Does Lysol Effectively Kill the New Coronavirus? A Guide to Disinfecting Surfaces Safely

As the world continues to grapple with the spread of the new coronavirus, many are looking for reliable disinfectants that can effectively kill the pathogen on surfaces. Lysol, a well-known brand in household cleaning products, claims to kill viruses and bacteria. Recent findings by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have also pointed to its effectiveness in killing the novel coronavirus.

Understanding Lysol's Disinfecting Claims

Yes, Lysol products are designed to kill viruses and bacteria as claimed on their packaging. Most Lysol disinfectant sprays and wipes have been tested and approved by regulatory agencies like the EPA in the United States. Their effectiveness against specific viruses, including the flu virus and coronaviruses, is typically indicated on the label. However, to ensure these claims are met, it is crucial to follow the usage instructions carefully. These instructions include the contact time—the amount of time the surface should remain wet with the product—and proper surface preparation.

It is also important to understand that while disinfectants like Lysol can effectively kill viruses on surfaces, they do not provide ongoing protection against recontamination. Therefore, they should be part of a broader cleaning and hygiene strategy to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Recent Findings: Lysol's Effectiveness Against the New Coronavirus

Two Lysol products have been found to be effective against the newly identified coronavirus strain, SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. According to the EPA, Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist have been found to kill the virus during laboratory tests.

The process of authorizing a product to make such a claim involves a thorough review of data and is a stringent regulatory process. Before a product can claim to kill a specific pathogen, it must be reviewed and approved by the EPA based on the data submitted by the manufacturer.

Common Misconceptions About Coronaviruses

It's important to note that the generic use of the term “coronavirus” can lead to confusion. Many people have mistakenly linked mentions of existing coronavirus strains with the new one, often spreading misinformation on social media.

The word “coronavirus” is not specific and applies to any virus in the coronavirus family. The name comes from the crown-like appearance of the viruses under a microscope. As a result, it is likely that Lysol products would be effective against the new virus. This effectiveness, however, is not due to any prior knowledge of the virus by the company. Environmental factors and thorough testing determine the efficacy of the products.

Additional Tips for Disinfecting with Lysol

Here are a few additional tips for using Lysol products safely and effectively:

Follow Instructions Closely: Always follow the usage instructions on the label to ensure the product is applied correctly and to achieve the desired results. Contact Time: Allow the surface to remain wet with the product for the recommended contact time as stated on the label. Surface Preparation: Prepare the surface by removing any dirt, dust, or debris before applying the disinfectant. Regular Cleaning: Combine regular cleaning with disinfecting for peak effectiveness. Regular cleaning removes dirt and reduces the number of pathogens, while disinfectants kill the remaining germs. Hand Hygiene: While using disinfectants, don't forget the importance of hand hygiene. Washing your hands frequently and properly is crucial in preventing the spread of germs.

By following these guidelines and tips, you can ensure that you are using Lysol products effectively to keep your environment clean and safe from the new coronavirus.