The world can be a dirty place. Between scary viruses, gross bacteria, and other germs floating around, it’s a good idea to have a disinfectant on hand. The good news is that there are tons of options for disinfectants that can keep your house clean and healthy. From liquid sprays to wipes to travel packs, you can find the style of disinfectant that you prefer to help rid your home of germs.
We reviewed dozens of disinfectants to identify the best of the best. We looked at bacteria and virus killing capability, application style, and how many surfaces the product could be safely used on. All of these disinfecting products can be purchased online through Amazon.
After careful consideration, we chose the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes as our top pick. The versatility of a wipe format, the wide array of surfaces that can be cleaned and disinfected with this product, and the convenient packaging that keeps the wipes from drying out make the Clorox Disinfecting Wipes a great choice to easily disinfect your home, office, or classroom.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Disinfectants
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Disinfectant Overall | Clorox Disinfecting Wipes | 4.8 |
| Best Spray Disinfectant | Purell Multi-Surface Disinfectant Spray | 4.6 |
| Best Natural Disinfectant | Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Wipes | 4.1 |
| Best Kitchen Disinfectant | Lysol Kitchen Pro Antibacterial Cleaner | 4.7 |
| Best Travel Disinfectant | Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes | 4.8 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change.
Best Disinfectant Overall: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
While spray disinfectants are great around the house, wipes tend to be less messy and can easily be taken anywhere. Which is why Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are our top choice as an easy and effective way to clean and disinfect surfaces. These wipes kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and remove allergens from hard surfaces. They’re bleach free and are safe to use on wood, stainless steel, and even granite – as long as it’s sealed. Each canister contains 75 wet wipes that can easily be pulled out as needed to disinfect or deodorize. The wipes are pre-moistened and the container seals tightly to keep them damp and ready to go. They’re also triple layered and offer the ability to deodorize, clean, and disinfect all in one wipe.
These antibacterial wipes come in both Fresh Scent and Crisp Lemon, and are great for offices, classrooms, bathrooms, non-food surfaces in the kitchen, and anywhere else that you may need to disinfect. They’re great for cleaning up messes from kids or pets, and perfect for easily disinfecting doorknobs, light switches, and other hard surfaces around the house without a messy spray. You can even take them with you in the car to wipe down the steering wheel or door handles. However, while these versatile disinfectant wipes are convenient and disposable, they are not flushable, so be sure that you don’t put them down the toilet. Overall, the effective disinfecting power in a convenient application method makes these wipes our number one pick.
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes Key Features:
- Kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria
- Disposable wipes disinfect without bleach
- Safe for finished wood, stainless steel, and sealed granite surfaces
Best Spray Disinfectant: Purell Multi-Surface Disinfectant Spray
If you’re looking for a spray disinfectant instead of wipes, Purell Multi-Surface Disinfectant Spray kills 99.9% of germs and is formulated with a rapid kill time that will eliminate cold and flu viruses, Salmonella, and Strep in 30-60 seconds, depending on the strain. The back label of the bottle includes a list of kill times for common bacteria and viruses so you know how long to leave the solution on a surface before letting it air dry or wiping it up. The spray leaves no harsh chemical residue and no rinsing is required for use on food contact surfaces. It’s effective on both hard and soft surfaces such as sealed granite, plastic, laminate, and glass as well as pleather, toys, and other household items. It quickly disinfects and cleans in one step. While you don’t need to rinse after using, some reviewers suggest wiping it off glass after the disinfecting time so it won’t leave streaks.
No harsh fumes or chemicals make this spray safe to use around pets, children, and food prep surfaces. It’s even been awarded the U.S. EPA Design for the Environment Certification for its low impact on the planet. It won’t irritate your skin, eyes, or nose like many other cleaners. Reviewers love using this on children’s high chairs and booster seats, around their house to disinfect after family members have been sick, and even to clean and disinfect in classrooms.
Purell Multi-Surface Disinfectant Spray Key Features:
- Kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses in under 60 seconds
- Does not require rinsing after use
- Effective on glass, sealed granite, laminate, and plastic, as well as soft surfaces
- Awarded the U.S. EPA Design for Environment Certification
Best Natural Disinfectant: Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Wipes
If you’re looking for a more natural alternative but still want disinfecting power, try Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Wipes. Using essential oils, these wipes kill 99.9% of germs botanically and are effective against cold and flu viruses. Similar to traditional disinfectant wipes, they clean and disinfect in one step and they won’t streak or leave spots. You can use them to wipe down counters, doorknobs, light switches or other hard nonporous surfaces that need to be disinfected. They also deodorize and are safe for food preparation surfaces, highchairs, cribs, and other children’s toys and belongings. These wipes are EPA registered and use a CleanWell developed patented thyme based disinfecting technology. Seventh Generation also does not test on animals and these wipes are Leaping Bunny certified.
To disinfect items use the wipe to go over the surface and leave wet for 10 minutes, letting it air dry – you don’t need to rinse or wipe dry. These wipes have a longer time to disinfect, but they don’t contain harsh chemicals and may be a great alternative if you’re looking for a more natural cleaning and disinfecting product. Reviewers seem to be split on the scent, some love it while others think it’s too strong. Like other disinfecting wipes, these are not biodegradable and should not be flushed down a toilet.
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Wipes Key Features:
- Botanically kills 99.9% of germs
- Streak free formula won’t leave spots
- EPA registered and not tested on animals
Best Kitchen Disinfectant: Lysol Kitchen Pro Antibacterial Cleaner
If you want a kitchen specific disinfecting spray, Lysol Kitchen Pro Antibacterial Cleaner is a great option that kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria. It’s also formulated to eliminate Salmonella, E. Coli and other food-borne illnesses in two minutes. There is no harsh chemical residue left behind on food cleaning surfaces and the spray deodorizes with a citrus scent. While it can be used all over the house, it’s particularly great for countertops, sinks, stovetops, and cabinets, and the grease fighting properties help clean up tough cooking messes.
One great feature about this bottle is the spray nozzle. This nozzle lets you pick how the cleaner is applied and can be adjusted to create a spray or foam, allowing you to more effectively clean up any type of mess. The spray also doesn’t contain bleach so it won’t damage surfaces. Reviewers love it as a kitchen cleaner and even say it removed fingerprints from stainless steel. Between the spray nozzle options, grease cutting capabilities, and disinfecting properties, this cleaner is an excellent choice as a kitchen disinfectant.
Lysol Kitchen Pro Antibacterial Cleaner Key Features:
- Kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses including E. Coli and Salmonella that may be found in kitchens
- Won’t leave harsh chemical residue around food contact surfaces
- Cuts through grease and is great for countertops, sinks, and stovetops
Best Travel Disinfectant: Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes
If you go anywhere, Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes are the perfect disinfectant wipe to take with you. Conveniently packed in 20 count packages, these portable wipes are great for keeping in your car, purse, diaper bag, backpack, or gym bag. Throw one in the glovebox of your car or take in your carry-on luggage to wipe down airline trays and arm rests. And since this comes with 10 packages of 20 count wipes, you can put a pack wherever you need access to extra disinfecting power.
Wet One Antibacterial Hand Wipes kill 99.9% of germs while still being gentle on your skin. They are pediatrician tested, paraben-free, and hypoallergenic. They also contain aloe and are made in the USA. These wipes are perfect for clean-up and disinfecting on the go. Each pack has a Wet Lock Seal that keep moisture in so the wipes won’t dry out, and won’t leak any liquid. Easily wipe away dirt and germs by rubbing on hands or surfaces and letting air dry without wiping the formula off. They’re lightly scented with a fresh scent that isn’t obnoxious but still leaves you smelling clean. Like other wipes, these are not flushable. And while antibacterial hand wipes are great for on the go, it doesn’t replace a good hand washing to really get rid of germs.
Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes Key Features:
- Kills 99.9% of bacteria and germs
- Convenient 20 piece packs are great for keeping in a car, purse, or gym bag
- Hypoallergenic formula is antibacterial and paraben free
Aside from cleaning up messes, a good disinfecting product can help get rid of bacteria and viruses on the surfaces in your home. All of these products are great options to help keep surfaces clean, deodorized, and disinfected. If you’re looking for other ways to keep your home clean, check out the Best Air Purifiers.
