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What to clean and disinfect
Cleaning and disinfecting are different steps. Cleaning with soap or detergent, water, and scrubbing removes dirt and many germs. Disinfecting uses a product to kill germs that remain on a surface. Dirt can make disinfectants less effective, so clean first. CDC says disinfection is generally unnecessary in most homes unless someone is sick or has recently visited; when someone in the household is sick, disinfect appropriate surfaces after cleaning. CDC’s household cleaning guidance and its cleaning and disinfecting overview explain the distinction and when to disinfect.
Prioritize frequently touched surfaces
Clean and disinfect suitable high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, phones, and counters. Clean other surfaces when they are visibly dirty or as needed. Choose a disinfectant whose label says it is appropriate for the surface; there is no single brand or format established as best by the cited guidance.
Use the product as labeled
Follow the label’s directions for application, surface compatibility, protective equipment, and contact time. The surface must remain visibly wet for the full contact time specified. If using a bleach solution, prepare and use it only according to CDC instructions and the product label. The household guidance advises using room-temperature water for dilution unless the label says otherwise. Open windows or use a fan for ventilation when possible, and wear gloves or eye protection if the label recommends them.
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- LYSOL DISINFECTANT SPRAY: This household essential is tested and proven to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria(1), including the Covid-19 virus, Hantavirus(5), Norovirus, and cold and flu(2). Perfect for any room, this Lysol spray will sanitize, disinfect, and deodorize your home.
- DISINFECTING AND SANITIZING SPRAY: Lysol disinfects hard non-porous contact surfaces and sanitizes soft surfaces. This multipurpose spray can be used in the home and kitchen, to disinfect toys, couches, counters(3), bathrooms, and over 100 more surfaces.
- ANTI-BACTERIAL ROOM SPRAY: Lysol Disinfectant Spray kills over 100 illness causing germs in high-touch areas. This multi-purpose spray tackles germs in kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, to protect loved ones from the spread of cold and flu viruses.
- UPHOLSTERY DEODORIZER: Lysol kills 99.9% of odor causing bacteria(1) and helps kill and prevent mold and mildew. Suitable for households with pets and kids, effectively eliminate odors on fabric, with our rugs, couch, furniture, and shoe deodorizer.
- HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS and CLEANING SUPPLIES: Lysol is a leader in disinfection. Shop our range of household cleaning supplies including disinfectant wipes, toilet bowl cleaners, air sanitizers, and laundry sanitizers. The best protection is prevention
- Never mix cleaning chemicals.
- Do not ingest disinfectants or apply them to your body or pets.
- Keep products away from children and pets, and wash your hands after using them.
For detailed directions on products, contact time, bleach, and chemical safety, see CDC’s home cleaning and disinfecting instructions.
How to handle laundry and soft furnishings
Clothes, towels, and bedding
Wash the sick person’s clothes, towels, and linens with ordinary detergent at the water temperature recommended for the items, then dry them completely. CDC says it is safe to wash laundry from someone who is sick with other household laundry, so a separate load is not required. Clean the hamper as appropriate and wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.
Rank #2
- ALL PURPOSE CLEANER KILLS 99.9% OF VIRUSES and BACTERIA: Lysol All Purpose disinfectant spray kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria including the COVID-19 virus to help keep your family protected
- KILLS 99.9% OF GERMS FOR A DEEP CLEAN: This disinfectant spray kills 99.9% of germs, removes soap scum and cuts through tough grease and grime — a versatile, multipurpose cleaner you can count on
- MULTI SURFACE CLEANER and DEGREASER: This cleaning spray can be used on hard, non-porous surfaces throughout your household including counters, sinks, stovetops, cabinets, appliance exteriors, high chairs, bathtubs and showers
- 0% BLEACH: Lysol multipurpose cleaner spray provides powerful cleaning and disinfecting without the harshness of bleach
- CONVENIENT LYSOL SPRAY: This all purpose cleaner has fast-acting sanitization, so you can kill 99.9% of bacteria in a flash
Carpets, rugs, drapes, and cloth toys
Use a cleaner suitable for the material. Launder washable items according to their manufacturer’s directions, using the warmest appropriate water setting, and dry them completely. Vacuum carpets or rugs as appropriate. Do not use a hard-surface disinfectant on fabric unless its label specifically says it is suitable for that material. See CDC’s guidance for laundry and soft surfaces.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Include hands and indoor air in the cleanup
Wash your hands after touching the sick person, used tissues, or laundry. CDC’s flu caregiver guidance also recommends cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and taking steps to improve indoor air.
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Rank #3
- LYSOL DISINFECTANT SPRAY: This household essential is tested and proven to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria(1), including the Covid-19 virus, Hantavirus(5), Norovirus, and cold and flu(2). Perfect for any room, this Lysol spray will sanitize, disinfect, and deodorize your home.
- DISINFECTING AND SANITIZING SPRAY: Lysol disinfects hard non-porous contact surfaces and sanitizes soft surfaces. This multipurpose spray can be used in the home and kitchen, to disinfect toys, couches, counters(3), bathrooms, and over 100 more surfaces.
- ANTI-BACTERIAL ROOM SPRAY: Lysol Disinfectant Spray kills over 100 illness causing germs in high-touch areas. This multi-purpose spray tackles germs in kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, to protect loved ones from the spread of cold and flu viruses.
- UPHOLSTERY DEODORIZER: Lysol kills 99.9% of odor causing bacteria(1) and helps kill and prevent mold and mildew. Suitable for households with pets and kids, effectively eliminate odors on fabric, with our rugs, couch, furniture, and shoe deodorizer.
- HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS and CLEANING SUPPLIES: Lysol is a leader in disinfection. Shop our range of household cleaning supplies including disinfectant wipes, toilet bowl cleaners, air sanitizers, and laundry sanitizers. The best protection is prevention
When practical, bring in fresh outdoor air or use exhaust fans. A portable HEPA air cleaner is another option for cleaner air; it is an addition to, not a replacement for, cleaning surfaces and handwashing. CDC describes these options in its cleaner-air guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- LYSOL DISINFECTANT SPRAY: This household essential is tested and proven to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including the Covid-19 virus and cold and flu. Perfect for any room, this Lysol spray will sanitize, disinfect, and deodorize your home.
- DISINFECTING AND SANITIZING SPRAY: Lysol disinfects hard non-porous contact surfaces and sanitizes soft surfaces. This multipurpose spray can be used in the home and kitchen, to disinfect toys, couches, counters, bathrooms, and over 100 more surfaces.
- ANTI-BACTERIAL ROOM SPRAY: Lysol Disinfectant Spray kills over 100 illness causing germs in high-touch areas. This multi-purpose spray tackles germs in kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, to protect loved ones from the spread of cold and flu viruses.
- UPHOLSTERY DEODORIZER: Lysol kills 99.9% of odor causing bacteria and helps kill and prevent mold and mildew. Essential for households with pets and kids, effectively eliminate odors on fabric, with our rugs, couch, furniture, and shoe deodorizer.
- HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS & CLEANING SUPPLIES: Lysol is a leader in disinfection. Shop our range of household cleaning supplies including disinfectant wipes, toilet bowl cleaners, air sanitizers, and laundry sanitizers. The best protection is prevention!
Rank #4
- KILLS 99.9% OF VIRUSES* AND BACTERIA**: Powerful disinfectant spray eliminates harmful germs and pathogens on contact
- CAN BE USED ON SOFT SURFACES***: Use to sanitize soft surfaces like clothing, couches, sofas,mattresses, pet beds, etc.
- ELIMINATES ODORS: Fresh linen scent tackles unpleasant odors at the source while disinfecting
- MULTI-PURPOSE HOUSEHOLD DISINFECTANT: Perfect for high-touch areas like light switches, doorknobs, and countertops
- PREVENTS MOLD AND MILDEW: Inhibits mold and mildew growth on hard surfaces for up to 7 days after application
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
