My one-swipe routine has left me wondering, however, if there are things I shouldn’t be using disinfecting wipes on. Credit: Getty Images10 Items You Shouldn’t Use Disinfecting Wipes OnTansman cautions that disinfecting wipes cannot be used on everything due to materials and makeup. Credit: Getty ImagesDisinfecting Wipes vs. Cleansing WipesAccording to Tansman, surface wipes often all get lumped into one category, even though they shouldn’t be. There are some major differences between disinfecting wipes and cleaning wipes. "Using disinfecting wipes has its place," he says.