Does Disinfectant Spray Like Lysol Expire? Find Out Here

Lysol spray is commonly used in many households to get rid of viruses and bacteria due to its disinfecting capabilities. However, just like all cleaning products, Lysol also weakens over time and loses its effectiveness in disinfecting surfaces.

Generally, Lysol spray can last up to 2 years and lose its potency afterward. Thus, it's essential to understand when Lysol spray expires and how to check its effectiveness. Additionally, it's also important to know whether an expired disinfectant can still effectively help in the cleaning and maintenance of a house. In this blog, we cover key information about Lysol spray and signs of its expiration.

The Lifespan of a Lysol Spray

The lifespan of a Lysol spray is approximately two years from its manufacturing date. After two years, the active ingredients of the product begin to break down, leading to a decline in its effectiveness. This evidently explains that a disinfectant like Lysol spray cannot kill viruses and bacteria after the expiry date. However, it may perform well as a cleaning spray for surfaces if you use more drops of it or scrub it for a longer time.

Interestingly, various store-bought disinfectant sprays have a shelf life of a year only, and after a year, their chemical composition begins to deteriorate. Although lysol spray has an extended shelf life, it is still important to look out for the manufacturing date. This is because the expiry date may not be mentioned, so you have to check the manufacturing date and see if it's more than a year.

How to Use a Lysol Spray Properly?

Lysol spray is meant to be used as a disinfectant for mainly household surfaces like countertops, appliances, and door handles. It can get rid of 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, providing a clean surface for homeowners to use.

Here are some proper ways to use it.

• Hard surfaces: Spray the Lysol on the required area and let it sit for three minutes.

• Soft surfaces: For soft surfaces such as pillows and upholstered furniture, ensure to let it leave for ten minutes. Afterward, allow the surface to air dry naturally.

Is There an Expiry Date for Lysol Spray?

Unlike food expiration dates such as 'best by' and 'sell by,' which focus on the effect of flavors, the expiration dates of disinfectants actually refer to the degradation of the product. This shows that disinfectants don't have an expiry date printed on the product; rather, they consist of a manufacturing date. The manufacture dates help homeowners determine the expiry date, which is one year or two years from the manufacturing date. Lysol spray loses the ability to eradicate any bacteria and viruses after expiry. Hence, ensure not to use it as Lysol spray after expiry.

Indications That Lysol Spray Has Expired

Here are some signs that clearly indicate that your Lysol spray has expired.

• Lack of effectiveness: If the spray can't clean the surface as effectively as before and the bacteria and viruses aren't removed, it may have expired.

• Need for extra cleaning: If there is a need for more spray or longer hours to clean, it may have become impotent.

• Verify with manufacturing date: A Lysol spray should last for two years from the manufacturing date.

Can an Expired Lysol Spray Be Used?

Expired cleaning products are not harmful for the surfaces they are used on, but they won't clean them effectively. However, to get the desired cleaning results, homeowners are required to use an extra amount of expired spray or clean the surface thoroughly for an extended duration.

Additionally, an expired Lysol spray isn't a suitable choice for surfaces such as countertops, appliances, door handles, and more. Once the shelf life has ended, it is better to replace it with a new Lysol spray for better effectiveness.

Alternative Cleaning Products and Their Expiry Dates

Here are some most common cleaning products that are effective but come with an expiration date.

Bleach: It comes with a shorter range of use and begins to lose its effectiveness after 6 months of being opened.

Cleaning sprays for all surfaces: They have a shelf life of 2 years.

Dish detergent: It has a lifespan of 1 to 18 months.

Laundry detergent: It is potent for 6 months to 1 year after opening.

Hand sanitizer: Most hand sanitizers tend to stay effective for 2 to 3 years.

Final Words

Lysol spray is an effective disinfectant with a lifespan of two years from its manufacturing date. It's used to maintain hygiene in the house. After the expiration date, it may not cause any harm to surfaces but won't clean as effectively as fresh Lysol. Thus, it's better to replace the expired bottle of Lysol spray or any other cleaning product.