Does Lysol Kill Ringworm?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 09, 2020

When used as directed, Lysol disinfecting sprays kill 99.9 percent of the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes, which is one type of fungus that causes ringworm. Unfortunately, there are many other types of fungus that can also cause ringworm on various parts of the body.

The scientific name for ringworm, a fungal infection of the top layer of dead skin cells, is tinea. It is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. Different fungi in the group are more common in different areas of the world. They can grow on humans, animals and dirt, and can live on surfaces of products such as combs, carpets and towels. Some websites recommend using Lysol to clean surfaces that may harbor the fungi that cause ringworm and their spores.