Does Lysol Disinfectant Spray Work Against COVID-19?
So, yes, the quick answer is that Lysol Disinfectant Spray does work against the virus which causes COVID-19.
The findings from a peer-reviewed study published in the American Journal of Infection Control indicate that Lysol and other similar household disinfectant products have a greater than 99.9% efficacy against the Novel Coronavirus, or designated by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses as SARS-CoV-2.
EPA Lysol Certification
The EPA tests different disinfecting and cleaning products that are available in the market. Those which qualify based on the following criteria are then included in List N:
- Shown to be effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19;
- Shown to be effective against viruses that are more difficult to kill than SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19; or
- Shown to be effective against another type of human Coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19.
It should be noted that the EPA insists that the products included in List N only be used according to their label directions. To date, Lysol has earned EPA certifications for 17 of its products.
How to Use Lysol vs. Coronavirus?
Each Lysol product will have its own formulation type, and minimum recommended contact time in order to be effective against the Novel Coronavirus. Moreover, each product will also be effective only for specific surface types.
The following products are not to be used on the skin, ingested, inhaled, injected, or used to clean food.
| Product name | Formulation type | Minimum contact time in minutes | Surface type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Lysol Disinfecting Wipes (All Scents) | Wipe | 2 | Hard Nonporous; Rinsing required if surface being disinfected is to come in contact with food |
| 2. Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist | Ready-to-use | 2 | Hard Nonporous |
| 3. Lysol Disinfectant Spray | Ready-to-use | 2 | Hard Nonporous; Rinsing required if the surface being disinfected is to come in contact with food |
| 4. Lysol Brand Foaming Disinfectant Basin Tub & Tile Cleaner II | Ready-to-use | 10 | Hard Nonporous |
| 5. Lysol Brand Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach | Ready-to-use | 5 | Hard Nonporous |
| 6. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer | Dilutable | 5 | Porous; laundry presoak only |
| 7. Lysol Bathroom Cleaner | Ready-to-use | 5 | Hard Nonporous; Rinsing required if the surface being disinfected is to come in contact with food |
| 8. Lysol Neutra Air 2 in 1 | Ready-to-use | .5 (30 seconds) | Hard Nonporous; Rinsing required if the surface being disinfected is to come in contact with food |
| 9. Lysol Brand All Purpose Cleaner | Ready-to-use | 2 | Hard Nonporous |
| 10. Lysol Brand Deodorizing Disinfectant | Dilutable | 10 | Hard Nonporous |
| 11. Lysol Kitchen Pro Antibacterial Cleaner | Ready-to-use | 2 | Hard Nonporous; Rinsing required if the surface being disinfected is to come in contact with food |
| 12. Lysol Brand Cling & Fresh Toilet Bowl Cleaner | Ready-to-use | .5 (30 seconds) | Hard Nonporous |
| 13. Lysol Brand Bleach Mold And Mildew Remover | Ready-to-use | .5 (30 seconds) | Hard Nonporous |
| 14. Lysol Brand Heavy Duty Cleaner Disinfectant Concentrate | Dilutable | 5 | Hard Nonporous; Rinsing required if the surface being disinfected is to come in contact with food |
| 15. Lysol Brand Power Plus Toilet Bowl Cleaner | Read-to-use | 10 | Hard Nonporous |
| 16. Lysol Brand Lime & Rust Toilet Bowl Cleaner | Ready-to-use | 10 | Hard Nonporous |
| 17. Lysol Brand Clean & Fresh Multi-surface Cleaner | Dilutable | 3 | Hard Nonporous; Rinsing required if the surface being disinfected is to come in contact with food |
Alternatives Disinfectants Against COVID-19
If brand specific products like Lysol are unavailable, the CDC recommends the use of other common household chemicals like bleach and alcohol. Common household bleach with concentrations of 5% – 6% or 1000ppm sodium hypochlorite can be used on appropriate surfaces, after proper dilution.
Contact time should be at least 1 minute, and ensure proper ventilation during and after use. Avoid inhaling chemical fumes because these are harmful to your health.
To properly dilute bleach, use only room temperature water, using a ratio of 5 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water. Alcohol-based wipes, sanitizers, or sprays with at least 70% alcohol may also be used to clean surfaces and skin. For hand hygiene, washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds should be enough for most situations.
Government regulations distinguish between products that claim to disinfect, sanitize, and clean surfaces.
Disinfecting kills bacteria and viruses on surfaces, but does not necessarily remove their remains. Cleaning removes bacteria, viruses, dirt, and other impurities from surfaces, but does not kill bacteria and viruses. Both should be used in conjunction with each other, generally, first by cleaning and then, disinfecting surfaces.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates antibacterial soaps, hand sanitizers, antiseptic washes, and similar products that may be used on the skin.
The EPA regulates surface disinfectant products with more rigorous testing requirements compared to surface sanitizing products. To date, there are no sanitizer-only products that have been shown to work against viruses. There are, however, products that are registered with the EPA as both sanitizers and disinfectants after complying with the testing requirements for both.
The EPA also tests cleaning products if these products make claims on their labeling regarding effectiveness against bacteria or viruses.
Moreover, the CDC reminds the public to always read the instructions on the proper usage of cleaning and disinfectant products, to wear protective gear when using these products, and not to mix these products together.
Lysol themselves have stated in their website that none of their disinfectants are to be ingested or administered to any part of the human body. Their products are meant to be used as directed.
Another popular disinfectant brand that is effective in eliminating the Coronavirus is Clorox. Here are some specific Clorox products that are also as effective as Lysol:
- Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
Pre-soaked and EPA-approved, these disinfectant wipes from Clorox need only 4 minutes’ contact time to effectively neutralize the Novel Coronavirus. - Clorox Bleach
A staple in almost any home or business, bleach is the key ingredient to any DIY disinfectant. Always use as prescribed by label instructions. - Clorox Clean Up Cleaner & Bleach Spray
With fumes as strong as the chemical that makes up this powerful disinfectant, it effectively works in as short as 5 minutes. - Clorox Multi-Surface Cleaner & Bleach Spray
The strong formulation in this particular product is strong enough to kill the Coronavirus in 1 minute. When not used properly, it may potentially cause damage to fabrics. Always use as prescribed by label instructions.
FAQs:
Facilities such as hospitals, schools, restaurants, and other large establishments that require the regular use or products packaged in aerosol cans may have a different set of specifications and rules for aerosol can disposal. Refer to your local and state regulations for more information.
For household aerosol cans however, it is best to take them to your nearest recycling center. Because aerosol cans are made of high-value metals, these are recommended for recycling.
However, you must ensure that the spray can must be completely empty. The recycling may not accept it for recycling if it still has some contents in it. You must also not puncture the aerosol can as this may possibly explode. The plastic caps on aerosol cans must be removed, as well, before you take in for recycling.
Verify with your local hazardous waste treatment facility for further instructions before sending in aerosol cans and other metal waste products.
Parents and caregivers are advised to leave the room unoccupied for 30 minutes to a few hours (depending on the degree of cleaning) before children can come into the room.
Conclusion
Whether in the face of a pandemic or not, it is always good practice to clean, disinfect, and sanitize surfaces we regularly come in contact with. Brand-specific products with EPA or FDA certifications provide the guarantee that if used properly, they are effective against viruses like the one which causes COVID-19.
If not available, common household chemicals like bleach or alcohol may be used. In either case, these products must be used only as directed in order to ensure effectiveness, and safety.
