Antibacterial Spray: Find the Right Product

April 27, 2024

Braden Norwood

Contributing Author

In a time when the world understands the absolute devastation a pandemic can cause, you can’t underestimate the importance of sanitizing antibacterial spray. Granted, most people recognize that COVID-19 was caused by a virus, specifically SARS-CoV-2. So, you might ask what antibacterial spray has to do with saving the world from the next pandemic. But what you might not realize is several products on the market that act as antibacterial agents also kill viruses.

However, if you run a quick Google search for these products, one of the first things you’ll notice is that there are dozens of solutions available. And this can make it difficult to choose an option that actually works best for your cleaning and sanitizing needs. In fact, when search results inundate you with different solutions, you might be tempted to simply pick the cheapest spray, since they all claim to achieve similar results. But subtle variations could make an immense difference to your overall outcomes.

For example, even though almost every spray on this list claims to kill 99.9% of bacteria, only some continue killing after the solution dries. Thus, while the products might initially all seem the same, the actual results could vary drastically, with some options continuing to kill bacteria for up to 24 hours.

That’s why we’ve taken the time to round up several of the most prominent antibacterial spray products on the market. That way, you know what each one offers and can make an informed decision before you buy.

The Best Antibacterial Spray - Pros and Cons

1. Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray

First, up, we’re looking at Microban, a company claiming to provide the world’s leading antimicrobial and odor control solution. Initially founded in 1984, Microban purposed itself toward solving problems associated with specialty medical products and orthopedic devices. However, in the forty years since its establishment, the organization has expanded its reach across many varied product lines, including antibacterial spray.

Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray acts as a three-in-one solution that kills surface bacteria for up to twenty-four hours. Hence, the name. However, it also claims to eliminate odors and even take care of viruses, like that responsible for COVID-19.

The antibacterial spray itself comes in several different scents, including citrus, fresh, and lavender. And you can also purchase in a variety of sizes, from 2.8 to 15 ounces.

Pros:

Kills bacteria for up to 24 hours
Three-in-one application for cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing
Effective against multiple types of viruses including H1N1 and RSV

Cons:

Some people report sticky residue after application
Requires you to wipe after spraying
Specific scents have more of a chemical smell
Does not provide 24-hour residual virus protection

2. Tide Antibacterial Fabric Spray

Out of the top antibacterial spray products we’ve listed, Tide Antibacterial Spray stands unique in it’s primary use for fabrics. The other solutions make claims specifically for hard surfaces. However, since you can use Tide on such surfaces as well, we’ve included it in our selections.

Like other sprays, Tide claims to kill 99.9% of bacteria left behind while simultaneously fighting germs. Furthermore, it helps eliminate odors and sanitize everyday areas of the home. However, it boasts no power over viruses, taking it a step down from other more robust products on the market.

Still, as a fast-acting solution for on-the-go disinfectant, it carries largely positive reviews in both value and quality.

Pros:

Usable on hard surfaces and fabric
Dries in five minutes
Eliminates odors

Cons:

Doesn’t claim to kill bacteria after drying
Some users find it difficult to spray easily
Kills few viruses if any

3. Pledge Everyday Clean Multi-Surface Antibacterial

Another option for antibacterial spray comes from the well-known company, Pledge. The formula for Pledge Everyday Clean Multi-Surface claims to kill 99.9% of bacteria on hard surfaces in 60 seconds without leaving a residue. However, some reviews challenge whether it actually holds up to the latter.

Regardless, at roughly $4.00 per can, this aerosol solution presents an extremely affordable option for day-to-day sanitization. And because of how gentle the formula is, you can clean without worrying about your safety or the end result on your furniture.

Pros:

Generally safe for everyday use
Cleans and kills bacteria
Affordable

Cons:

Doesn’t kill viruses
Often leaves noticeable streaks
Only for use on finished and sealed surfaces
Non-residual (stops killing bacteria when dry)

4. Method Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner

While most of the antibacterial spray options on our list focus heavily on their efficacy, Method All-Purpose Cleaner ensures you understand the ethics behind their product as well. As such, they state never to have tested the solution on animals – only “people” tested. Furthermore, the bottles apart from the nozzles come from 65% recycled plastic. So, sustainability appears to be at the forefront of Method’s strategy.

However, having an ethically-made product only goes so far toward achieving your sanitization needs. So, how does it stack up to the others? Citric acid is listed as the primary agent, although Method has not released a full list of ingredients. It also claims to kill most household bacteria as well as several types of viruses – a feat other products don’t achieve.

However, it still fails to meet the criteria for a residual sanitizer, meaning you must use it continuously to achieve the best results.

Pros:

Cruelty-free and tested by humans
Great smell
Kills most household germs and some viruses

Cons:

Leaves streaks after wiping away
Non-residual (stops killing bacteria when dry)
Full list of ingredients not disclosed

5. Lysol Disinfectant Spray

In many ways, Lysol has become synonymous with disinfectant spray, even evolving into something of a verb. If you need to get rid of the germs, “Just Lysol it.” And to that extent, the power this brand wields in the antibacterial sphere is massive. And that’s for good reason. It kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including cold and flu. Furthermore, Lysol claims to eliminate the COVID-19 virus, as well as emerging variants.

Unlike some other sprays, you can also use Lysol disinfectant on soft, fabric surfaces. And it even helps control the spread of mildew and molds. However, even Lysol has its downsides. As a disinfectant, it doesn’t continue killing residually. So, repeated applications become necessary to keep your space safe. It also leaves streaks and residue, which can be tactilely irritating.

Pros:

Kills bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19
Sanitizes soft surfaces
Air dries, so you don’t have to wipe it down

Cons:

Non-residual (stops killing bacteria when dry)
Leaves a sticky residue
Repeated use necessary to continually deodorize

6. Clorox Disinfecting Mist, Multi-Surface

Now that we’re nearing the end of our list, it bears repeating that many of these antibacterial spray products claim to do similar things. And that can make them somewhat difficult to separate – at least at a quick glance. Clorox, like most others, claims to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, COVID-19 included. However, the company makes a point to note that this product contains no aerosol or bleach. So, it works as well on fabrics as hard surfaces.

Furthermore, because Clorox Disinfecting Mist comes with a reusable sprayer, you can purchase refills and keep plastic out of the garbage. So, at least in part, this product appears to help preserve resources for greater environmental sustainability.

Pros:

Smells good
Comes with a reusable sprayer
Safe for surfaces and fabrics

Cons:

Non-residual (stops killing bacteria when dry)
Some users report the scent isn’t long-lasting

7. Family Guard Disinfectant Spray

This antibacterial spray definitely adopts a more family-focused approach to its product than others. For example, it claims to disinfect over 100 different surfaces – specifically, where kids and pets play. And as a result, you can “say yes” to play time and family time without the worry of germs.

On a more scientific note, Family Guard Disinfectant claims to kill 99.9% of germs and viruses – again including COVID-19 and flu. Furthermore, it fights odors on sensitive surfaces, such as sealed natural stone, curtains, and upholstery.

This spray comes in two distinct scents – citrus and fresh. Though some purchasers have different opinions on the smells the two scents create. Additionally, as with other sprays, some found that it left a sticky residue after application.

Pros:

Disinfects over 100 surfaces
Fights odors on sensitive surfaces
Kills bacteria, viruses and fungi

Cons:

Leaves a sticky residue
Non-residual (stops killing bacteria when dry)
Mixed opinions on strong and bad scents

A Better Antibacterial Spray: SRFC Bio RS

Let’s get this out of the way first – yes, we’re biased toward SRFC Bio RS. But that’s because we truly think it’s the best product out there for your sanitizing and disinfecting needs. And that’s largely thanks to different innovations that help improve on the defects of other antibacterial sprays you’re more familiar with.

For example, SRFC Bio RS creates a residual shield of protection for your surfaces. So, even after it dries, it keeps disinfecting for 24 hours. Even better, it keeps killing bacteria for up to a week.

Unlike most of the other products on this list, the science team specifically designed SRFC Bio RS so that it wouldn’t leave a sticky residue. Of course, that might not matter to some. However, since it seems to be a major pain point with many of the other products on the market, this stands as a marked improvement.

Also, because most applications of this spray can air dry while remaining effective, all you have to do is spray your surface down and walk away. Let the protective coating do the rest, for much longer than other products.

As far as scent, SRFC Bio RS creates a pleasant yet not overpowering lavender smell. And because it attacks the bacteria that cause odors, and keeps killing them for days, it acts as a great deodorizer. So, not only can you keep your space clean, you can keep it smelling fresh.

If you’re ready to try an antibacterial spray that works on multiple surfaces, kills viruses, and freshens up your space, then be sure to buy a bottle now.