Can You Use Lysol On Carpets? (Solved)

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can use Lysol to disinfect your carpets, you’re not alone. 

It’s a pretty common question, and it makes sense why people ask. Lysol is great for cleaning lots of things around the house, so why not carpets, right? 

Well, it’s not quite that straightforward.

You can use Lysol on carpets, but there are some risks to both the carpet and your family. 

Because of these risks, we don’t recommend using Lysol.

In this post, we’re going to take a look at whether using Lysol on carpets is a good idea or not. And I’ll also share a few alternatives.

Can You Spray Lysol On Carpets?

Technically, yes, you can. But that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. 

Lysol, especially the All-Purpose Cleaner, is really good at killing germs and bacteria on hard surfaces. However, carpets are a different story.

Carpets soak up whatever you put on them. Lysol, with its mix of chemicals including bleach, isn’t made for use on carpets.

Yes it will kill the germs, but it could also cause some serious problems.

Most carpet manufacturers and cleaning experts including us don’t recommend using it.

Also Read: How to Fix A Scorched Carpet?

Risks Of Using Lysol On Carpet

Let me go over the three biggest risks of using Lysol on carpets: 

#1 Can Damage The Carpet

Lysol can be pretty harsh on your carpets. It’s got bleach in it, which is not exactly carpet-friendly.

Bleach can break down the dyes that give your carpet its color. You might end up with faded patches that make your carpet look uneven.

Those harsh chemicals in Lysol can also weaken the fibers of your carpet. 

Over time, your once-fluffy carpet might start looking thin, frayed, or even bald in spots.

#2 Can Leave A Chemical Residue

Lysol will also leave behind a chemical residue on your carpets.

Unlike your kitchen counter, you can’t just wipe Lysol off a carpet. Carpets tend to hold onto everything you put on them, including chemicals. 

Even if you rinse thoroughly, some of these chemicals can stay trapped in the fibers.

This residue can keep releasing fumes for some time, and it might also attract dirt and dust like a magnet, and make your carpet look dirtier faster.

#3 Harmful To Humans And Pets

Lysol on carpets could be bad for you, your family, and your furry friends too.

That chemical residue we talked about? Yeah, it can cause some real problems, especially if you’re exposed to it for a long time.

For humans, this can mean skin irritation or respiratory issues from breathing in the fumes.

But our pets? They’ve got it even worse. 

Also Read: Tips For Pet Urine Odor Removal From Carpet

They’re down there on the carpet all the time, licking their paws and rolling around. 

There have been a lot of cases where dogs got itchy skin (that lasted for weeks!) from being around carpets cleaned with harsh chemicals.

Lysol Alternatives To Disinfect Carpets

If you don’t want to take the risk, here are some great alternatives to use instead:

Vinegar And Water

Perhaps the best alternative to disinfect your carpet is Vinegar.

This natural alternative is a great way to clean and disinfect your carpets without harsh chemicals. White vinegar is a mild acid that’s tough on bacteria but gentle on carpet fibers.

To use it, just mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly spray it on your carpet and blot with a clean cloth. 

And don’t worry about the vinegar smell – it’ll go away as the carpet dries.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Next up is hydrogen peroxide, another household staple that can work wonders on your carpet. 

It’s particularly good for light-colored carpets because it has a mild bleaching effect. Hydrogen peroxide is effective at killing bacteria and removing stains.

To use it safely, mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with one part water.

Clean Republic Multi-Purpose Disinfectant

If you’re more into grabbing something off the shelf, Clean Republic Multi-Purpose Disinfectant is a good choice.

It’s designed to be gentler than Lysol but still effective at killing germs and bacteria.

And it’s generally safe for fabrics and most carpet types.

But as always, it’s a good idea to spot test it on a small, hidden area first.

Steam Cleaning

Last but definitely not least, you can also steam clean the carpet.

Also check out our carpet cleaning services!

This method uses heat to clean and disinfect your carpets without any chemicals at all.

The super-hot steam swoops in, takes out bacteria, dust mites, and other icky stuff, while also lifting dirt and stains right out of your carpet fibers.

Steam cleaning is awesome for giving your whole carpet a deep clean. 

It’s especially great if you’ve got allergies.

How To Use Lysol On Carpet

Okay, if you’re dead set on using Lysol on your carpet (even though we’ve been talking about why it might not be the best idea), here’s how to do it with the least amount of risk:

1. Mix two parts Lysol with one part warm water in a spray bottle.
2. Test it out on a hidden spot and wait 15 minutes to see if anything weird happens.
3. Give your carpet a light mist – don’t go overboard and soak it.
4. Let the solution do its thing for about 30 minutes.
5. Use clean water to wash out as much Lysol as you can.
6. Make sure your carpet dries completely. Break out the fans or open some windows to get the air moving.

Just remember, even when it’s diluted, Lysol can still be rough on your carpet. 

Also Read: Deep Cleaning Carpet At Home

Use this method sparingly and at your own risk. It’s always safer to stick with carpet-specific cleaners or the alternatives we talked about earlier.

How To Remove Lysol Residue On Carpet

If you’ve already used Lysol and now you’re worried about residue (or if its already causing issues), here’s how to clean it:

1. Get a non-oily, non-caustic spot removal solvent and apply it to a clean white cloth. Blot the area gently.
2. Mix a tiny bit (1/4 teaspoon) of clear dish soap with a cup of warm water.
3. Use this detergent solution on the area, blotting gently.
4. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.
5. Put a thick stack of paper towels on the wet spot and weigh them down with something heavy.
6. If you can still smell the solvent, repeat the soapy water steps.

Work from the outside of the stain towards the middle to avoid spreading it. And resist the urge to scrub – it can damage your carpet fibers. 

If the residue or smell sticks around after all this, it might be time to call in the pros.

Bottom Line

There you have it – the lowdown on using Lysol on carpets. 

You can spray it if you don’t mind the risks, but there are definitely safer ways to keep your carpets clean and germ-free.

Whatever you choose, just remember to take care of those carpets – they put up with a lot!