How to Use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer

On this page (9 sections)

1. How do you use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer in a washing machine?
2. Where should Lysol Laundry Sanitizer go?
3. How much Lysol Laundry Sanitizer should you use?
4. Can you use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer with laundry detergent?
5. When should you use the pre-soak method?
6. Which Lysol sanitizer suits strong odors?
7. Is Lysol Laundry Sanitizer safe for colors and baby clothes?
8. What should you avoid when using laundry sanitizer?
9. What is Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, in simple terms?

To use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, add the label-directed dose to the fabric softener drawer or rinse cycle after placing detergent in the wash cycle. Use the pre-soak method only when the product label directs it for that purpose.

Laundry sanitizer is an additive, not a substitute for your regular laundry detergent. Detergent loosens soil and stains during washing, while sanitizer is added at the stage specified by its directions.

How do you use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer in a washing machine?

Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the fabric softener drawer or directly to the rinse cycle. The exact amount depends on the washer type and the package directions, so measure from the product label rather than guessing.

For a typical load, follow this order:

1. Put clothes in the washer without overloading it.
2. Add your regular detergent to the detergent dispenser or wash area.
3. Select the cycle and water temperature suited to the fabrics.
4. Measure Lysol Laundry Sanitizer using the package directions.
5. Add it to the fabric softener drawer, or add it during the rinse stage if your washer has no suitable drawer.
6. Let the cycle finish before removing the laundry.

The sanitizer should reach the load during the rinse stage. Adding it to the detergent compartment at the start may put it into the wrong part of the cycle.

Where should Lysol Laundry Sanitizer go?

The fabric softener drawer is the easiest placement for most automatic washers. If your machine has no drawer, add the sanitizer directly during the rinse cycle according to the label.

A front-load washer usually releases the fabric softener compartment automatically during rinsing. A top-load washer may have a dispenser, or it may require careful addition during the rinse stage.

Don't pour sanitizer onto dry clothes unless the label and washer instructions allow that method. Check the dispenser markings, keep the bottle upright, and rinse the drawer if residue builds up.

The Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Liquid title identifies it as a detergent additive with a Crisp Linen scent. Its product information describes use with standard and HE washers, front-load and top-load machines, and cold water.

How much Lysol Laundry Sanitizer should you use?

Use the dose printed on your bottle for your washer type and load. The cap is made for measuring, but the front-load and top-load directions may differ.

The 90 oz Lysol products use a larger 100 mL cap. The product information gives one full cap for front-load washers and directs users to check the package for top-load dosing.

Avoid adding extra sanitizer because a stronger smell does not prove better results. Too much liquid can also make measuring harder and may leave more product for the washer to rinse away.

If you switch between washer types, reread the cap and package directions. A dose that suits one machine may not be the labeled dose for another.

Can you use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer with laundry detergent?

Yes, use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer alongside regular detergent. Detergent handles everyday soil during the wash, while sanitizer is placed in the rinse cycle as an additive.

This is different from the question of laundry sanitizer vs detergent. Detergent and sanitizer serve different jobs, so replacing detergent with sanitizer can leave body oils, dirt, and stains behind.

For fragrance-sensitive laundry, consider the role of each product before adding both. Tide Simply Liquid Laundry Detergent, Free & Sensitive, is unscented and has no dyes or perfumes.

The Tide Simply title specifies 64 loads and 84 fl oz, while its product information describes a detergent for people who prefer no dyes or perfumes. It is the wash-cycle product in this routine, not the rinse-cycle sanitizer.

When should you use the pre-soak method?

Use a pre-soak when the package directs it for a specific sanitizer claim. Pre-soak directions can differ from everyday rinse-cycle directions, including the amount, contact time, and follow-up wash.

The Lysol product information describes pre-soak use for Influenza A, Human Coronavirus, and RSV claims. Follow the current package instructions for the water amount, soak time, and wash steps.

For everyday laundry sanitizing, the product information directs you to add the sanitizer to the rinse cycle. Don't assume that a normal rinse-cycle dose has the same use as a pre-soak.

Pre-soaking can make sense for items that need extra attention, but it adds a separate step. Read the care label first, especially for delicate or specialty fabrics.

Which Lysol sanitizer suits strong odors?

Choose the Tough Odor Eliminator version when sweat, body odor, or gym smells are your main concern. For a separate fragrance step, see how to use laundry scent beads.

Choose the Crisp Linen version when you want a general sanitizer and deodorizer with that scent profile.

The Lysol Laundry Sanitizer title identifies the Tough Odor Eliminator formula. Its product information describes use in the fabric softener drawer or rinse cycle, with 0% bleach and cold-water use.

The product information also describes odor control for synthetic activewear and prevention of odor-causing bacteria growth for up to 10 days or until clothing is worn, when used as directed in the rinse cycle. Treat that as a product claim, not a guarantee for every load.

For sports clothing choices, see how to choose a laundry sanitizer for sportswear. For a fragrance-free option, read how to choose a free and clear laundry sanitizer.

Is Lysol Laundry Sanitizer safe for colors and baby clothes?

The product information describes these Lysol sanitizers as bleach-free and suitable for whites and colors. It also describes use on most washable fabrics, including delicates, undergarments, baby clothes, and bed sheets.

Always check the garment care label before washing. “Safe for most washable fabrics” does not mean every fabric, finish, dye, or garment construction can handle every laundry product.

Separate heavily soiled items when needed, use the correct cycle, and avoid overloading the drum. A sanitizer cannot correct poor rinsing, trapped dirt, or a washer that cannot move water through the load.

For another bleach-related decision, read laundry sanitizer vs bleach. You can also review can you use oxygen bleach on colors before treating colored laundry.

What should you avoid when using laundry sanitizer?

Avoid putting sanitizer in the wrong dispenser, guessing the dose, or combining products without checking their labels. Keep the routine simple: detergent in the wash stage, sanitizer in the rinse stage, and pre-soak only when directed.

Don't use the bottle cap as a general measuring cup for another product. Close the container after use and keep it away from children.

If the washer drawer becomes sticky, remove it according to the appliance instructions and rinse it. A clean dispenser helps the liquid release at the intended point in the cycle.

For washer cleaning, see the Tide washing machine cleaner review. If you prefer a low-liquid laundry routine, compare laundry detergent sheets made in America before changing your detergent setup.

What is Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, in simple terms?

Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is a bleach-free detergent additive used in the rinse cycle or, for certain label directions, as a pre-soak. It is meant to complement detergent rather than replace it.

Pick the Crisp Linen formula for general sanitizing and deodorizing with that scent. Pick the Tough Odor Eliminator formula for activewear, gym clothes, body odor, and other strong-smell loads.

The key rule for how to use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is placement: use detergent in the wash, measure sanitizer from the label, and put it in the fabric softener drawer or rinse cycle. Follow the package for any pre-soak use.

Frequently asked questions

Where do you put Lysol Laundry Sanitizer?

Put Lysol Laundry Sanitizer in the fabric softener drawer or add it directly during the rinse cycle, following the dose printed on the package for your washer. Do not treat it as a replacement for laundry detergent.

Use regular detergent in the wash portion of the cycle.

Can you use Lysol Laundry Sanitizer with detergent?

Yes, Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is designed as a detergent additive. Use laundry detergent in the wash cycle, then add the sanitizer to the fabric softener drawer or rinse cycle.

Keeping the products in their intended cycle stages helps you follow the label directions.

Can Lysol Laundry Sanitizer go in the pre-soak?

Yes, the Lysol Laundry Sanitizer directions include pre-soak use for specific virus claims. Read the package directions for the required amount, water temperature, contact time, and rinse steps.

Everyday rinse-cycle use follows a different purpose and instruction.

Is Lysol Laundry Sanitizer the same as bleach?

No. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is a bleach-free detergent additive, while bleach is a separate laundry chemical with different directions and fabric limits.

Compare the care label, product directions, and color needs before choosing a sanitizer or bleach for a load.