Does Lysol Kill the Coronavirus?
Here’s what you need to know.
Lysol is on the EPA’s list of disinfectants that meet their criteria for use against COVID-19—but it’s not the only measure you should take to stop the spread. Here’s what you need to know:
What Is COVID-19—and How Can You Avoid It?
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Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).
COVID-19, the disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, refers to a new strain of the virus. Common COVID-19 symptoms include coughing, fever, and shortness of breath.
As you likely know by now, COVID-19 has impacted the world—at least temporarily—in a number of important ways. You can do your part to stop the spread of the disease by:
- Follow CDC guidelines for social distancing. Only venture to public places when necessary, like to buy groceries or to go to the doctor. If you’re sick, avoid interacting with anyone unless you are receiving medical care.
- Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water often. This is especially important after you’ve been in a public place. If you don’t have immediate access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Disinfect frequently touched objects (like doorknobs, kitchen counters, tables, light switches, telephones, etc.) daily.
Does Lysol Kill the Coronavirus?
Lysol, which has been around for more than a century, is a brand that produces cleaning and disinfecting products.
The first Lysol disinfectant was invented in 1889 in response to a cholera epidemic in Germany. The brand achieved further notoriety a few decades later, when it was marketed as a way to protect yourself during the Spanish flu pandemic.
Lysol is on the EPA’s list of disinfectants that are effective against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.
However, it is important to remember that the disease is primarily spread through contact with an infected person. Disinfecting is an important step in fighting the spread of COVID-19—but to protect yourself effectively, you’ll need to do more than spray your kitchen counters.
That said, the following is a list of Lysol products that meet “either the EPA Viral Emerging Pathogen Policy or have human coronavirus claims (according to the brand):
- Lysol Disinfectant Spray EPA #777-99
- Lysol Disinfectant Spray Max Cover Mist #777-127
- Lysol Disinfectant Spray Neutra Air 2-in-1 #777-136
- Lysol IC Quaternary Disinfectant Cleaner EPA #47371-129-675
- Lysol Disinfecting Wipe EPA #777-114
- Lysol All Purpose Cleaner EPA #777-66
- Lysol Multi-Purpose Cleaner with Hydrogen Peroxide EPA #777-126
- Lysol Multi-Purpose Cleaner with Bleach EPA #777-83
- Lysol Kitchen Pro Antibacterial Cleaner EPA 777-91
- Lysol Multi-Surface Cleaner Pourable EPA #777-89
- Professional Lysol Heavy Duty Bathroom Cleaner EPA #675-54
- Lysol SMART Multi-Purpose Cleaner EPA #1839-166-777
- Lysol Power Bathroom Cleaner EPA #675-55
- Lysol Power Foam Bathroom Cleaner EPA #777-71
- Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner EPA #777-81
- Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach EPA #777-102
- Lysol Laundry Sanitizer EPA #777-128 (in laundry pre-soak)
For more information on Lysol and the coronavirus, visit Lysol.com.