All-Purpose Cleaner is Not a Disinfectant Cleaner

After finding out that splash-less bleach doesn't sanitize household surfaces, many people are wondering if their current lineup of cleaning products is killing germs, better known as disinfecting. You'd think all-purpose cleaner aids in the prevention of virus and bacteria growth, but it doesn't.

Multi-surface cleaner simply acts as a cleanser rather than a disinfectant spray. Before you swear off all-purpose cleaner for good, finish using it to clean. Don't waste your money! After using mine, I filled my empty spray cleaner with Clorox bleach and water.

What Does All-Purpose Cleaner Do?

It simply cleans. It is a degreaser and cleaner. It'll remove sticky residue and food off of your countertops and hard surfaces, but it's not disinfecting your household surfaces.

LA's Totally Awesome All Purpose Concentrated Cleaner, 32 Fl. Oz.

If you're stuck with a bottle, I understand the disappointment, although all-purpose cleaners sure do get countertops nice and clean. Grab your surface spray, and remove grime and food residue first. Then, get a can of Lysol. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe.

The biggest lesson to learn from this is that if a product is not labeled as "Disinfecting," do not trust that it will disinfect viruses. I recommend disinfecting wipes for post-clean-up. When flu season comes around, you may be a bit reluctant to continue using your natural cleaners on hard surfaces.

Professional Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Spring Waterfall, 19oz

As long as you use these household cleaners with intent to clean dirt and food messes, you're in the clear. I know the fresh scents of citrus essential oils in all-purpose organic cleaners are lovely, but cleaning supplies with disinfectant properties are crucial.

For some reassurance, you can trust these cleaning agents will tackle icky viruses and bacteria lingering on your kitchen counters, doorknobs, and more.

Lysol Kitchen Pro Antibacterial Disinfecting Wipes, 30ct, Kills Germs

To prevent salmonella & E. coli contamination, I always wipe down kitchen surfaces with these cleaning wipes.

Reckitt Benckiser 19200-98014 Disinfectant Toilet Bowl Cleaner With Bleach, 24 Oz, 9/carton

I love Simple Green, but in order to disinfect, I'll need a bathroom cleaner from Lysol. Keep your toilet clean with Lysol's toilet bowl cleaner.

Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Mango & Hibiscus, Brand New Day, 19oz

If you love the smell of grapefruit and sweet-scented cleaners, you can't go wrong with this scent for your kitchen.

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