
Lysol is an American brand of cleaning and disinfecting products distributed by Reckitt, which first came into existence in 1889 to help end a cholera epidemic in Germany. The active ingredient in many Lysol products is benzalkonium chloride, but the Lysol Power and Free line contains hydrogen peroxide. Lysol products are used to disinfect hard and soft surfaces, as well as the air and hands. The Lysol Disinfectant Spray contains ethanol, alkyl (50% C14, 40% C12, 10% C16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, and other ingredients. The ethanol content in Lysol spray is responsible for its strong odour and sanitizing properties. DIY recipes for Lysol spray also include alcohol, preferably ethanol, as one of the main ingredients.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Active ingredient | Benzalkonium chloride |
Alcohol content | 70% ethanol (ethyl alcohol) |
Other ingredients | Alkyl (50% C14, 40% C12, 10% C16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, hydrogen peroxide, distilled water, essential oils |
Effectiveness | Kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including cold and flu |
Use cases | Hard and soft surfaces, air treatment, hand washing, toys, food contact surfaces |
Safety | Causes moderate eye irritation, do not spray in eyes, on skin, or on clothing |
First Aid | If in eyes, hold eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for 15-20 minutes |
Poison Control | Call 1-800-228-4722 in case of an emergency |
What You'll Learn
- Lysol spray contains ethanol, a form of alcohol
- Isopropyl alcohol is also present in Lysol spray
- The CDC recommends using 70% alcohol or 140 proof grain alcohol for homemade Lysol spray
- Homemade Lysol spray can be made with 70% ethanol or Everclear
- Alcohol is an active ingredient in Lysol spray, but should not be mixed with the product
Lysol spray contains ethanol, a form of alcohol
Ethanol is a type of alcohol that serves as a potent disinfectant, effectively eliminating bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Its inclusion in Lysol spray is intentional and essential for its sanitizing properties.
The presence of ethanol in Lysol spray is also responsible for its distinct odour. While ethanol itself has a relatively mild odour, it can interact with other ingredients, such as essential oils, to create a more pronounced fragrance.
It is important to note that while ethanol is an effective disinfectant, it can be irritating to the eyes and skin. Therefore, Lysol spray should not be sprayed directly into the eyes or onto the skin.
The ethanol content in Lysol spray is not suitable for consumption and should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. It is intended solely as a surface disinfectant and should be used according to the instructions on the product label.
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Isopropyl alcohol is also present in Lysol spray
The active ingredient in many Lysol products is benzalkonium chloride, but the active ingredient in the Lysol "Power and Free" line is hydrogen peroxide. The original formulation of Lysol contained cresols, which may still be available commercially in some parts of the world. Formulations containing chlorophenol are still available in the United Kingdom.
Lysol products have been used since their invention in the late 19th century as household and industrial cleaning agents and previously as medical disinfectants. They are particularly effective at killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including cold and flu viruses, on hard and soft surfaces.
Lysol disinfectant spray contains ethanol, alkyl (50% C14, 40% C12, 10% C16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, and other ingredients. The ethanol concentration in Lysol Disinfectant Spray is 58.00%.
Isopropyl alcohol, present in concentrations of 1-2% in Lysol, acts as a sanitizing agent and contributes to its strong odour. It is also known as "rubbing alcohol" and has been used in conjunction with Lysol for cleaning surfaces. However, mixing Lysol and isopropyl alcohol may produce chloroform, which can cause adverse health reactions.
DIY recipes for Lysol spray typically include alcohol, distilled water, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oils. The CDC recommends using alcohol with a concentration of 60% or higher, with 70% or above being ideal.
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The CDC recommends using 70% alcohol or 140 proof grain alcohol for homemade Lysol spray
To make your own Lysol spray, you will need a few simple ingredients: alcohol, distilled water, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oils. The CDC recommends using an alcohol product with at least 70% ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol or Everclear). This high concentration of alcohol is effective at killing bacteria and viruses.
You can also use other types of alcohol, such as isopropyl alcohol (also known as rubbing alcohol), which is commonly used as a disinfectant. However, it is important to note that mixing Lysol with rubbing alcohol may produce chloroform, which can be harmful to your health.
Lysol has been a trusted brand of cleaning and disinfecting products for over a century. The active ingredient in many Lysol products is benzalkonium chloride, which is toxic to fish and invertebrates but relatively safe for mammals. The original formulation of Lysol, introduced in 1889, contained cresols and was used to help end a cholera epidemic in Germany.
Today, Lysol products are widely used to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on hard and soft surfaces. When using Lysol spray, it is important to follow the instructions on the label, including allowing surfaces to remain wet for a few minutes before air-drying.
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Homemade Lysol spray can be made with 70% ethanol or Everclear
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using alcohol products with at least 70% alcohol content to disinfect surfaces. Homemade Lysol spray can be made with 70% ethanol or Everclear.
Ethanol is a type of drinkable alcohol, also known as ethyl alcohol. Everclear is a brand of grain alcohol that is 92.4% ethanol. Both ethanol and Everclear are effective disinfectants and can be used to make homemade Lysol spray.
To make a homemade Lysol spray with 70% ethanol, you will need the following ingredients:
- Ethanol (140 proof or higher)
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Distilled water
- Essential oil with disinfecting properties (optional)
Combine 3.5 ounces of distilled water with 1/2 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide in a 16-ounce glass spray bottle. If you are using essential oil, add 30 to 45 drops into the spray bottle. Fill the remainder of the bottle with ethanol. Shake well to mix all the ingredients.
Alternatively, you can make a homemade Lysol spray with Everclear. Here is a recipe you can follow:
- Combine 3 parts of 190-proof Everclear with 1 part water in a clean spray bottle.
- Shake gently to mix the ingredients.
- Store the bottle away from sources of heat, spark, or direct sunlight.
It is important to note that homemade disinfectant sprays may not have the same effectiveness as store-bought Lysol sprays. Always exercise caution when handling ingredients and follow recommended guidelines for disinfection.
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Alcohol is an active ingredient in Lysol spray, but should not be mixed with the product
Alcohol is a key ingredient in Lysol spray, but it should not be mixed with the product.
Lysol spray is a disinfectant product that has been used since the late 19th century as a household and industrial cleaning agent, and previously as a medical disinfectant. The active ingredient in many Lysol products is benzalkonium chloride, but the active ingredient in the Lysol "Power and Free" line is hydrogen peroxide.
The original formulation of Lysol, introduced in 1889, contained cresols and this formulation may still be available commercially in some parts of the world. Formulations containing chlorophenol are still available in the United Kingdom.
In addition to the active ingredients mentioned, Lysol spray also contains ethanol, which is a type of alcohol. The ethanol content in Lysol spray ranges from 58% to 70%. The high ethanol content in Lysol spray is what makes it effective at killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on hard and soft surfaces.
While alcohol is an essential ingredient in Lysol spray, it is important to note that mixing additional alcohol with the product is not recommended. Mixing Lysol and alcohol can create chloroform, which can cause adverse health reactions. Therefore, it is advised to use Lysol spray as directed and not to mix it with any other substances, including alcohol.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Lysol spray contains ethanol, which is a type of alcohol. The ethanol concentration in Lysol spray is around 58%. Additionally, when making DIY Lysol spray at home, alcohol is a necessary ingredient, and you should use one that is at least 70% alcohol content.
Other ingredients in Lysol spray include alkyl (50% C14, 40% C12, 10% C16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, which makes up 0.10% of the product. The remaining 41.90% consists of other ingredients.
Lysol spray is a disinfectant product used to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on hard and soft surfaces. It can be applied to items such as shoes, backpacks, and packages that may come into contact with germs.
No, it is not recommended to mix Lysol with rubbing alcohol as it may create chloroform, which can cause adverse health reactions.