Daiso’s Alcohol Swabs Become a ‘Season’s Necessity’ as Cold & Flu Fears Rise
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – As temperatures begin to drop and the threat of cold and flu season looms, a surprising item is experiencing a surge in demand: Daiso’s incredibly affordable alcohol swabs. The budget retailer’s 100-count packs, priced at just 2,000 won (approximately $1.50 USD), are being hailed as a simple yet effective tool for preventing the spread of illness, sparking a viral trend on social media and prompting a rush on stores.
The Viral Trend: Disinfecting for Defense
The buzz began on social networking service X (formerly Twitter), where users shared anecdotes about how regularly wiping down their phones and other frequently touched surfaces with alcohol swabs helped them avoid severe colds. One user recounted years of battling illness, only to find relief after adopting a daily disinfection routine. The post quickly garnered over 7 million views in just three days, igniting a wave of positive responses and driving consumers to Daiso stores.
Why Alcohol Swabs? The Science Behind the Clean
The appeal isn’t just about price. Daiso’s alcohol swabs boast a potent 83% grain fermentation ethanol content and are certified to eliminate 99.9% of major harmful bacteria, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella. But the real eye-opener comes from scientific studies revealing just how much bacteria lurks on our everyday devices.
Research from Estonia, published in Germs in 2017, found over 17,000 bacterial gene copies on the phones of middle and high school students, including potential pathogens. A separate study from Arizona revealed that mobile phones harbor 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats – a truly unsettling statistic! Common culprits include Norovirus, a leading cause of the winter vomiting bug, and various strains of Staphylococcus aureus.
Beyond Phones: A Versatile Hygiene Tool
The practicality of Daiso’s alcohol swabs extends far beyond mobile phones. Consumers are using them to disinfect keyboards, door handles, light switches, and other high-touch surfaces. Apple and Samsung even recommend using 70% or higher alcohol solutions to clean their devices on their official websites, validating the practice. Experts agree that incorporating regular disinfection into your routine can significantly reduce the risk of contracting flu or other respiratory illnesses.
A Word of Caution: Protecting Your Devices
While alcohol is a powerful disinfectant, it’s important to use it carefully. Alcohol can potentially damage certain materials, including metal, synthetic rubber, resin, and some types of glass. Daiso’s swabs contain a small amount of sodium nitrate to mitigate this risk, but it’s still best to wipe surfaces gently with a cloth rather than applying the alcohol directly. Pay particular attention to devices with rubber seals, as frequent alcohol exposure can cause them to harden and compromise waterproof performance.
The sudden demand for Daiso’s alcohol swabs highlights a growing awareness of the importance of hygiene in preventing the spread of illness. As we head into peak cold and flu season, taking simple preventative measures – like regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces – can make a significant difference in protecting your health and the health of those around you. Staying informed about these preventative measures and incorporating them into your daily routine is a proactive step towards a healthier winter.
