When it comes to keeping your home clean and your family safe from a variety of viruses and bacteria, you may have already considered purchasing Lysol wipes or Clorox wipes. However, it is always a good idea to research products before making your final purchase, as Lysol wipes vs Clorox wipes are different in a variety of ways. So, what’s better: Lysol Wipes vs Clorox wipes?
Both Lysol and Clorox are brand names that are reliable cleaning products, known for killing 99% of all germs, along with other allergens and bacteria. They are comparable in terms of price, and their ingredient lists are both comprehensive and powerful for a variety of cleaning and disinfecting tasks.
But what are the key differences between Lysol and Clorox wipes, and does one perform better than the other? In this article, we will discuss these differences, as well as what you can expect from both Lysol and Clorox as brand names, including what different scents and products that they offer. Let’s get started and learn about these cleaning products now!
What are the Differences Between Lysol and Clorox?
There are a few key differences between Lysol and Clorox. While both products are capable of killing 99% of germs when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, the differences lie in their ingredient list, wipe material and strength, and the available scents for you to purchase based on your personal preferences.
For example, both brands use alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride in their wipes, which is the primary ingredient used for killing germs. However, both Lysol and Clorox use different amounts and varieties of this specific ingredient in order to achieve a clean and safe outcome. There are a few other overlapping ingredients, but both brands seem to have their own proprietary blends.
Another key difference between Lysol vs Clorox are their available scents. For example, standard Clorox disinfecting wipes have three unique scents, while standard Lysol disinfecting wipes come in four scents. There are also more wipe options than their standard disinfecting wipes, furthering the differences between these two brands.
The recommended product uses differ as well in terms of how long you should let moisture remain on the surface of whatever you’re disinfecting. For example, Clorox wipes recommend leaving surfaces moist for 3-4 minutes before it is entirely disinfected, while Lysol needs over 10 minutes to achieve this.
Finally, Lysol and Clorox differ in some of their cleaning-specific ingredients and the physical strength of their wipes. Clorox wipes are well-known for their overall strength found in the fibers of the wipe, while Lysol wipes include active ingredients that penetrate grease and soap scum. While this is a subtle difference and is best illustrated through product testing, it may be something for you to consider.
Let’s discuss these products in even more detail now.
Does One Wipe Kill More Germs than the Other?
It is unlikely that one wipe kills more germs than the other, as both companies claim that their product kills 99.9% of all germs and bacteria when used properly. Both Lysol and Clorox wipes are effective against many viruses and common illnesses, as well as bacteria often found in bathrooms and kitchens.
Clorox wipes claim to eliminate Human Coronavirus, Influenza A2 Virus, Staph, E. coli, Salmonella, Strep, and the growth of bacteria in common areas of your home. Lysol wipes claim to eliminate Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1, Human Coronavirus, Influenza A Virus (H1N1), Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Strep, Staph, E. coli, Salmonella, and more.
From this list, it does seem as if Lysol wipes kill more viruses and germs than Clorox wipes. However, Clorox may also kill all of these things, but their product description may not say so due to the simplicity of their packaging. Either way, both of these manufacturers claim that their disinfecting wipes kill 99.9% of all germs.
Do Lysol and Clorox Wipes Kill Covid 19? (Coronavirus)
Yes, Lysol and Clorox wipes kill Covid 19. Both products have been approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and many tests have been performed to kill Covid 19 on surfaces. Both of these products also kill other influenza viruses and germs that cause these types of illnesses.
How Do You Use Disinfecting Wipes?
Both Lysol and Clorox have different recommendations for how to use disinfecting wipes. For example, Clorox wipes have very simplistic instructions that state you should clean whatever area you desire with the wipe, and allow it to remain damp for a few minutes, allowing the area to air-dry.
Lysol wipes offer two sets of instructions, depending on whether or not you want to sanitize an area or simply remove food debris or allergens from a surface. If you are simply using your Lysol wipes to clean up dirt or debris, wipe the area free of any visible stains. If you are planning on disinfecting or sanitizing in an area, you should plan on pre-cleaning the surface with water, then using an ample amount of wipes to fully wet the area. Allow the product to sit on the surface for 3 to 10 minutes, depending on how disinfected you would like the area to be.
You can use disinfecting wipes any way you prefer, but there are certain steps that you should follow if you are hoping to fully disinfect or sanitize a surface. Both Clorox wipes and Lysol wipes are capable of doing this, but you should make sure that the desired area is fully saturated with the chemical product before allowing it to air-dry.
Now that you know how disinfecting wipes work, let’s take a look at all of the products offered by both Lysol and Clorox.
Lysol Wipes
Lysol offers a variety of wipes under their brand name. Some of these wipes are made for disinfecting, While others are not designed for this purpose. Let’s go over all of their different products now.
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes
Available in four unique scents, these are Lysol’s original and powerful disinfecting wipes. You can get these in lemon and lime blossom, crisp linen, ocean fresh, and early morning breeze scents for your enjoyment. These wipes claim to kill 99.9% of all bacteria, and you can get them in a container that holds 35 or 80 wipes total.
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes- Brand New Day
This particular Lysol product is identical to their original disinfecting formula. The only difference lies in the available scents. Lysol has created a tropical blend for these wipes, with scents called green apple and aloe, mango and hibiscus, and finally mandarin and ginger lily. They are also available in an 80 count wipe package, giving you the ability to kill 99.9% of germs easily, with new and improved scents.
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes- To-Go Pack
Available in a convenient to go pack, you can get Lysol’s classic disinfecting wipes to go. Only available in a package of 15 wipes, this particular product is identical to Lysol original disinfectant formula. This product is also only limited to one scent, which is a unique lemon breeze. This package is helpful in that it reseals and can easily be taken with you in bags or vehicles.
Lysol Disinfecting Wipes- Plant-Based Fibers
If you are looking for something more environmentally conscious, Lysol has created a plant-based disinfecting wipe option. This means that the wipe itself is made of plant derived materials, which makes it more likely to be biodegradable over their traditional wipes. This package comes in a 30 count or 70 count amount of wipes, and it is only available in a fresh citrus scent. It still maintains Lysol’s disinfecting formula so that you can kill 99.9% of all germs.
Lysol Simply Wipes
Similarly to their plant based fibers wipe, Lysol has created a wipe that is derived from plant-based products. It can still kill 99.9% of all germs, but it is free of dyes, preservatives, and bleach. It is also safe to use on children’s toys as well as in pet areas. The packaging is available in a 35 or 80 count, and it comes in a refreshing citrus scent. This is a fantastic option for those of you worried about any harsh chemicals, as there are none present, including phosphates.
Lysol Dual Action Disinfecting Wipes
For more difficult messes, you should check out the Lysol dual action disinfecting wipes. These wipes are identical in terms of their ingredients as the original disinfecting wipes, but they have a unique dual-sided consistency. One side is the traditional wipe fabric, while the opposite side is a heavy duty scrubber for caked-on spills and debris. It is available in a citrus scent and there are 75 wipes per package.
Lysol Wipes Ingredients List
Curious to know what’s in a classic Lysol disinfecting wipe? It contains the following ingredients:
- Alkyl (50% C14, 40% C12, 10% C16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride
- Water
- Ethanol
- C9-11 Alkyl Glucoside
- Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether
- Ethanolamine
- Fragrance/Parfum
Most of Lysol wipes contain similar ingredients, but for those of you who are curious, here are the ingredients for their plant-based Lysol Simply wipes:
- Water
- Citric Acid
- Ethanol
- Ethoxydiglycol
- Alcohols Ethoxylate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Fragrance/Parfum
- Dimethicone
You can no doubt tell the difference between these two products. The disinfecting wipes are more commonly used than these Simply wipes, but you may find that having a plant-based active ingredient is something that appeals to you.
Who Manufactures Lysol Wipes?
Lysol has been manufactured by a company called Reckitt for over 100 years. This company also produces common household goods such as Air Wick, Airborne, and Woolite.
Clorox Wipes
Now that you know more about Lysol disinfecting wipes, it’s time to take a closer look at all of the products offered by Clorox. Here is a list of all of the wipes offered by Clorox:
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
If you are looking for the original disinfecting wipes offered by Clorox, this is it. Available in a fresh scent and a crisp lemon scent, these wipes are capable of killing 99.9% of all germs and bacteria present on surfaces. You have fewer scents available using Clorox wipes versus Lysol wipes, but they still offer a powerful clean. You can purchase these wipes in a pack of 75 for your convenience.
Clorox Compostable Cleaning Wipes
If you are looking for a more natural product for your home, check out Clorox compostable cleaning wipes. It is important to note that these wipes are not made for disinfecting, and are only designed to help you clean up dirt and grime around your home. However, these wipes are compostable as well as free of dyes and harsh chemicals. This means they are ideal for using around children and pets, and you can purchase them in a fresh lemon scent as well as unscented. There are 75 plant-based cloths per package.
Clorox Scentiva Disinfecting Wipes
If you weren’t particularly inspired by Clorox’s original product line in terms of its scents, check out these Scentiva options. These wipes are identical to the original Clorox disinfecting wipes, which means they’re capable of killing 99.9% of all germs on solid surfaces. However, they have been infused with long-lasting and pleasant scents, named pacific breeze and coconut, and tahitian grapefruit splash. These wipes come in a pack of 35, though many reviewers mention that this product has been difficult to find or has since been discontinued by Clorox.
Clorox Clinical Germicidal Wipes
These germicidal wipes from Clorox are used in hospitals, but you can easily use them in your own home as well. They are designed to kill viruses, germs, and bacteria on contact, within two minutes of using the product. The wipes are also safe for use on technological devices and all touch points. You can get them in a pack of 75, and they are fragrance, bleach, and alcohol free.
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, On-the-Go
If you are looking for Clorox’s patented disinfecting wipes on the go, you can get them in a convenient resealable package. These are conveniently sized for use in your car or carrying with you in your bag, and you can get them in a 9-count package or a 20-count package for your convenience. They are available in both of Clorox’s original scents as well.
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes-Flex Pack
Strikingly similar to the On The Go Pack, Clorox has a flex pack of wipes as well. This packaging is flat and conveniently portable so you can bring it with you, but it is a pack of 75 wipes versus the smaller pack of 9 or 20. This pack also comes with a resealable lid, and you can get it in either of Clorox’s original scents. Just like the On The Go pack, these wipes kill 99.9% of all germs.
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes On the Go – Singles
Clorox offers you yet another on-the-go option. You can get their original disinfecting wipes in single-use packaging, which means that every envelope contained in this box includes only a single light. This may seem like a waste of packaging, but you may be looking for a convenient and well packaged wipe to send with your kids to school, bring with you to the office, and much more. It is available in both scents, and the box holds 25 individually wrapped wipes.
Clorox Multi-Purpose Paper Towel Wipes
This is one of Clorox’s most unique products. Clorox has taken their original disinfecting formula and infused it with a paper towel-like wipe. This gives you a sturdier cleaning product, along with some potential for absorption, as the wipe is much thicker than their original disinfecting wipes. It comes in a lemon verbena scent as well as a Jasmine scent, and you can buy these in packs of 75 wipes. This option kills 99.9% of germs while also allowing you an extra boost to your cleaning ability, should you have a large spill or greasy mess to clean up.
Clorox Wipes Ingredients List
If you are curious what the ingredients are in a Clorox disinfecting wipe, here’s a list:
- Water
- Hexoxyethanol
- Isopropanol
- C12-14 Alcohols Ethoxylated Propoxylated
- Alkyl C12-14 Dimethylethylbenzyl Ammonium Chloride
- Alkyl C12-18 Dimethylbenzyl Ammonium Chloride
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Citric Acid
- Fragrance
As you compare the ingredient lists between Lysol wipes and Clorox wipes, you can tell that there are some key differences. However, both companies manufacture a wipe that kills 99.9% of all bacteria and germs, while delivering a powerful clean to soap scum and grease as well.
Who Manufactures Clorox Wipes?
Clorox wipes are a product of the Clorox Company, which is a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble. The Clorox Company makes a wide variety of products, including Burt’s Bees, Pine Sol, Hidden Valley Ranch, and many more.
Which Disinfecting Wipes are Better?
When it comes to choosing between Lysol wipes vs. Clorox wipes, there is no clear answer as to which one is better. Both products work efficiently, have similar ingredients, and are priced similarly. There is some debate as to which wipe is thicker and better for larger messes, versus which one is better for disinfecting. Let’s talk more about that now.
Both Lysol wipes and Clorox wipes claim to kill 99.9% of all germs and bacteria on surfaces. However, Lysol provides much more comprehensive cleaning instructions for disinfecting and sanitizing, well Clorox has very basic instructions for doing any type of cleaning with their wipes. Lysol wipes also seem to have a thicker cloth with additional cleaning agents for grease and soap scum, while Clorox wipes are built with heavy-duty fibers in their cloth so that you can scrub easily.
Given that these differences are so subtle, there isn’t one product that is obviously better than the other. You may find that you prefer the varieties of scents in Lysol wipes over Clorox wipes, and vice versa. It all depends on your personal preferences, as both products work at an equal level of effectiveness.
Which Wipes are More Affordable?
When it comes to price, both Lysol and Clorox wipes are similarly affordable. Many of their individual packages of disinfecting wipes are the exact same price, so you may be able to find more of a deal if you choose to buy one brand in bulk rather than a single package.
Given that both Lysol and Clorox wipes are priced similarly, this shouldn’t be a factor when making your final purchase. This is a relief to many consumers, given that budget is something that you should always be considering. Thankfully, both Lysol and Clorox are extremely popular brands and are often competing with one another, so their prices remain similar in order to remain relevant.
Lysol and Clorox Wipes FAQs
Do you still have questions regarding Lysol wipes vs Clorox wipes? Here is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions for these two products, as well as some answers!
Do Clorox Wipes Contain Bleach?
No, Clorox wipes do not contain bleach. Lysol wipes also do not contain bleach, as both of these products have created a germ-killing blend that specifically avoids using chlorine bleach. While the Clorox brand name may sound similar to chlorine bleach, it does not contain any bleach related chemicals.
What Surfaces Should I Avoid Wiping with Disinfecting Wipes?
You should avoid wiping certain surfaces with disinfecting wipes, as both Lysol and Clorox are only recommended for use on non-porous surfaces. This means that you should avoid using them on anything that hasn’t been properly sealed, any surface that is potentially damaged, and you should primarily use these on tile, stone, plastic, or sealed wood surfaces.
You should also avoid using disinfecting wipes on fabrics, including clothing, bedding, and textiles such as rugs or upholstery. While Lysol and Clorox will likely not damage your fabrics, they are unlikely to help you clean them, and it can be more difficult to remove disinfectant from textiles, especially in the long run.
Can You Use Disinfecting Wipes on Your Skin?
No, you should never use disinfecting wipes on your skin. Both Lysol and Clorox wipes contain enough chemicals and skin irritants to greatly affect your skin and health. Both of these products also recommend washing your hands with soap and water after using these wipes to further avoid irritating your skin.
Are Clorox and Lysol Wipes Toxic to Humans?
Clorox and Lysol wipes can potentially be toxic to humans, but they are primarily irritating rather than poisonous. Both of these products have the potential of irritating your skin, eyes, as well as your respiratory system, such as nose and lungs. It is also not recommended to use these products if you are pregnant, as there may be potential for reproductive harm.
You should avoid ingesting Clorox and Lysol wipes, given their ingredient list. If enough of the product is ingested, it could potentially be toxic, especially to young children and infants. However, the most common issue with both of these products is their potential to irritate your skin.
Are Disinfecting Wipes Toxic to Pets?
Yes, disinfecting wipes can be toxic to pets. Both Clorox and Lysol wipes are not recommended for direct use on your pets, including their paws. It is also not recommended to use these products around areas where your pet eats, drinks, or sleeps, as the chemicals involved are often dangerous and irritating to their sensitive noses and skin.
Are Clorox and Lysol Wipes Flammable?
No, Clorox and Lysol wipes are not flammable. Given their chemical makeup and overall dampness, it is unlikely that these products will catch fire. However, if they happen to burn in any capacity, it is recommended that you avoid breathing in any fumes caused by this process. They are potentially harmful, so be careful when using these around your stove!
Can You Flush Lysol and Clorox Wipes Down the Toilet?
No, you cannot flush Lysol and Clorox wipes down the toilet. The only product that should ever be flushed down your toilet is toilet paper. Most other paper products and bathroom or cleaning related items are made of materials that don’t properly break down in your plumbing system. This can lead to clogging and damage over time, so it is best to simply throw these wipes away.
The Verdict – What Disinfecting Wipes Should I Use?
When it comes to choosing between Lysol wipes vs Clorox wipes, there are very few differences between the two products. You should use either wipe that you prefer in terms of scents and wipe thickness and strength, or perhaps you will make your final decision based on the company behind the products themselves.
Either way, you can expect both products to kill 99.9% of germs, as well as provide you with a thorough and efficient clean! There’s nothing easier and more reassuring than a Clorox or Lysol disinfecting wipe.
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Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.