While the internet is full of at-home, do-it-yourself "cures" for the novel coronavirus COVID-19, this week Lysol became the first surface disinfectant fully approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to wipe out the coronavirus.
Two versions of the common household disinfectant spray were lab tested by the agency, which found they could kill the virus on surfaces, the EPA announced. Lysol Disinfectant Spray, priced around four dollars, and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist, priced at five and a half bucks, can kill the virus in under 2 minutes, the agency found.
"The EPA's approval recognizes that using Lysol Disinfectant Spray can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on hard, non-porous surfaces," said Rahul Kadyan, executive vice president of hygiene for Lysol's parent company Reckitt Benckiser in a statement.
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The agency says there are 420 disinfectant products that are effective against "harder-to-kill" viruses than the new coronavirus, but the two Lysol are products are the first to be tested directly against the virus and able to kill it.
According to Lysol, the disinfectant spray kills 99.9 percent of fungi, viruses, and bacteria, kills cold and flu viruses, disinfects hundreds of surfaces in your home, sanitizes soft surfaces, prevents mold and mildew from growing for up to a week, and eliminates odors at the source.
As restaurants, churches and other public venues struggle to reopen, one of the main factors is what is their cleaning policy. Many have adopted an "on-going" cleaning system. This is where employees wipe down surfaces where patrons sit or touched at a set time every hour or right after that customer leaves. While wiping down definitely helps, it's important to know what they are wiping down with.
A recent U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey found that Americans said they were cleaning more often because of the coronavirus pandemic, but only about half said they actually knew how to clean and disinfect their home safely, CNN reported.
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Where to buy the two disinfectants
Target
Target is selling the Lysol Disinfectant Spray 19 fl oz bottle in both Crisp Linen and Early Morning Breeze for $5.99 each. The Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist can also be found at Target— the Lavender Fields 15 fl oz bottle is selling for $5.79.
Walmart
Many Lysol products are currently sold out at Walmart online, but the Professional Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Original Scent, 19 fl oz, and Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Brand New Day, Green Apple and Aloe, 19 fl oz are available instore at Walmart.
Kmart
Kmart sells the Lysol Disinfectant Spray in Spring Waterfall and Crisp Linen 12.5 fl oz for $5.99, and the Lysol Disinfectant Spray in Lemon Breeze and Early Morning Breeze 19 fl oz for $7.79.
Sears
Sears is selling the Lysol Disinfectant Spray in various scents with prices ranging from $4.49 to $5.29.
Walgreens
While it has sold out online, Walgreens has Lysol Disinfectant Spray in stock instore, with various scents available instore, with prices ranging from $6.99 to $8.99.
Dollar General
Dollar General is selling Lysol Disinfectant Spray instore, including Lemon Breeze and Crisp Linen, with prices ranging from $4.85 to $5.85.
