CDC recommends choosing an outdoor venue for both your ceremony and reception, particularly those with good ventilation with outdoor air, like tents with open sides and doors. And, as always, create seating arrangements and pathways for guests that encourage social distancing. 

Bring the PPE to your party!

According to TheKnot.com, personal protective equipment is THE hot wedding favor for the second year in a row. It’s now possible to provide your guests with festive, personalized masks, sets of pre-packaged gloves, custom packages of wet wipes, or any other protective equipment they may need during your wedding. Put them together with a sweet treat and a personalized note in gift bags that match your wedding colors.

Be sure to slip in a travel pack of Nice ’N CLEAN^® SANI-HANDS® Antibacterial Hand Wipes  for each of your guests! Hypoallergenic and proven to kill and remove 99.9% of the most common bacteria [3] on hands, our hand wipes are more effective than gel sanitizers because they also wipe away dirt and grime. They are also sustainably made with renewable plant-based fibers, and are infused with aloe to help soothe and moisturize your hands.

LEARN MORE: Hand Sanitizer: Wipes vs. Gels

Celebrate your happiness safely!

While your wedding day may not be the fairy tale you originally imagined, remember to focus on what truly matters — love, family, health, and happiness. And just because you can’t have a huge wedding now doesn’t mean you can’t have your desired celebration later when the timing is better and safer for everyone. With careful planning, creativity, and flexibility, having a COVID wedding where you share the love and joy you’ve found with your partner can provide a day of hope and happiness for those who love you most, whether they celebrate in person or virtually!

References:

• https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-planning/organising-and-planning/weddings-after-covid/ 
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/large-gatherings.html 
• https://www.theknot.com/content/how-to-have-covid-wedding 

[1] Effective against common cold virus caused by Coronavirus and common flu virus caused by Influenza A H3N2 Virus

[2] Effective against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella enterica (Salmonella), Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria), Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep), Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

[3] Kills 99.9% of the most common household bacteria.

^ɸKills SARS-CoV-2 on hard, nonporous surfaces