My Honest Take on Lysol vs Mr Clean

Choosing between Lysol vs Mr Clean can feel like picking between two friends who each bring something different to the table. I’ve used both in my home—Lysol gave me peace of mind during flu season, while Mr Clean made scrubbing my kitchen floors almost effortless. Over the years, I’ve learned their strengths and where each one truly shines. In this guide, I’ll share my own experiences along with practical insights so you can decide which one deserves a spot in your cleaning routine.

Is Lysol Good?

If you ask me straight up—yes, Lysol is good. It’s one of those cleaning products that has been around forever, and there’s a reason it’s still in homes, hospitals, and schools. I tried the Lysol Multi-Surface Cleaner with the Sparkling Lemon and Sunflower Essence scent, and it did exactly what I hoped: made cleaning less stressful.

I tested it in everyday situations—like wiping down my kitchen sink and countertops after cooking, and scrubbing the bathroom sink and toilet rim where bacteria love to hide. The product worked fast, leaving everything clean and smelling fresh. What impressed me most was how well it handled both grease in the kitchen and soap scum in the bathroom.

And since it’s EPA Registered, I felt more confident knowing it’s approved for disinfecting properly, not just surface cleaning.

Does it Kill Viruses?

Yes—Lysol kills viruses and bacteria. That’s the whole reason I keep it stocked. The label says it kills 99.9% of germs, and in my own test, it lived up to the claim. I did a simple before-and-after swab on my kitchen sink drain and the bathroom sink. Before using it, the swabs showed lots of bacterial growth. After using Lysol—nothing.

What’s also interesting is how fast it works. For quick sanitizing, it needs just 10 seconds on the surface. For tougher disinfecting, it takes about 2 minutes. That’s not bad at all, considering it’s tested against serious pathogens like Salmonella, Staph, and even human coronaviruses.

So yes, from personal use and from what the product promises, Lysol isn’t just for a quick clean—it’s a reliable disinfectant.

What I Like

• ✅ Versatile on surfaces – I’ve used it on floors, countertops, sinks, and even garbage cans, and it always performs well.
• ✅ Fast sanitization – I love that in just 10 seconds, it can sanitize. That speed makes daily cleaning so much easier.
• ✅ Trusted in big spaces – It’s not just for home use. The same cleaner is used in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools, which gives me peace of mind.
• ✅ Cuts grease easily – In the kitchen, it handled greasy stovetops without needing extra scrubbing.
• ✅ Fresh scent – Even though the lemon breeze didn’t smell exactly like lemons to me, it left a clean, classic Lysol scent that didn’t linger too long.

What Could Be Better

• ⚠️ Not for every surface – It can’t be used on natural marble, brass, unfinished wood, or acrylic tubs. A little limiting, especially in bathrooms.
• ⚠️ Strong scent – While I got used to it, the chemical smell can make you cough if you spray too much at once. A lighter fragrance option would be nice.
• ⚠️ Bulk size only – Buying the 144 fl. oz (Pack of 4) is great for value, but smaller refill-friendly bottles would be easier to handle.
  

Read: Pine Sol vs Lysol

Recommendation

If you want a powerful, reliable cleaner that disinfects as well as it cleans, Lysol is a safe bet. I recommend it for:

• Families who need a quick and effective way to keep kitchens and bathrooms germ-free.
• Pet owners who want to deodorize and sanitize high-traffic areas.
• People who host guests often—it’s perfect for making sure your home stays hygienic.
• Workplaces or small businesses—it works in industrial cleaning settings too, like offices or schools.
  

If you have delicate surfaces like marble or an acrylic tub, you may want to keep a second gentler cleaner on hand. But for almost everything else, Lysol Multi-Surface Cleaner does the job quickly and well.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about cleaning—it’s about peace of mind. And Lysol gave me that, every time I used it.

Is Mr. Clean Good?

Yes, Mr. Clean is good. In fact, it’s one of those products I keep reaching for when I need a simple, no-fuss clean. I tested the Mr. Clean with Unstopables Fresh Scent Multi-Surface Cleaner on my kitchen and bathroom floors, and the results were clear: it cut through dirt and left the space smelling fresh without being overwhelming.

What impressed me most was how quickly it picked up grime. After one mop, the bucket water was murky—a sure sign it was lifting the stuff I couldn’t even see. I also noticed fewer bacterial colonies when I swab-tested my floors. It didn’t remove 100% of them, but it did a solid job reducing the count.

It’s made by Procter & Gamble, a name I trust, and it works across surfaces like tile, finished hardwood, and counters. That flexibility is why I see it as more than just a floor cleaner—it’s an everyday helper.

Does It Kill Viruses?

This is where things get tricky. The label says it kills 99.9% of bacteria, but viruses are a different story. To actually disinfect against viruses, the directions say you need to use it full-strength on hard, nonporous surfaces and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping.

On my floors, I used it diluted (¼ cup per gallon), and while it worked well for cleaning, it’s not the same as true virus disinfection. That said, if my goal is peace of mind in high-touch spots like the bathroom sink or doorknobs, I’ll use it straight from the bottle and let it rest. For everyday floor cleaning, the diluted mix is enough for me.

Can It Be Used on Glass?

Yes, but with caution. I tried it on my glass patio doors just to see how it worked. It definitely cut through the fingerprints and smudges, but it left some streaks if I didn’t rinse or wipe quickly with a microfiber cloth. On mirrors, it wasn’t my favorite—glass cleaners do better there.

Still, for things like oven glass or shower doors with soap scum, it worked better than I expected. My advice? Use it sparingly and follow with a dry cloth to keep it streak-free.

What I Like

• It really cuts through dirt and grime. I mopped my kitchen floor once, and the dirty water spoke louder than words.
• The scent feels fresh, not heavy. It’s citrusy with a hint of “clean laundry,” and it fades fast, which I like.
• It’s versatile. I’ve used it on tile, hardwood, bathroom floors, and even trash cans. It saves me from juggling too many cleaners.

What Could Be Better

• Availability of scents. The Fresh Scent is nice, but more variety would be great for people who don’t love citrus.
• Virus-killing clarity. The directions could be clearer for everyday users who might confuse “antibacterial” with full “disinfectant.”
• Glass streaking. It works, but it could be improved for smoother glass use.
  

Recommendation

If you want a cleaner that’s tough on dirt, gentle on your nose, and flexible enough to use on multiple surfaces, Mr. Clean with Unstopables Fresh Scent Multi-Surface Cleaner is a smart pick. It’s not just about the shine—it also gives peace of mind by lowering bacteria levels on your floors.

I’d recommend it for busy households where floors get a lot of traffic (kids, pets, shoes indoors). If you’re looking for a strict disinfectant for viruses, pair it with a product labeled specifically for that. But for everyday cleaning, this is one I’ll keep buying.

Detailed Comparison: Lysol vs Mr. Clean

When it comes to cleaning, two big names always show up: Lysol and Mr. Clean. I’ve used both in my home for different reasons, and while they overlap in some areas, they shine in others. Here’s my honest take, broken down by what really matters.

Cleaning Power

Both Lysol and Mr. Clean are strong cleaners, but they work in different ways. Mr. Clean shines when it comes to lifting dirt, grease, and everyday messes. I’ve mopped my kitchen floor with it and watched the water turn dark in just minutes—it pulls up grime you didn’t even know was there.

Lysol, on the other hand, feels more clinical. It’s the one I grab when I want to be sure germs and viruses are handled, especially during cold and flu season. Spraying down bathroom sinks or doorknobs with Lysol gives me peace of mind.

Attribute	Lysol	Mr. Clean
Dirt & Grease	Good, but not its main strength	Excellent, lifts grime fast
Germ Kill	Kills 99.9% bacteria & viruses	Cuts bacteria, but not full virus disinfectant when diluted
Best For	Bathrooms, high-touch areas	Floors, kitchens, everyday mess

Winner: Lysol, because while Mr. Clean is great for dirt, Lysol’s proven germ-killing edge makes it stronger overall in this category.

Scent Experience

This is where Mr. Clean feels lighter and friendlier. The Unstopables Fresh Scent is citrusy with a “clean laundry” vibe. It doesn’t linger too long, which I love, because strong smells can overwhelm me when cleaning in small rooms.

Lysol’s scent is sharper and more “disinfectant-like.” Sometimes, it makes me step back for a moment because it’s strong. That being said, I do associate it with “clean,” so it still feels reassuring.

Attribute	Lysol	Mr. Clean
Scent Strength	Strong, clinical, long-lasting	Light, citrus-fresh, fades fast
Comfort Level	Can be overpowering in small rooms	Easy to tolerate, not heavy
Emotional Feel	Smells like disinfecting	Smells like freshness

Winner: Mr. Clean, because the scent is pleasant and easy to live with, especially if you’re sensitive to strong odors.

Versatility

When it comes to versatility, both brands do well but in different ways. Mr. Clean is a multi-surface cleaner—I’ve used it on hardwood floors, tiles, and even garbage cans. It feels like a one-bottle solution for daily cleaning.

Lysol, though, comes in many forms—sprays, wipes, and concentrated liquids. This gives me flexibility. If I’m short on time, a quick Lysol wipe does the job without buckets or mops.

Attribute	Lysol	Mr. Clean
Form Options	Spray, wipes, liquids	Liquid multi-surface cleaner
Surfaces	Counters, sinks, high-touch items	Floors, kitchens, bathrooms
Ease of Use	Quick for fast disinfecting	Better for deep cleaning

Winner: Tie—Lysol is great for convenience, but Mr. Clean is better for deep, whole-room cleaning.

Price & Value

In my experience, Mr. Clean feels like a better deal for bulk cleaning. A single bottle lasts a long time, especially when diluted for floors. I don’t feel guilty using it often.

Lysol, especially the sprays and wipes, can add up faster. It’s convenient, but I notice my bottles emptying quickly, especially when I use them daily during flu season.

Attribute	Lysol	Mr. Clean
Price Point	Usually higher per use	Lower, lasts longer
Longevity	Runs out faster with daily spraying	Diluted use stretches it out
Best Value	Quick jobs	Big cleaning sessions

Winner: Mr. Clean, because it lasts longer and saves money when tackling whole floors and larger messes.

Final Recommendation

So, Lysol vs Mr. Clean comes down to your goal. If you’re fighting germs and want virus protection, Lysol wins. If you’re after a fresher-smelling home with less dirt and grease, Mr. Clean is the way to go.

• For parents or anyone during flu season → go with Lysol.
• For everyday cleaning and fresh-smelling floors → choose Mr. Clean.

If you’re like me, you’ll probably keep both under your sink because they each cover what the other misses.

My Final Thoughts

If you’re someone who wants peace of mind knowing germs are taken care of, Lysol is a safe bet. But if you’re like me and love that fresh, just-cleaned smell while tackling dirt and grease, Mr. Clean feels like the better everyday partner. I honestly keep both around—Lysol for those “flu season” moments and Mr. Clean for my weekly floor scrubs. Think of it like having two tools in the same toolbox—each one shines when you use it for the right job.

FAQs About Lysol vs Mr Clean

Q1: Which is better for killing germs, Lysol or Mr Clean?
A: Lysol is made for killing germs and viruses, while Mr Clean is better for dirt and grease. Both can work well, but they shine in different ways.

Q2: Can I use Lysol and Mr Clean on the same surface?
A: Yes, but not at the same time. Use Lysol to disinfect and Mr Clean to clean dirt. Always rinse in between for safe use.

Q3: Is Lysol safer for homes with kids than Mr Clean?
A: Both are safe if used as directed. Keep bottles out of reach. Lysol is great for disinfecting toys and surfaces; Mr Clean is better for daily messes.

Q4: Does Lysol or Mr Clean smell stronger?
A: Mr Clean has a fresh, bold scent that many people love. Lysol has a lighter, sharp smell that fades faster but feels more like a disinfectant.

Q5: Which is more budget-friendly, Lysol or Mr Clean?
A: Mr Clean often lasts longer for everyday cleaning. Lysol can cost more since it’s made for killing germs. Many people use both for balance.

Q6: Can I use Lysol or Mr Clean on wood floors?
A: Mr Clean is safer for sealed wood floors. Lysol works on hard surfaces but may not be best for wood. Always test a small spot first.

Q7: Is Lysol better than Mr Clean for bathrooms?
A: Yes, Lysol is better for bathrooms since it kills germs in sinks, toilets, and tubs. Mr Clean still helps with soap scum and dirt.

Q8: Should I choose Lysol or Mr Clean for the kitchen?
A: Use Mr Clean for grease and food spills. Use Lysol for counters, handles, and places where germs spread. Many people keep both on hand.