the presence of water is essential in all cleaning applications , such as hand cleansing . however , if these antiseptic wipes were supplied in wet form , the activated iodine risks rapid degradation in the presence of water , and the aqueous iodine would leave visible stains on skin , clothing or hard surfaces . these disadvantages add to the cost of packaging , storing and using the wipes , and most importantly reduce their shelf life time . it has now been found that wipes containing pvp - iodine can be manufactured using a non - aqueous solvent carrier that will yield substantially dry wipes that can be activated with water shortly before use by the end user . the synthetic matrix is manufactured dry , meaning no water has been added other than the water naturally present in the basic fibers . typically , these synthetic materials have a moisture content of less than 1 %. the term “ substantially dry ” also encompasses a finished product , i . e . a wipe , into which the anhydrous treatment solution containing an antimicrobial and surfactant formulation has been impregnated . the matrix with the treatment solution normally feels dry , and lubricious to the touch . the matrix for containing the anhydrous treatment solution used in the present invention comprises synthetic fibers which may be processed into woven , non - woven or knitted form . of particular interest for use in the matrix employed in the present invention are the following fibers : polypropylene , polyester , and other synthetics . in accordance with the invention , pvp - iodine is the antiseptic active . commercially , pvp - iodine complex is available in a pharmaceutical grade containing 10 parts active halogen per 100 parts of dry powder . for this reason , the commercial product has sometimes been referred to as “ pvp - iodine 10 .” there are two major suppliers of pvp - iodine : basf fine chemicals and napp technologies . pvp - iodine is completely soluble in cold water with mild agitation as well as propylene glycol in amounts up to and exceeding 10 % ( 1 . 0 % available iodine ). aqueous solutions of pvp - iodine have been marketed under the trademark betadine ® microbicides by purdue frederick company as a defense against topical infection from pre - surgical cleansing to hand and skin degerming , as being active against both gram - positive and gram - negative bacteria , fungi , protozoa , and viruses in vitro . in general , to reduce microorganisms on skin and prevent infections in skin , topical solutions containing between about 1 and 15 % pvp - iodine ( 0 . 1 and 1 . 5 % available iodine ) may be used . it is preferred that the solution contain between about 5 and 10 % pvp - iodine ( 0 . 5 and 1 % available iodine ) and most preferably the solution contains about 10 % pvp - iodine ( 1 % available iodine ). anticipating the dilution with water upon wetting prior to use , the initial concentration of pvp - iodine in the manufactured anhydrous solution could contain higher concentration of pvp - iodine . the substrate comprises synthetic , woven , non - woven or knitted fibers , or blends thereof . the intended use ( hands , body , first aid ) dictates the amount of add - on needed to achieve effective skin antisepsis . the treatment solution also contains from about 0 . 5 % to 15 % of a non - ionic or cationic surfactant . it is preferred that the treatment solution contains between about 3 and 6 % of a non - ionic or cationic surfactant . the specific amount of the particular non - ionic or cationic surfactant which is employed within this range will depend upon the detergent activity desired as can be readily determined by one of ordinary skill in the art . any of the well - known classes of non - ionic and cationic surfactants such as nonylphenol ethoxylates also known as igepal may be employed in the wipe of the present invention . the presence of non - ionic or cationic surfactant enhances skin cleaning efficiency . the dry article optionally may contain one or more fragrances for imparting a pleasant odor to the skin . as used herein , the term “ fragrance ” includes chemicals that can mask unpleasant odors and / or destroy unpleasant odors . when employed , the fragrance is present in the dry wipe in amounts up to 5 % of the treatment solution . the present invention uses a non - aqueous solvent carrier for pvp - iodine during the manufacturing and storage of the wipes . glycols are the preferred non - aqueous solvents and propylene glycol is the preferred glycol . the non - aqueous solvent functions not only to dissolve the pvp - iodine , but these solvents also impart emolliency and lubricity to the treatment solution which helps prevent skin breakdown and maintain skin softness . the use of propylene glycol instead of water as a solvent is essential . propylene glycol does not precipitate the release of free iodine , and thereby deplete its effectiveness before its actual use . propylene glycol , unlike water , actually does preserves the stability of pvp - iodine and facilitates an extended shelf life of the treated wipe . propylene glycol is a lubricious emollient imparting soothing and softening qualities to skin . propylene glycol does not freeze in cold weather . the use of propylene glycol , as a non - aqueous solvent obviates the need for buffers , stabilizers and preservatives which are generally required to be used in aqueous solutions . propylene glycol is an active skin lubricant and emollient as well as the solvent for the pvp - iodine . typically , propylene glycol is the major component in the treatment solutions of the present invention . however , it can also be combined with similar glycols such as glycerin or low molecular weight polyethylene glycols such as peg - 200 , peg - 400 etc . preferably , not more than about 40 % by weight of the propylene glycol is replaced with these other glycols . the matrix prepared in accordance with the one of the methods described above , from which the cleansing wipe or other products of the present invention are obtained , can be coated and impregnated with the non - aqueous treatment solution using any conventional process , such as spraying , dipping , extrusion , and those described in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 919 , 471 . the coating / impregnation method enables a uniform and accurate application of all active ingredients and surfactants to the woven or nonwoven matrix of synthetic fibers without the use of carriers and without the need for a separate step to dry the residual solution from the matrix . prior to use by the end users , the wipes are wetted using water . the presence of the water will enhance the release of free iodine for efficient antisepsis and will precipitate better cleansing performance . the exclusion of water from the treatment formulation , which is applied to the substrate during manufacturing , provides the many benefits described above in the manufacturing , storage and distribution of the wipe products . the following examples are given in order to more completely illustrate the usage benefits of the invention , and are not to be construed in limitation thereof : formulation # 1 listed below was impregnated into a 4 . 0 oz / sq . yd non - woven 100 % polypropylene needle punched fabric . wipes of 8 × 11 inches were cut from the fabric and were prepared using the technique described in u . s . patent application ser . no . 10 / 021 , 395 . treatment of wipes weight of wipe g . add - on % add on 7 . 4 1 . 9 25 . 7 7 . 7 1 . 8 23 . 4 7 . 9 1 . 8 22 . 8 formulation # 1 wt . percent ingredients 6 . 3 % povidone iodine 30 % dwb - 40 ( non - ionic foaming agent ) 47 . 2 % propylene glycol 15 % glycerine 1 . 5 % menthol fragrance the treated antiseptic hand wipes were evaluated by wetting both hands under a running faucet . the wet hands were then rubbed with the dry wipe to activate the ingredients . the wipe foamed readily when activated with water from the wet hands . there was very little iodine odor detected , and the cleansing action of the wipe was quickly evident . there was no irritation and there was a lubricious feel as the wet wipe was rubbed over the hands . the weight of water extracted from the saturated wipe was between 5 - 7 grams . this would produce an iodine concentration of about 1900 - ppm . after a few minutes the wipe was discarded and the hands were rinsed under water . there was no staining on the hands , which felt soft and refreshed with a pleasing aroma . the 4 oz / sq . yd . needle punched 100 % polypropylene wipes 8 × 11 inches were similarly impregnaged with formulation # 2 listed below . formulation # 2 wt . percent ingredients 5 % povidone iodine 20 % glycerine 20 % nonoxynol - 9 53 . 5 % propylene glycol 1 . 5 % menthol fragrance treatment of wipes wt of wipe g . add - on g . % add on 7 . 7 1 . 1 14 . 2 7 . 7 1 . 3 16 . 8 a wipe was lightly wetted with water from a faucet . the wet wipe , which picked up 25 grams of water , was rubbed gently over the hands for one minute . the wipes foamed extensively as the hands were gently scrubbed with the wipe . no odor of iodine was detected . a lubricious feel was detected as the wipe was used on the hands . the wipe was then discarded and the hands were rinsed under water . no staining of the hands was observed and the hands felt smooth , soft and cleans with a pleasant aroma . based on the water pick up of the wipe , the iodine concentration is about 220 - ppm . 11 × 8 inch wipes were cut from 3 oz ./ sq . yd . needle punched polyester fabric . wipes were impregnated with formulation # 3 below : formulation # 3 wt . percent ingredients 75 . 0 % propylene glycol 20 . 2 % pacon concentrate ( non - ionic foaming agent ) 4 . 8 % povidone iodine treatment of wipes wt . wipe g . add - on % add on 5 . 7 1 . 9 33 . 3 5 . 6 1 . 4 25 . 0 5 . 6 1 . 5 26 . 7 hands were wetted under a running faucet . one wipe treated with formulation # 3 was rubbed over the wet hands to activate the treatment . the wipe foamed readily when wet and massaged on the hands . there was no odor of iodine detected and no staining of the hands was observed . after one minute of rubbing the wipe over the hands , the wipe was discarded and the hands rinsed in running water . the hands felt soft and clean . 3 oz ./ sq . yd . needle punched polyester fabric was cut into 10 × 8 in . wipes and treated with formulation # 4 below . formulation # 4 wt . percent ingredients 74 . 16 propylene glycol 20 . 02 pacon concentrate ( non - ionic foaming agent ) 4 . 82 % povidone iodine 1 . 00 % crisp morning fragrance treatment of wipes wt . of wipe grams add - on % add on 5 . 3 1 . 4 26 . 4 5 . 2 1 . 5 28 . 8 5 . 3 1 . 6 30 . 2 hands were wetted under a running faucet . a treated polyester needle punched wipe was rubbed over both hands and massaged into the hands for about one minute . extensive foaming was produced as the wipe was rubbed over the wet hands activating the ingredients in the wipe . hands felt lubricious and no iodine odor was detected . after one minute , hands were rinsed in running water . hands were clean and soft and possessed a pleasant fragrance . 4 oz ./ sq . yd . needle punched polyester fabric was cut into 8 × 8 in . wipes . wipes were treated with formulation # 3 above . treatment of wipes wt . wipe g . add - on % add on 5 . 6 2 . 1 37 . 5 % 5 . 6 2 . 0 35 . 7 % 5 . 7 1 . 7 29 . 8 % hands were wetted under a running faucet and then a treated polyester wipe was gently massaged into the hands for about one minute . the wipe produced an abundance of foam and felt smooth and soft on the skin . after one minute the hands were rinsed under running water and dried . hands were clean and felt soft . 4 oz ./ sq . yd . needle punched polyester fabric was cut into 10 × 8 in . wipes . wipes were treated with formulation # 4 above . treatment of wipes wt . of wipe g . add - on % add on 5 . 7 2 . 1 36 . 8 % 5 . 6 1 . 7 30 . 3 % 5 . 5 2 . 0 36 . 3 % the 8 × 8 inch treated needle punched wipe was lightly wetted with water under a faucet . the wipe was then massaged into the hands . within a few seconds there was abundant foaming and cleaning action . after 30 seconds the wipe was discarded and the hands rinsed under a faucet . hands felt clean , refreshed and exhibited a pleasant aroma . 1 . 5 oz ./ sq . yd . thermo - bonded polypropylene fabric was cut into 8 × 10 inch wipes . wipes were treated with formulation # 5 listed below . formulation # 5 wt . percent ingredients 58 . 0 % propylene glycol 25 . 0 % nonoxynol - 9 5 . 0 % povidone iodine 12 . 0 % glycerine treatment of wipes . wt . of wipe g . add on % add on 2 . 5 0 . 50 20 . 0 % 2 . 6 0 . 40 15 . 43 % 2 . 6 0 . 50 19 . 2 % hands were wetted under a running faucet . a treated wipe was rubbed over the wet hands . foaming was observed within seconds . the wipe was easy to manipulate through the hands and cleaned the hands thoroughly . after 30 seconds the wipe was discarded and the hands rinsed under water . no staining of the hands was observed . hands felt refreshed and soft . all of the treated wipes were tested on hands either first wetted or by wetting the wipe lightly with water . in all cases the wipes foamed readily providing effective cleansing without staining the skin . the odor of iodine was either very light or not detected at all . when hands were rinsed in water , they felt smooth , soft and appeared clean .