Introduction
Lysol is one of the most recognized disinfectant products and has been used in homes and institutions for many years. This antimicrobial liquid is formulated to kill a wide range of germs including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Because of its proven efficacy against different organisms, it has become a very useful disinfectant as well as a deodorizer.
Lysol is made up of several active ingredients that are specially formulated to target germs, fungi, and other contaminants. By understanding the different active ingredients in Lysol and how they work, you can make informed decisions about the type of product you should use for your specific needs.
The main active ingredients in Lysol are:
- Benzalkonium Chloride (BAC),
- Acryl Amines (AAs),
- ethanol/isopropanol alcohols (ethanol or isopropyl alcohol),
- pine oil derivatives,
- alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC), and
- quaternary ammonium chloride compounds (QACs).
These actives work together in multiple mechanisms to kill or reduce populations of certain bacteria, fungi or viruses on contact surfaces such as commonly touched items like doorknobs or kitchen counters. BAC kills gram- positive and gram-negative bacteria by disrupting the cell wall formation while AAs disrupt bacterial DNA replication processes in order to stop replication. Botanical extracts inhibit or prevent microbial growth on an object’s surface while making it difficult for these microorganisms to attach themselves further on top of an existing layer; this creates an effective barrier against further contamination. Ethanol/isoproponal alcohols act by denaturing proteins within pathogens which lead to cell lysis or death; this method works best with enveloped viruses such as the virus causing the common cold or influenza virus.
Types of Germs
Lysol is a household cleaner that is commonly used to kill germs and bacteria in the home. It has been specially formulated to combat a wide range of bacteria and germs that can cause illnesses, including E. coli, Staphylococcus, Salmonella, and more.
In this section, we will explore all of the different types of germs and bacteria that Lysol can kill:
Bacteria
Bacteria are among the most common germs found in homes and businesses, as they’re everywhere – on countertops, floors and furniture, as well as in bathrooms and kitchens. Bacteria are one-celled organisms and come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Most bacteria do not cause disease, but certain types can cause illnesses such as food poisoning, strep throat and skin infections. Lysol products kill 99.9% of bacteria, including some common bacterial strains such as Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and exist all around us – in the air we breathe, the food we eat and even on our skin (which is why regular washing with soap is so important). Viruses can cause illnesses such as the common cold, flu or even more serious illnesses such as SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). Lysol products kill 99.9% of viruses including certain strains such as Influenza A virus (H1N1) Human Coronavirus and Enterovirus 68 that have been identified by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Fungi are typically found growing on plants or decaying organic material like leaves or soil, but some species also grow indoors on wallpaper or fabrics, where they can feed off dampness caused by excess moisture in the air – this type of fungus is often referred to as mildew or mould. Some species of fungi produce toxins that can be detrimental to health if inhaled or ingested over long periods from contaminated sources. Lysol products range kill off a wide variety of fungi including Aspergillus brasiliensis & Nigri F3 – two species used for reference by The US Environmental Protection Agency for testing against antimicrobial agents like Lysol products.
Fungi
Fungi are a large group of organisms that includes yeasts, molds and mushrooms. Fungi can survive on a wide range of surfaces such as shower walls, bathroom floors and furniture. Some types of fungi such as Aspergillus can cause serious health problems for people with weakened immune systems or respiratory conditions.
Lysol disinfectant sprays are effective in killing most fungi on hard nonporous surfaces in 10 minutes. It also disinfects by killing 99.9% of germs including cold and flu viruses on hard nonporous surfaces.
Viruses
Viruses are parasites that replicate by taking control of the cells in living organisms, such as humans, animals, and plants. They come in a variety of forms, including rhinoviruses that cause the common cold and coronaviruses that can lead to more serious respiratory illnesses.
Lysol products contain an active ingredient called benzalkonium chloride (BAK), which is an antimicrobial agent with activity against bacteria and viruses. This includes enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2, the virus strain responsible for causing COVID-19, as well as more commonplace household germs like the Influenza A virus.
Lysol products can be used safely on hard surfaces such as countertops and doorknobs to help protect against these types of germs and viruses.
Lysol’s Effectiveness Against Germs
Lysol is a common disinfectant used around households to kill germs and bacteria. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria and viruses, including the common cold, flu, and other illnesses. Lysol is also known for its ability to combat mold and mildew.
In this article, we will explore the germs that Lysol is known to kill and the effectiveness of its disinfectant powers.
Bacteria
Lysol is an all-purpose disinfectant and cleaner used to kill germs and eliminate odors throughout households. Its active ingredients, benzalkonium chloride, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate and ethanol, are effective against a wide range of bacteria.
These bactericidal agents have been proven to be effective against gram-positive bacteria such as:
- Staphylococcus aureus (staph)
- Enterococcus faecalis (also known as streptococcus faecalis or vancoymcin resistant enterococci – VRE)
- Streptococcus pyogenes (the “flesh-eating” bacteria) and other staph strains including MRSA
- Many species of salmonella and E coli
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Several species of klebsiella, proteus, shigella and bacillus
- Numerous varieties of pseudomonas
- As well as non-bacterial organisms like fungi, mold, mildew and viruses such as the common cold.
Lysol’s active ingredients will also act quickly to kill most Gram-negative bacteria such as:
- Campylobacter jejuni
- Haemophilus influenza
- Chlamydia trachomatis (which is linked to sexually transmitted disease)
- And many other species which can cause food poisoning or infections.
It is important to note that some Gram negative bacteria have acquired resistance to certain cleaning agents or sanitizers but Lysol products provide a wide range of protection from these microorganisms.
In general, Lysol can be used on hard surfaces in the home or office for its disinfecting properties without posing great risk for human health if directions for use are properly followed.
Fungi
Lysol is a popular disinfectant product that is used to kill germs and fungi. Lysol which is a registered trade name of Reckitt Benckisers, has several products available available under their trade name.
The active ingredients in Lysol products are usually quaternary ammonium compounds (also called “quats“) or phenolics. Quats are designed to break down the cell walls of certain pathogens, including some forms of fungi, while phenolics are designed to destroy the enzymes on the surface of an organism. Together, these two types of disinfectants provide an effective one-two punch that can effectively rid your surfaces from difficult bacteria and fungi.
To determine how effective Lysol is against specific types of germs, you should read the product label. A quick search online will also return results if there have been any studies conducted into its effectiveness on certain types of germs or fungi.
Fungi, such as mold and mildew spores, can be killed using Lysol products depending on the concentration used and how long it is left to work on surfaces before being wiped away with a clean cloth or sponge. It’s also important that you allow treated surfaces sufficient time to dry completely before using them again in order to ensure all bacteria or fungi has been completely eliminated.
Viruses
Lysol is a brand of cleaning product developed and manufactured by Reckitt Benckiser. It is primarily used to kill germs such as bacteria and viruses. In particular, Lysol is effective against a number of viruses, including the common cold virus, influenza A virus, human coronavirus (which can cause the common cold or severe acute respiratory syndrome), rhinoviruses (responsible for about half of all colds) and human papillomavirus (HPV).
In addition to killing viruses, Lysol can be effective in removing dirt, dust and grime from surfaces and fabrics. Its most popular use is to clean bathroom surfaces because it contains an ingredient that gives it ability to disinfectant bathroom areas from germs. Lysol also acts an excellent countertop cleaner in kitchens because it can be used on food-contact surfaces such as tables and countertops without leaving behind residue or leaching chemicals into food products.
For best results when using Lysol cleaners against fungus or bacteria, spray the surface until wet and allow the cleaner to remain on the surface for several minutes before wiping away with a clean cloth or paper towel. This will give Lysol enough time to break down any proteins in the area that could be harboring germs such as fungi or bacteria.
Conclusion
The fact that Lysol has a broad range of antimicrobial properties and is able to kill a variety of germs makes it an effective cleaner for most home use. Liquid Lysol formulations also contain ethanol, ammonia, and detergents which help to neutralize bacteria on any hard surface. Its ability to kill germs such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, MRSA, influenza A virus (H1N1), human coronavirus and rotavirus make it the ideal choice for cleaning surfaces in areas where there may be a heighten risk of spreading contagion or infection.
While this certainly doesn’t replace the need to practice basic hygiene like regular handwashing with hot water and soap or using disposable hygiene products such as paper towels or tissues when coughing or sneezing, it can be an additional measure to keep household surfaces clean and free from bacteria that can cause illness in humans.
