You may want that lovely fragrance of Fabuloso and the disinfecting power of Lysol. Can both be combined to achieve all these? What happens if both cleaning products are combined?
Can You Mix Fabuloso and Lysol?
Fabuloso and Lysol are popular multi-purpose cleaners found in most homes. Fabuloso is not a disinfectant, whereas Lysol is. Lysol can kill bacteria such as salmonella, e-coli, listeria, mold, mildew, and viruses such as herpes, flu, and the Covid-19 virus if used as directed.
However, mixing Fabuloso and Lysol is not advised as this can produce hazardous fumes, and can end up being harsh on your surfaces.
Fabuloso Ingredients Reaction with Lysol
Fabuloso has 9 regular solutions and Fabuloso Complete has 3 solutions in its multi-purpose range. Lysol has 8* products in the multi-purpose range.
The following are the lists of ingredients for the most popular Fabuloso and Lysol multi-purpose cleaners.
Fabuloso Ingredients (Lavender):
• Water– A base
• Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate – a surfactant to remove grime
• Fragrance – For the fresh smell
• C9-11 Pareth-8 – A surfactant to remove grime
• Sodium C12-15 Pareth Sulfate – A surfactant to produce foam and remove grime
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate – A surfactant to remove grime and produce foam
• Sodium Chloride – Viscosity modifier (Thickness adjuster)
• Glutaral – A preservative
• Citric Acid – Regulates the pH level of the product
• Colorants – Adds color to differentiate the products to give the product as well as brand identity
Lysol Ingredients (Lemon):
• Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride – An anti-microbial cationic surfactant
• Water – Base
• Phenoxyisopropanol – Acts as a solvent
• Lauramine Oxide – A surfactant
• Ethanolamine – Controls the pH level
• Fragrance/Parfum – For the smell
• Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate – A preservative
• Acid Yellow 23 – Changes the color of the product
• Alcohols, C9-11, Ethoxylated – Fragrance components:
o Citronellyl Nitrile
o Dihydromyrcenol
o Dipropylene Glycol
o Terpinolene
o Tetrahydrolinalool
o Tetrahydromyrcenol
Although both are multi-purpose cleaners, the ingredients are very different. Lysol also contains ammonia-based ingredients. Fabuloso has a neutral pH level, whereas Lysol is quite alkaline (pH greater than 7).
Even though the active ingredients in either product may be present in a small quantity, if you mix a lot of Fabuloso and Lysol, the result will probably make you, your family members, and any pets around sick.
If you combine them, the result can be toxic fumes that can trigger asthma issues and respiratory problems. The nose and eyes will become watery and irritated. Skin irritation can also occur if you do not wear gloves.
Chemical burns can also happen. Long-term use of this kind of combination will also damage your surfaces.
*Lysol Bleach multi-purpose cleaner should not be mixed with Fabuloso. The bleach in Lysol will react with Fabuloso and produce chlorine gas. This can cause several health issues and is potentially lethal.
As general advise, you should not combine different cleaning products or combine any kind of cleaning product with bleach either.
What Can You Mix with Lysol to Get a Great Smell?
Lysol should not be mixed with other products. Lysol cannot be mixed with essential oils either. If you mix Lysol with such products, you will end up with fumes that can be quite toxic.
To get a great scent after cleaning, you can do the following:
1- Essential Oil Diffuser
This is a good way to get not just the smell but aromatherapy as well. (Source) This disperses the oil of your choice into the air and fills the room with a pleasant scent. Popular scents are lavender, lemon, orange, peppermint, cinnamon, and eucalyptus.
You can make a spray by combining 2 cups of water and a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a spray bottle.
2- Simmer Some Citrus
Simmer orange or lemon peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves with some water.
What Can I Mix with Fabuloso to Disinfect?
Fabuloso does not disinfect surfaces fully. You can mix the following products with Fabuloso to disinfect your household surfaces.
1- Rubbing Alcohol
Mix ¼ cup of Fabuloso in water (1 gallon). Add some rubbing alcohol and mix well. This will kill certain bacteria, viruses as well as fungi. (Source)
2- White Vinegar
To kill bacteria, mix a little Fabuloso with vinegar. (Source) However, spot-test it on a small surface first as vinegar may not be suitable for certain surfaces.
3- Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial disinfectant. Combine hydrogen peroxide and Fabuloso in a spray bottle so is easier to disinfect non-porous surfaces.
Note: A few versions of Fabuloso already have Hydrogen peroxide in them.
Before using any combination, spot test on a small area first. Remember that Fabuloso should only be used on non-porous, hard surfaces.
Concluding Remarks!
Both Fabuloso and Lysol have their unique upsides. If you need to disinfect fairly regularly, Lysol may be your preferred choice. If you need a pH-neutral cleaner, go for Fabuloso, but do not combine the 2 products.
Natural substances are also available to act as cleaners and disinfectants, such as baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide.
Whichever cleaner you opt for, keep it out of reach of young children and pets.
