By Justin Lyons
The United States Environmental Protection Agency approved Pine-Sol Original Multi-Surface Cleaner to be added to a list of disinfectants proven to kill SARS-Cov-2.
According to a press release from The Clorox Company, a third-party testing company found that Pine-Sol killed SARS-Cov-2 on “hard non-porous surfaces” within ten minutes of contact.
The entire list of approved disinfectants, including many others from The Clorox Company, can be seen by clicking right here.
The key appears to be glycolic acid, as it is listed as an active ingredient in killing SARS-Cov-2 by the EPA and is listed in the ingredients for Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner by SmartLabel.
The press release pointed out that 58% of black millennial women are essential workers during the pandemic, putting them on the front lines and, therefore, at high risk of contracting the virus.
40% of black millennial women also expressed concern about access to disinfectants that kill SARS-Cov-2, while over 60% are concerned about keeping their families safe, keeping themselves safe and their financial stability.
While things like bleach, disinfectant wipes and Lysol sprays remain in high demand and difficult to find, Pine-Sol could help the fight against COVID-19 inside homes.
Chris Hyder, vice president and general manager of the cleaning division at The Clorox Company, looks at Pine-Sol’s availability as an important factor.
“With a long-standing history of being a powerful cleaner and disinfectant, and the trusted brand choice within the Black community, Pine-Sol® Original Multi-Surface Cleaner now offers the clean families have trusted through generations with the protection they need right now against the spread of SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19,” Hyder said. “We hope this new Pine-Sol® kill claim will increase access to disinfectants that can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
The Clorox Company’s press release also explained the most effective way to use Pine-Sol on household surfaces.
First, apply Pine-Sol with a clean sponge or cloth to the surface. Then, wet the surface and allow ten minutes to kill SARS-Cov-2 before finally rinsing area. The Clorox Company also advised removing excess dirt and dust with a pre-clean prior to using Pine-Sol.
The EPA’s list of approved disinfectants says additional products may be effective against SARS-Cov-2, and they will update their list as needed. They also advise following the directions on all product labels for safe and effective use.
It is possible that products not on the list could work against SARS-Cov-2 if it has an EPA registration number and lists human coronavirus as a target pathogen.
