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Sanitising Wipe Formats: Tubs, Refills, Buckets | Hygiene Direct

Date: 21-10-2026
General Cleaning Blogs

Two sanitising wipes can do the same job and cost very different amounts, simply because of how they are packed. Choosing the right format affects cost, convenience and how often staff actually use the wipes. This guide compares the main formats and shows how to work out cost per wipe.

The main formats

Format

Best for

Watch out for

Tub or canister

Desks, benches, kitchenettes and workstations where wipes should be within reach

Higher cost per wipe than a refill, because you are also paying for the container

Refill pack

Topping up an existing tub or dispenser at a lower cost

Check the refill suits your tub or dispenser before you order

Bucket

Busy kitchens, workshops and gyms with heavy daily use

A large quantity per bucket, so keep the lid on to avoid wipes drying out

Roll

Bulk use at dispensing points, and sites that want one product across many stations

Needs a suitable dispenser or bucket to hold the roll

Small pack

Desks, vehicles, bags, first-aid kits and one-off use

Often a higher cost per wipe than refills, so compare before you stock up

Wall-mounted dispenser

High-traffic areas where wipes must be visible and easy to reach

Needs mounting, and the refill has to fit the dispenser

In our disinfectant and sanitising wipes range, the Sygnet wipes come as a 200-wipe tub and a 200-wipe refill. You will also find tub and refill options in non-alcohol wipes, small packs, bucket wipes and rolls. See our wipes dispensers for wall-mounted options.

How to work out cost per wipe

The sum is simple: price ÷ number of wipes in the pack. Always use the price excluding GST for both products if you are comparing trade prices.

Here is an example using round numbers, not our prices:

  • A tub of 200 wipes at $12.00 costs 6.0 cents a wipe.
  • A refill of 200 wipes at $7.00 costs 3.5 cents a wipe.
  • A workplace using 40 wipes a day over 250 days uses 10,000 wipes a year. At 2.5 cents less per wipe, refilling instead of buying a new tub each time saves about $250 a year.

The pattern is common. Once you have a tub or dispenser, refills are usually the cheaper way to keep it stocked, and buying one container at the start rather than a new one every time also means less plastic.

Why cost per wipe can mislead

The lowest cost per wipe is not always the lowest cost per job:

  • Wipe size: a larger wipe covers more surface, so one wipe may do the work of two. Ask for the wipe dimensions before you compare.
  • Thickness and wetness: a thin wipe that dries out quickly may not stay wet for the contact time on the label, so you end up using two.
  • Waste: wipes pulled out in handfuls, or left to dry because a lid was not closed, push up your real cost. Close the tub or reseal the pack after each use, as directed on the label.
  • Fit for the job: a cheap wipe that is not suitable for your surfaces, or for food-contact areas, is no saving at all.

Matching format to workplace

  • Office or shared workspace: a tub on each floor or kitchenette, with refills held in a store cupboard.
  • Commercial kitchen: a bucket or tub close to each prep area, plus a bin for used wipes.
  • Gym: wall dispensers or buckets at each zone, so members can wipe down equipment after use.
  • School or public facility: tubs and refills kept out of children's reach, with staff trained on use.
  • Vehicle or site visits: small packs that go in the van or toolbox.

Whichever format you choose, ask your supplier for the Safety Data Sheet, because WorkSafe requires a current SDS for each hazardous substance in the workplace, whatever the quantity.

Order in bulk

Open a trade account with Hygiene Direct for bulk pricing on tubs, refills and buckets.

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