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Clorox vs Lysol Wipes
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Table of Contents - Clorox vs Lysol Wipes
How We Compared Clorox vs Lysol Wipes
Customer Reviews
Product Testing
Team Experience
Clorox Wipes
Lysol Wipes
Best for sensitive skin
Best for tough stains
Budget pick
Best for disinfecting or sanitizing
Cleaning Kings' Choice
Introduction – Clorox vs Lysol Wipes
The world has become increasingly hygiene-conscious since the pandemic unexpectedly hit. Keeping your surroundings safe from germs has never been so important. The great thing about wipes is that they are super convenient and can be used for multiple purposes. From kitchen surfaces to disinfecting cars and toys, you’re always going to need a few cleaning wipes around.
Another great thing about wipes is that it removes the need to use spray bottles, sponges, cleaning tools, etc. when cleaning. Most wipes come already prepared, ready to use, and can easily be disposed of. This is a very convenient and mess-free way to rid your home and surfaces of germs.
However, not all wipes are created equal. Some wipes have ingredients that work more for cleaning and not for disinfecting. There are dozens of disinfecting and cleaning wipes available on the market, but Clorox and Lysol are two of the most well-known and leading brands in the detergent industry. Clorox wipes ingredients have a 99% chance of killing viruses and bacteria on hard non-porous surfaces like glass, vinyl, and acrylic. The same can be said about the Lysol wipes ingredients as well.
If you’re looking to stock up on wipes but not sure which brand to buy, we at Cleaning King will cover everything you need to know about Clorox vs. Lysol wipes. This direct comparison will discuss the cleaning power of the two products and product offerings. We’ll also give you a detailed buyer’s guide to help you figure out what you need to consider when buying some cleaning wipes.
While choosing a brand of cleaning wipes isn’t one of the most significant decisions you make for your home, it is still quite substantial. So, without further delay, let the Cleaning King team help you find the best cleaning wipes for your needs.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider when Buying Wipes
Usage
In our research, we at Cleaning King found three categories that all cleaning wipes typically fall under; cleaning, sanitizing or disinfecting. It’s essential that before you buy, you must remember that sanitizing or disinfecting is not synonymous with cleaning.
The following definitions show the difference, according to Wikipedia:
“Disinfectants are antimicrobial agents designed to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces. Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms….”
On the other hand, “The term cleanser refers to a product that cleans or removes dirt or other substances.”
Disinfecting destroys or inactivates bacteria and viruses written on the label of the product you chose to purchase. Sanitizing, on the other hand, helps to reduce the bacteria identified on the product label.
Although you’re probably not going to create superbugs by disinfecting often, it might be a good idea to limit your usage to areas that experience high traffic, such as door handles, trash can lids, and toilets.
So it’s safe to say that wipes that sanitize reduce the number of germs on a surface while disinfecting kills them off. Therefore you’ll need to keep in mind what you’re intending to use your wipes for. Sanitizing or cleaning wipes are a good choice for food-contact surfaces such as kitchens counters or sinks. Especially if you don’t want the hassle of following up your disinfectant with a rinsing wipe.
Therefore, the first step you need to take is to remove dirt or residue before using a wipe. Next, you’ll need to sanitize or disinfect the area.
We should mention that both Clorox and Lysol wipes tend to dry out after a few minutes. So you must use a new wipe for every surface that you use.
The type of surface – Clorox & Lysol Wipes Ingredients
Not all surfaces do well with every type of cleaning or disinfecting wipe. The good news is that you can use disinfection wipes on almost every hard non-porous surface. So, for example, bathrooms, floors, car interiors, kitchens, furniture, light switches, and more.
They are also safe on finished hardwood, stainless steel, acrylic, sealed fiberglass, ceramic, and plastic. You can use disinfecting wipes on mobile phones and TV remotes and any other electronic surfaces that harbor germs and rarely get cleaned.
Although some disinfecting wipes don’t have any extremely harsh chemicals, they do contain surfactant ingredients whose purpose is to remove tough stains and grease. These surfactants can damage some soft finishes. So do not use them on unpainted wood and unfinished, waxed, or oiled surfaces.
Additionally, avoid using disinfecting wipes on glassware, eating utensils, and dishware. Clorox wipes ingredients may not harm granite kitchens per se; they do, however, degrade the sealant. We at Cleaning King recommend saving your disinfecting wipes for other surfaces.
Do not, under any circumstances, use Clorox or Lysol disinfecting wipes on your skin or as a replacement baby wipe.
Ingredients
While this might seem like a tedious task, the Cleaning King team recommends that you avoid cleaning products that have carcinogens like formaldehyde and dioxane. These chemicals have been linked to many illnesses, including cancer. Stay away from Asthma inducing ingredients (asthmagens) like bleach, ammonia, and quaternary ammonium compounds if you have a child that suffers from the ailment.
Additionally, if you or any member of your family has sensitive skin, avoid hydrochloric acid, chlorine, and artificial fragrances made of unknown chemicals and can cause allergic reactions. Moreover, borax and boric acid are common ingredients that can cause reproductive problems.
If you’re still unsure which wipes are safer, you can check out the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website. There is a comprehensive Safer Choice program that helps consumers find products that are safer for humans as well as the environment.
Scent
Lastly, you’ll want to consider the scent used in the wipes you buy. As we’ve stated above, artificial fragrances are typically made from unknown chemicals, so if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid them. Even if the scents are plant-based, they might trigger allergies. Both Clorox and Lysol have fragrance-free options that you can choose from.
Our Reviews - Clorox vs Lysol Wipes
Clorox Disinfectant Wipe Review
Clorox’s Disinfecting Wipes are some of the best out there. Each wipe is triple-layered and soaked well enough to cover a substantial surface area. They are capable of disinfecting, deodorizing, and removing allergens for a 5x cleaning session.
These all-purpose disposable wipes can remove common allergens, germs, and messes on surfaces in the home like kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, and more. They are generally damper than most wipes on the market but rest assured they dry quickly and will leave your surfaces thoroughly disinfected within four minutes. This is relatively quick compared to other options.
These Clorox wipes have a delightful scent, considering how potent the formula is. They are safe to use on finished wood, sealed granite, and stainless steel and on non-food-contact surfaces in the home, office, classroom, pet area, dorm, and locker room.
Clorox wipes come in various forms. You can get them in canister or pouch form, with the latter being more portable. Clorox disinfecting wipes are a bleach-free, all-in-1 cleaning alternative that’s safe to use on toys and more.
They also offer various cleaning and disinfecting options, for example, their Triple Action Dust Wipes, which let you dust an entire room with a single wipe. These dry, non-abrasive wipes feature an interlocking weave that traps and locks dust, allergens, and even hair. Or you can get the Clorox Clinical Germicidal Wipes which features a patented formula that wipes out germs faster for broad-spectrum disinfection. These hospital disinfectant wipes are EPA-registered to kill bacteria and viruses like MRSA, Norovirus, Cold and Flu viruses, and COVID-19.
Stand-out features include
- A bleach-free formula that is 99% effective against germs.
- Variety of product offerings for any cleaning need.
- Leaves a clean non-offensive scent.
Clorox Range
Lysol Disinfectant Wipe Review
Another favorite is the Lysol Disinfectant Wipes. They effectively kill 99.9 % of viruses and bacteria when you leave them to sit on the surface for two minutes. However, Lysol recommends allowing the solution to sit on the surface for ten minutes to kill off any remaining germs like salmonella or E. coli.
The wipes themselves are thick and durable and can be used to scrub kitchen stains with ease. They contain a micro-pocket integrated design that effectively helps you clean the everyday mess. Apart from cleaning microbes, these disinfecting wipes can remove allergens such as pet dander, dust mites & pollen from your environment.
Moreover, they are safe to use on non-porous surfaces such as phones, tablets, and remote controls. You can also use Lysol wipes to clean most finished surfaces around your home, including wood, sealed marble, stainless steel, laminate floors, washable walls & outdoor furniture. They come with three available strong but pleasant scents.
These disinfecting cleaning wipes are 3x more potent than a paper towel. You can get them in canister or pouch form as well.
Lysol offers various cleaning and disinfecting options. For example, their Dual Action Disinfecting Wipes feature a scrubbing texture on one side for tough messes and a softer side for everyday touch-ups. Another excellent product offering from Lysol is their Daily Cleaning Wipes – Simply with a Plant-Based Active Ingredient. This is free from bleach, dyes, and phosphates. You can use it on food-contact surfaces, baby areas, toys as well as pet areas.
Stand-out features include
- Fast-acting disinfecting wipes.
- Free from ammonia, fragrances and dyes.
- Available in three unique scents (lemon and lime blossom, brand new day, brighter horizon).
- Suitable for use on food contact surfaces, toys, baby and pet areas.
Lysol Range
Detailed Comparison – Clorox Vs Lysol Wipes
If you’re wondering which wipe is better for all your cleaning or disinfecting needs, you’re in the right place. We know how difficult it is to know the exact distinctions between the two pretty similar products.
To better understand the two products, the Clean King Team has compared and rated the Clorox wipes’ performance and the Lysol wipes. Below is a detailed comparison to clear any confusion you might have.
Cleaning power
The most crucial aspect of any wipe is effectively removing dirt, stains, and germs from surfaces. There is no official rating system that we can use to compare the strength of both wipes, so cleaning power is somewhat subjective. However, we can gauge the cleaning power based on the Lysol ingredients and the Clorox ingredients.
Clorox
Clorox wipes have a water-based formula and contain the following ingredients:
- Hexoxyethanol; a solvent used to cut grease and gunk.
- Alkyl (C12-18 and C12-14) Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride is used as an active antimicrobial ingredient that sanitizes surfaces.
- C12-14 Alcohols Ethoxylated Propoxylated is also another grease-cutting ingredient.
- Citric Acid is a natural acid used to clean soap scum and hard water mineral deposits effectively.
- d-Limonene dissolves stains and adds fragrance.
- Isopropanol Alcohol is a very common solvent that has antimicrobial properties.
- Sodium Bicarbonate or Baking Soda builds alkalinity and removes calcium and other deposits.
Lysol
While the ingredients in Lysol are different from Clorox’s they, serve the same purpose. Lysol wipes have the following components:
- Ethanol Alcohol has a sanitizing effect.
- Alkyl (C14 50%, C12 40%, C16 10%) Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride is an active ingredient responsible for killing germs.
- Alkyl polyglucoside can cut through dirt and foul odors.
- Propylene Glycol Butyl Ether is a solvent.
- Ethanolamine is an organic chemical that controls pH levels.
- Fragrance.
While Clorox has extra strength wipes with more fibers to take on significant messes, Lysol uses hydrogen peroxide wipes to penetrate and dissolve soap scum and grime.
Nevertheless, based on these ingredients, we can conclude that both products effectively clean surfaces due to their highly concentrated formula. Both wipes are capable of killing 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including the Covid-19 virus.
Product Options
Both Clorox and Lysol make standard disinfecting wipes, but they also offer wipes for specific needs. Let’s take a deeper look at what they have on offer.
Clorox
Below is a quick breakdown of the wipe types that you can find from Clorox:
- Clorox Scentiva Disinfecting Wipes; combine the trusted cleaning and disinfecting power of Clorox with uplifting, long-lasting scents to clean, disinfect, deodorize and freshen the home. It packs the same germ-killing power as the original wipes but leaves behind a pleasant aroma. It comes in two scents; Pacific Breeze & Coconut and Tahitian Grapefruit Splash.
- Original Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are perfect for daily household cleanup. They are now EPA-registered to kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These wipes are available in Crisp Lemon and Fresh Scent fragrances.
- Clorox Disinfecting Wipes-Flex Pack comes in a package that looks like a tissue box making it easy to grab a wipe.
- Clorox Disinfecting Wipes On the Go Pack is packaged in a slim pouch, making it very convenient to pop them in your bag and disinfect on the go.
- Clorox Compostable Cleaning Wipes are made with a compostable plant-based cloth, making them safe to compost at home. You can use them around kids, pets, and food.
- Clorox Multi-Purpose Paper towels are textured sanitizing wipes that trap and lift dirt, dust, and crumbly messes. These paper towel wipes are less wet, have a light and pleasant scent, and are made with wood-pulp fibers. They come in Lemon Verbena and Jasmine scents.
- Clorox Clinical Germicidal Wipes
- Clorox Triple Action Dust Wipes
- Clorox Scentiva Disinfecting Wet Mopping Wipes are perfect for cleaning floors.
Lysol
Lysol disinfecting wipes come in several different scents, including Lemon and Lime Blossom, Ocean Fresh, Early Morning Breeze, and Crisp Linen. Below is a quick breakdown of what to expect from the Lysol Range:
- Original Lysol Disinfecting Wipes
- Lysol Disinfecting Wipes – Brand New Day (mango and hibiscus scent)
- Original Lysol Disinfecting Wipes – To Go Pack comes in a slim pouch for on-the-go use, just like Clorox on the Go Wipes.
- Lysol Dual Action Disinfecting Wipes two sides, one with a rough texture that tackles stubborn messes and a soft side for everyday cleaning.
- Lysol Simply Wipes with a Plant-Based Active Ingredient
How to Properly Use Clorox and Lysol Wipes
One of the significant benefits of disinfecting wipes is that they are convenient and straightforward to use. However, you’ll need to use them properly to reap the full benefits. The Cleaning King Team has a few tips that you might find helpful. Let’s take a look at them below.
Step 1: Preparing the surface
Before cleaning with a disinfecting wipe, you’ll need to use a paper towel or sponge to remove any visible dirt or tough stains from the surface you are cleaning.
Step 2: Cleaning the surface
Once the surface is clean of dirt and stains, use your Clorox or Lysol wipes to clean it thoroughly with disinfecting wipes. To make sure that the surface is wholly disinfected, use enough wipes to visibly wet for at least 4 minutes.
Suppose you’re worried about Covid in your high traffic areas. In that case, the EPA recommends keeping the surface visibly wet for at least 10 minutes if you’re using Lysol wipes and 4 minutes if you’re using Clorox wipes. If you have a big surface, you’ll need to use more than one wipe.
Allow the surface to air dry after the recommended waiting time. If you’re using Clorox wipes on your surfaces that come in contact with food, rinse thoroughly with water to remove any remaining residue.
Always ensure that you close the container or seal the wipe’s packet to retain moisture.
How to DIY Wipes (without using Clorox or Lysol)
Store-bought Clorox or Lysol wipes are great for easy disinfecting. Unfortunately, they can be a bit expensive, considering you’ll have to use a couple of them at a time to clean one large surface. Additionally, the pandemic has made them a very popular product that’s not always in stock.
We at Cleaning King have come up with an easy DIY Lysol and Clorox wipe without using the actual store-bought product. Many homemade recipes online are great but have one problem. They use vinegar and essential oils like tea tree oil. While these ingredients are lovely for cleaning purposes, they don’t necessarily disinfect or sanitize as effectively.
Essential oils, for example, have antiviral properties, along with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some essential oils may be strong enough to fight some viruses and bacteria though more research is necessary. Below is a list of essential oils that you can use to sanitize your surfaces and add a slight fragrance to your wipes:
- Red thyme
- Bergamot oil
- Cinnamon leaf
- Lemon
- Tea tree
- Eucalyptus oil
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
DIY Wipes for Cleaning Only
If you are looking for household wipes that just clean and don’t necessarily disinfect or sanitize, then here’s a quick DIY Lysol Wipes or DIY Clorox Wipes.
What you’ll need:
- Mild soap detergent
- Your favorite essential oil
- Sealable glass jar
- Washcloths
- Water
Instructions:
Mix two cups of water in 3 teaspoons of any mild soap detergent that you have in your home. Add 10 drops of essential oil. Shake it up and the mixture is complete.
DIY Wipes for Disinfecting
To make your own disinfecting DIY Clorox wipes, you can use the following steps.
What you’ll need:
- Bleach or Alcohol (must be at least 70% alcohol to disinfect and 60% to sanitize)
- Washcloths
- Sealable glass jar
- Water
Instructions:
Use ⅓ cup (or 5 tablespoons) bleach per gallon or 3.78 liters of water. Or alternatively, use rubbing alcohol. Pour the mixture over the washcloths that you’ve placed in a sealable glass jar. Use as needed to clean any surface in your home.
Always make sure that the surface you want to clean can handle bleach and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the bleach. Make sure you prepare the mixture in a well-ventilated place. Additionally, never mix bleach with any other detergent or ammonia.
How to Make Lysol Wipes
What you’ll need:
- Two cups rubbing alcohol (has to be at least 70% alcohol)
- Mild soap detergent
- Essential oil (10 drops)
- Washcloths
- Sealable glass jar
Instructions:
Fill your jar with any washable washcloths of your choice. In a bowl, mix together detergent, essential oil, and rubbing alcohol. Pour the disinfecting mix into a jar over the washcloths. Seal the lid and use it when needed.x
Conclusion – Clorox vs Lysol Wipes
Living in a germ and virus-free environment boosts overall family health. Instead of using sprays even when sanitizing small areas, wipes are the perfect solution. With the reviewed disinfectant above, it’s time to bust those disease-causing microbes.
There is one main thing you need to consider when purchasing disinfecting wipes; its cleaning power. The Cleaning King team knows that living in a germ-free environment has never been this important. You also need to consider the type of surface you want to clean, disinfect or sanitize.
Both these products are a good option for you in terms of their cleaning power. They both work very well to get rid of nasty disease-causing microbes, and they do not contain bleach which is a harmful ingredient. For the most part, both products are on par with each other.
Although Clorox is faster when it comes to disinfecting time – a maximum of 4 minutes for Clorox to kill germs compared to the 10 minutes that it takes Lysol – Lysol are the best wipes due to their versatility, as they can be safely used to clean baby toys or surfaces where you place food. Moreover, they are safe to use on non-porous surfaces such as phones, tablets, and remote controls. If you have children or pets, Lysol is the better option.
Cleaning King's Verdict - Clorox vs Lysol Wipes
FAQs - Clorox vs Lysol Wipes
Clorox disinfecting wipes have met the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. According to the EPA, the contact time to effectively kill the virus on hard surfaces is four minutes for Clorox wipes.
Most people think that most wipes contain bleach, but Lysol disinfecting wipes are completely free of bleach. Instead, they use the active ingredient Alkyl C12-18 Dimethylbenzyl Ammonium Chloride. This chemical has an antimicrobial ammonium compound that is responsible for disinfecting and sanitizing surfaces. It’s an EPA-approved cleaning product.
Not necessarily. Lysol disinfecting wipes have a shelf life of one year past the manufacturing date, whether the container is open or unopened. To prevent them from drying out, you should store them in temperatures ranging from 50 – 80 F to help prevent degrading.
Yes, the Clorox wipes will react with bleach and can cause a toxic reaction. Never mix bleach with anything other than water, and always use Clorox wipes as directed on the label.
Both Clorox wipes contain water. If they dry out, just add a little bit of water to rehydrate them. Try not to soak the wipes in water or hold them under running water for more than a few seconds to preserve the ingredients. Soaking them in water will wash away the beneficial ingredients.
No, you should not use Lysol wipes on your hands, skin, or face. They are intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces only.
No, you should not use one wipe to clean multiple surfaces. You may just end up spreading more bacteria than you’re killing.
No, don’t use disinfecting wipes on anything made from genuine leather. The alcohol in the wipes can make it lose its natural oils and become dry or brittle.
Lysol wipes are not suitable substitutes for lens wipes. Some of the ingredients in Lysol wipes can cause mild irritation if they come into direct contact with your eyes.
