Stainless steel is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom items, including sinks, fixtures, home appliances, and even worktops and utensils. The material is resistant, easy to maintain, and has a streamlined finish that suits most interiors. Cleaning it is often as easy as wiping it with a soft cloth or disinfectant wipe, such as Lysol. But is it a wise idea to use disinfectant wipes on this material?
Main Topics
Can You Use Lysol Wipes On Stainless Steel?
Yes, you can use Lysol wipes on stainless steel surfaces. You can use them to clean stains, wipe off fingerprints, and disinfect the item. Lysol wipes can get rid of almost all germs on stainless steel and other hard surfaces. However, you should always rinse the stainless steel surface with clean water after using Lysol to prevent corrosion.
Lysol wipes have a similar composition to the Kitchen Pro Antibacterial Cleaner and Power Bathroom Cleaner from the brand. All three products contain ammonium chloride, which is a potent disinfectant. However, this substance is also corrosive.
Although most types of stainless steel resist corrosion by ammonium chloride, type 304 stainless steel can show signs of slight corrosion and discoloration after prolonged contact.
Type 304 stainless steel is commonly used in the manufacturing of domestic-use items, including sinks, fixtures, countertops, and appliances. This is why you should always rinse the surface after cleaning and disinfecting it.
Can You Use Lysol Wipes On Stainless Steel Sink?
You can use Lysol wipes on stainless steel sinks. However, you should not use Lysol wipes together with other cleaners, even if they are from the same brand.
Although most Lysol cleaning products share some ingredients, they don’t have identical formulas. Certain chemicals in one product can react with ingredients in another product, leading to a variety of negative outcomes.
Effects can vary from enhanced corrosive action, which is more likely to stain or damage the stainless steel surface, to the emanation of toxic gasses. For instance, if you happen to mix chlorine and ammonia, the resulting toxic gas can lead to symptoms ranging from coughing to coma and even death in some cases.
Can You Use Lysol Wipes On Stainless Steel Refrigerator?
Lysol wipes can be used to clean your stainless steel fridge or other home appliances, including the stove, oven, and microwave.
If your main purpose is to disinfect a relatively clean surface, you can wipe it directly with a Lysol tissue.
If the surface is dirty, follow the steps below to disinfect your refrigerator and other stainless steel surfaces in your home.
How To Disinfect Stainless Steel Surfaces With Lysol Wipes?
Disinfecting stainless steel with Lysol wipes could seem as easy as wiping the surface with a soaked tissue. However, there are a few extra steps you should not skip. Here’s how to clean and disinfect your surfaces properly – whether you’re cleaning countertops, the sink, fixtures, or stainless steel appliances.
Things You Will Need
- Dishwashing liquid or mild soap
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Lysol wipes
- Non-abrasive cloth
- Microfiber towel
- Rubber gloves
1. Pre-Clean The Surface
Pre-cleaning is essential if you aim for a spotless result. Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid or a mild soap with warm water and use a soft sponge to remove the grime, soap scum, and scale deposits.
Never use abrasive sponges or steel wool on stainless steel items. While stainless steel is a durable material, it is easy to scratch. A scratched surface isn’t only unappealing from an aesthetic standpoint, but grime and bacteria can also gather inside the grooves.
Once you’ve cleaned the surface, let it air dry before moving to the next step.
2. Disinfect With Lysol Wipes
The dry surface is very easy to disinfect with Lysol wipes. Simply wipe the surface and make sure it remains wet for at least four minutes. This is the minimum time the product needs to kill germs and bacteria.
Since Lysol wipes also contain alcohol, the product tends to dry out fast once applied. You may have to use several wipes to ensure proper disinfecting.
3. Rinse And Dry The Surface
Theoretically, you shouldn’t rinse the surface again after using Lysol wipes. However, the ammonium chloride in the product can corrode stainless steel, especially if you’re using Lysol wipes or another cleaning product containing ammonium chloride regularly. This is why you should rinse the stainless steel surface after disinfecting it with Lysol.
The best way to do this is with distilled water, which is sterile. However, tap water will suffice for most household purposes.
Soak a soft cloth in water and wipe it thoroughly across the surface you have just cleaned and sanitized. Use a dry (and clean) microfiber cloth to dry the surface. This step will prevent the formation of water stains while also removing any fingerprints.
Is It Safe To Use Alcohol Wipes On Stainless Steel?
Yes, alcohol wipes are safe to use on stainless steel. You can also use rubbing alcohol. Alcohol can help kill bacteria, viruses, and other germs residing on your surfaces, disinfecting them.
However, you should always dilute rubbing alcohol (one part alcohol to one part water) to prevent damaging the stainless steel surface. No matter what type of alcohol you’re using, rinse the surface after you’ve disinfected it to prevent damage.
FAQs
How to disinfect metal tools with Lysol wipes?
You can generally disinfect all metal tools with Lysol wipes, following the same steps above. Remember to let the Lysol solution on the surface for at least four minutes (making sure it doesn’t dry out) and rinse with a clean cloth soaked in distilled or tap water after you’re done.
If you’re disinfecting beauty tools, such as nail clippers or cuticle cutters, always use distilled water to rinse them after disinfecting with Lysol.
Is Lysol corrosive to metal?
Lysol is corrosive to metal, including stainless steel, if the substance is left in contact with the surface for a prolonged time. Hence, the need for rinsing the stainless steel surfaces once you’ve cleaned them with Lysol.
To End
Lysol wipes are an excellent cleaning tool for stainless steel surfaces. They are readily available and easy to use without making a mess. For quick cleaning, simply wipe the surface with a Lysol tissue, then with a damp cloth before drying it. To disinfect, make sure to pre-clean with soapy water and leave the Lysol solution on for at least four minutes before rinsing. In this way, you can maintain your stainless steel surfaces spotless and good-looking for a long time.
