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Table of Contents
We always love when we spot cleaning products that are plant-derived, safe, and easy on the environment. Because of this, we couldn’t wait to test out one of the newest cleaning products in town the moment we saw it at the grocery store: Lysol Simply Orange Blossom Multi-Purpose Cleaner.
Curious to see how it rated? Keep reading as we cover some of the following points listed below, as well as what other products it compares to, and find out whether or not this hot, new product may be worth keeping an eye out for, once it becomes more available in stores and online.
Quick Guide
- What is Lysol Simply?
- Where Can You Use It?
- How Do You Use It?
- Cleaning Performance (by room/surface/cleaning type)
- Smell-a-bility
- What’s It Comparable To?
- FAQs
- Lysol Simply & Coronavirus
- Conclusion Rundown
- Neat-ish Rating
If you prefer a more detailed list of what we cover, or wish to jump ahead, check out the Table of Contents listed above.
Attention!
Neat-ish.com is not a professional source for medical information. Always check with your doctor if you have any health concerns, questions, or want to know about Covid-19 or how to safeguard yourself and your family further with disinfecting or sanitizing. You can also visit the CDC, or Center for Disease Control and Prevention, for more information and tips.
What is Lysol Simply?
Lysol Simply is a multi-purpose cleaner and sanitizer made with a plant-derived active ingredient. It’s free of dyes, phosphates, and bleach, and it can safely be used on most hard, non-porous surfaces.
Some of these surfaces include certain areas or items that come into contact with food, such as cutting boards, as well as countertops, high-chairs, tabletops, toys, and more.
Although it’s designed to help clean everyday messes and dirt, Lysol Simply Orange Blossom can help kill up to 99% of bacteria on surfaces when used as directed. It can also prohibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, which makes it excellent for deodorizing.
Where Can You Use It?
According to the Lysol website, Lysol Simply is meant for hard, non-porous materials, some of which include:
| Kitchen |
|---|
– Appliance Exteriors – Cabinets – Counters** – Stovetops** – Cutting Boards/Food-Contact Surfaces** |
| Bathrooms |
|---|
| – Counters – Ceramic Tile – Fiberglass fixtures – Faucets, etc. – Toilets – Tubs |
| General Household Items |
|---|
– Diaper pails – Trash cans – High chairs** – Washable wallpaper – Walls – Changing tables – Baby plastic toys*** – Pet areas, such as cages (consult a vet prior as some animals may be sensitive to citrus-type products)** – Strollers** |
| Lysol’s Website Comments |
|---|
“Lysol Simply All-Purpose Cleaner eliminates the following bacteria on hard, non-porous surfaces: Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus (Staph). **For Surfaces That Come in Contact with Food: Use only on hard, non-porous surfaces. Must rinse surfaces thoroughly with water after use. ***Rinse plastic toys with potable water” or a damp cloth after use. [source listed below] |
How Do You Use Lysol Simply?
Cleaning & Deodorizing
Spray the Lysol Simply Multi-purpose Cleaner onto the surface (hard, non-porous) and allow the product to penetrate any problematic spots, soils, or messes. Wipe clean when ready.
Sanitizing
- Clean the surface you want to sanitize before using Lysol Simply as a sanitizer.
- Spray the surface thoroughly and leave saturated (wet) for at least 5 minutes.
- Wipe clean. If you plan to sanitize children’s hard plastic toys, pet toys, or areas that will come into contact with food, please rinse or wipe clean with potable water afterward.
Cleaning Performance
It’s good to keep in mind that products can vary on performance based on the type of mess involved, where it’s used, and your overall personal preference. With that said, here are some of the main takeaways we noticed while testing the product out at home. We based these notes on our experience in individual rooms and with various items within those rooms.
Want to skip ahead to read about other points? Click here.
Kitchen
Stovetops
We found that the Lysol Simply Multi-Purpose Cleaner Spray, when used as a cleaner, worked pretty well on our enameled ceramic stovetop. However, we didn’t have any major, heavy, stuck-on messes to work with, other than some spilled teriyaki sauce, due to recently deep cleaning.
Even so, Lysol Simply did a reasonably good job of getting up moderate spills and a little bit of grease splatter, which might be partly due to the citric acid. It also worked well on the teriyaki! All in all, we really liked it due to the degreasing benefits that it seems to naturally provide, which is always handy on stovetops in general.
Appliance Exteriors
While the product is listed to work on appliance surfaces, it may be better to avoid using it on stainless steel, unless you’re trying to specifically sanitize and/or clean. This is mainly because it can cause streaking.
Another sanitizing (not so much disinfecting) alternative worth try would be something like a handheld steamer (disclaimer: untested product link, but good reviews!), or even an E-cloth microfiber and their E-cloth Polishing cloth if you prefer to skip sanitizing and just want safer polishing alternative. While it’s not a sanitizer, some people also like to use products such as Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish.
Cabinets
Lysol Simply Multi-Purpose Cleaner Spray in Orange Blossom did an okay job on our white, thermafoil cabinets and would likely do well with tougher messes since the citric acid may help to de-grease the surface to some extent.
However, we feel that a microfiber cloth and some warm water would likely work just as well for everyday use or upkeep. There were also a few unidentifiable sticky spots in some areas that didn’t come off as easily as we would’ve liked when using Lysol Simply.
Counters (Quartz)
We tested the Lysol Orange Blossom out on our black quartz counters. The product did a decent job; however, we did notice streaking when just a dry paper towel was used. This was similar to what we sometimes experience with a few, if not most, other products at times,
There was also a very slight residue left behind when just a paper towel was used, but we also tend to notice this with other products, too, such as Method and Clorox Scentiva.
When a slightly damp microfiber cloth or paper towel is used, which is recommended to use after sanitizing anyway, no streaks or residue were left behind. This is a pretty standard practice, or step, for most sanitizers or disinfectant products.
General Items
Walls
The Lysol Simply did a pretty decent job on our eggshell paint, which stands up well to moderate washings. It certainly smells good, too!
I found that the Lysol Simply multipurpose spray was easier and more effective to use than the Clorox wipes we’d previously tried to use in certain areas, such as in the powder room. However, if you prefer the convenience of ready-made wipes, then Lysol Simply also offers the same product in a wipes version (Amazon).
Note: Please always test a small, inconspicuous spot or area before trying to wash your walls with any cleaning product. Not every paint type can handle it or is meant washed. It’s also beneficial to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for further details before testing or washing your walls in general.
Hard Plastic Surfaces
Lysol Simply worked pretty well when cleaning hard plastic surfaces, but it can also leave a sticky residue behind in some cases. For instance, you may experience tackiness on plastic toilet seats or high chair eating surfaces.
However, you should be able to get rid of the tackiness by wiping the surface clean using a slightly damp paper towel, cloth, or rag afterward. Wiping the surface clean with water and a cloth is also a necessary step for sanitizing and disinfecting anyway, which is good to keep in mind either way.
Glass/Mirrors
This product is not meant nor labeled for use on glass or mirrors, and it does leave steaks when it’s used for such.
Bathroom
Toilets
While the product works okay on toilets, overall, it can leave behind a residue and tackiness on plastic toilet seats, as mentioned above, unless less wiped clean after.
If you do decide to use it on your toilet seats, it may be beneficial to let it dwell for a few minutes in order to sanitize the surface, and then wipe the surface clean using water with a lightly damp paper towel or cloth.
Sinks
We did not notice nearly the same residue on our porcelain sinks, and it did a reasonably good job at cleaning most types of messes.
Ceramic Tile
We tested Lysol Orange Blossom spray out on my mother’s ceramic tiles in her bathroom, which were on both her bathroom countertops as well as on the shower walls. In the end, we felt that it did well or at least just as good as most products we use. It did not, however, clean the grout very well in our experience.
Fiberglass
We tested the product out on my mother’s fiberglass tub as well, which is moderately cleaned several times throughout the month. Although it should do a fairly decent job for most shower cleanings if you’re in a hurry or in a pinch, it’s not something we’d use for regular shower cleaning.
Plumbing Fixtures
We were unable to test the descaling properties on things such as shower and sink faucet fixtures or other areas where mineral deposits often occur. However, because of the citric acid listed in the ingredients, it would likely perform well when it comes to descaling since citric acid works naturally as a descaler.
Smell-a-bility
If there’s one thing we really liked about Lysol Simply Orange Blossom, it would be the smell factor. There’s also a subtle sweetness and another pleasant scent lingering in the background that we can’t quite put our finger on. Either way, it’s relatively long-lasting.
If we could compare it, scent-wise, to a specific product it would likely be Method’s All-Purpose Cleaner in Pink Grapefruit, just not quite exact. We would also have to say the scent is definitely the more potent and longer-lasting of the two.
If we had to describe it, the closest thing that comes to mind is that it smells sort of like grapefruit with granulated sugar on top next to a glass of orange juice and a small bunch of delicate orange blossoms. But we’re no nose-isseurs, and sense of smell is generally subjective, here’s a quick, off-the-cuff scentsible rundown:
Scentsible Take-Aways
- Universally /Man and Kid-Friendly Scent
- Sweet, Fruity, Fresh, Citrus Blend.
What’s Lysol Simply Comparable To?
Lysol Simply works similar to Clorox Scentiva products when it comes to the overall cleaning performance, which we’ve been using off and on lately for disinfecting purposes. We would even go as far as to say we liked the way Lysol Simply Orange Blossom cleaned slightly better than our Clorox Scentiva Multipurpose spray, minus the disinfecting benefit.
While both are great for their sanitizing or disinfecting purposes, all while cleaning at the same time, we feel that there are stronger or more effective multipurpose products on the market when you take sanitizing and disinfecting out of the equation. But if you’re looking to truly multitask, cleaning and disinfecting or sanitizing, then both are certainly good options.
Even so, it’s important to note that Lysol Simply only sanitizes and doesn’t disinfect, unlike something such as Clorox Scentiva or other products that are marked for actual disinfecting. For more information on the differences, check out our The Differences Between Cleaning vs. Sanitizing vs. Disinfecting post or refer to the CDC website (new tabs).
Lysol Simply Multipurpose in the spray form is also quite similar to Method All-Purpose Cleaner, if not more so, which we most often use in the kitchen and bath areas. In fact, I’d compare it most to Method’s All-Purpose Cleaner in Pink Grapefruit, only with a slightly stronger, sweeter scent.
FAQs
1. Is Lysol Simply a disinfectant?
Lysol Simply is considered a sanitizer, not a disinfectant. See below regarding the Coronavirus and EPA Viral Emerging Pathogen Policy, or read our post on the difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting (new tab). You can also find information out through the CDC (links below under Sources).
2. Where Can You Use Lysol Simply Multi-Purpose Cleaner?
As mentioned above, Lysol Orange Blossom spray can be used on most hard, non-porous surfaces, including most food-contact surfaces, hard plastic items such as children’s furniture and toys, as well as certain pet products.
3. What are the ingredients in Lysol Simply Orange Blossom?
For those wondering what are the Lysol Simply ingredients: as of the creation date of this post and according to the manufacturers of Lysol’s, Reckitt Benckiser Company (RB), website, the Lysol Simply active ingredient is citric acid, while the other ingredients include water, ethanol, ethoxydiglycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, fragrance/parfum, d-Limonene, propylene glycol, tetrahydrolinalool, isopropyl alcohol.
4. Is Lysol Simply Orange Blossom Safe? (EWG Rating)
Lysol Simply Orange Blossom is considered safe, both by the manufacturer and even the Environmental Working Group, or EWG, which currently grades Lysol Simply Orange Blossom with an “A.”
What to Know about Lysol Simply Orange Blossom & Coronavirus
When it comes to Lysol Simply Orange blossom and Covid, Lysol Simply does sanitize, according to the Lysol website, but it’s not rated or tested for killing Coronavirus/COVID-19.
It also has not been labeled as meeting the requirements for the EPA Viral Emerging Pathogen Policy or to meet other coronavirus claims. In other words: Lysol Simply Multi-Purpose Cleaner Orange Blossom is considered a sanitizer, not a disinfectant or something that can kill COVID-19/Coronavirus.
Some of the products listed on their site that do meet these links include (Amazon links; new window):
- Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner, Lemon Breeze
- Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner, Cherry Blossom
- Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner, Mango and Hibiscus
- Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner, Mandarin and Ginger Lily
- Lysol Kitchen Pro Anti-Bacterial Cleaner
Conclusion
All in all, we really liked the Lysol Simply in Orange Blossom for everyday cleaning jobs. This was especially the case in the kitchen and when dealing with the bathroom sinks and fixtures.
We also like that it’s safe to use around kids and most pet areas and that it scored an “A” on EWG’s website. It was also a happy surprise to see that it not only did pretty well as a degreaser on our stovetops and counters but that it even smells great too.
If, however, you’re looking for a heavy-duty cleaner to work on your showers, toilet bowls, and severe buildup and stains, then you may need something that’s more substantial.
What There’s to Like
- The Lysol Simply scent is pretty great and smells somewhat like Method’s All-Purpose Pink Grapefruit scent, only it’s a lot more noticeable, sweeter, and longer-lasting.
- It works nicely on chrome fixtures, countertops and seems to do well with de-greasing stovetops when compared to some similar products.
- We love the “A” grade from EWG (the Environmentally Working Group).
- It has a plant-derived active ingredient and can be safely used around children’s and most pet areas.
- It sanitizes. However, when it comes to coronavirus/COVID-19, you’ll want a disinfectant product that’s labeled to kill the virus, such as the Lysol All-Purpose and Anti-Bacterial Cleaner.
What’s Important to Note
- It’s not ideal for stainless steel surfaces when it comes to streaks.
- Not meant for glass or mirrored surfaces.
- It can leave a slight residue that’s mostly noticeable on hard plastics unless a cloth or paper towel that’s slightly damp with water is used to wipe it up.
- As with most sanitizers and disinfectants, the product must be left to sit for several minutes, as per instructions, to actually sanitize a surface. It then needs to be wiped up with a damp cloth or paper towel using a little water.
Where We Prefer to Use It
So far, we prefer to use Lysol Simply Orange Blossom in the bathroom. Particularly when cleaning items such as porcelain sinks, or when in the kitchen for areas such as counters, food-contact surfaces, and the stovetop. We also sometimes use it for the occasional cabinet cleaning when needed, but mainly for the sake of additional deodorizing benefits and the pleasant scent.
While we did not test for descaling, Lysol Simply may do a fair job with descaling hard mineral areas such as faucets and around sinks. However, it’s unlikely that it will tackle heavy-duty mineral buildup on its own. And, as mentioned above, it can leave a little residue behind if not wipe clean with a slightly damp rag, but it isn’t too noticeable on areas such as counters and sinks.
The scent and light sanitizing, without going into full-blown disinfecting, will likely be our main reasons to use it—mostly since we predominately use E-cloths with a little bit of water for regular cleaning anyway.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after something that’s meant to disinfect, or if you’re curious about Lysol Simply Orange Blossom and Coronavirus, then you may want to look into actual disinfectant products. This can include products such as Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner and Lysol Disinfectant Sprays and Wipes, or even Clorox disinfecting and/or cleaning products.
All in all, we were surprised that we liked the product as much as we did, and that a plant-based active product worked slightly better with cleaning than Clorox Scentive, which is our go-to way to sanitize and disinfect when we feel we need it.
We also like that it cleans most similarly to Method All-Purpose Cleaner, but with additional sanitizing benefits, which is what typically use when we feel we don’t quite need to disinfect but want a little more than water and our microfiber cloths.
If you prefer to use wipes for sanitizing or cleaning, you might be interested in Lysol Simply Orange Blossom Wipes, which we hope to review soon. Please note that the wipes scored “B” on the EWG rating system as of the date this post was published (external link).
Neat-ish Rating:
Lysol Simply Cleaner – Orange Blossom
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Sanitizes
- Smells fantastic!
- Good degreasing
- Decent cleaning product
- Deodorizes
Cons
- Only Sanitizes; doesn’t disinfect
- Leaves residue on certain surfaces
- Needs to be wiped clean to sanitize, though fairly normal with other products of its type
- Doesn’t clean glass
- Not-so-great on stainless steel
- Currently hard to find online and in a lot of stores
Related Posts
- How Good is the YouCopia SpiceStack Adjustable Organizer? (w/ pictures)
- How Well Does The O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop Work? (with picture tutorial)
- Things to Disinfect Around Your Home
- The Difference Between Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfecting
- Clorox Scentiva Disinfecting Wet Mopping Cloths Review
SOURCES
- Lysol Simply Multi-Purpose Cleaner – Orange Blossom, (lysol.com) [page source]
- Lysol – How to Use Lysol Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Youtube Lysol Channel [page source]
- Lysol Simply Ingredient Source, Reckitt Benckiser LLC (rbnainfo.com) [page source]
- Lysol Simply Spray, EWG – Environmental Working Group (ewg.com) [page source]
- Lysol Simply Wipes, EWG – Environmental Working Group (ewg.com) [page source]
- Cleaning and Disinfection for Households, CDC – Center for Disease Control and Prevention [page source]
