Choosing the best antibacterial spray for your carpets is not an easy task as many cleaners and disinfectants in the market claim to kill germs, but they are not effective against various harmful bacteria.
According to Dr. Philip Tierno from NYU Langone Medical Center, carpets hold up to 200,000 bacteria per square inch. Carpets can serve as breeding grounds for bacteria.
Whether you’ve wall-to-wall carpeting, small throw rugs, or large rugs, disinfecting your carpets is important as they’re largely subjected to bacteria, allergens, dirt, and viruses every day.
Several antibacterial sprays are available that can effectively eliminate bacteria on carpet.
The 15 Best Sprays that Kill Bacteria on Carpets
Here’s the list of disinfectant sprays that not only kill bacteria but are even helpful in carpet cleaning and deodorization.
Click the Amazon link for the one you like to check their latest price and available scents and sizes available.
1-Lysol Disinfectant Spray
Lysol Disinfectant Spray is a multi-surface sanitizer and disinfectant that is proven and tested to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses on carpets. Lysol has been protecting families from disease-causing microbes for more than a century.
This amazing disinfectant spray is available in 19 Fl Oz packing and leaves a fresh, crisp linen scent on use.
Pros
- It can kill over a hundred disease-causing organisms, including the viruses that cause flu, cold and COVID.
- It can also prevent mold and mildews from growing for a whole week (when used as directed).
- Eliminates odor-causing bacteria
- It can sanitize both hard and soft surfaces.
Cons
- This product can’t be used on clothes.
- Unscented formula is not available.
- Fragrance might cause allergies.
2-RMR-141 Disinfectant and Cleaner
RMR-141 RTU is an EPA registered disinfectant spray that can kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and serve as a perfect disinfectant for carpets. It uses a positively charged formula that tracks the negatively charged bacteria and sticks to them, killing them effectively.
This disinfectant spray is available in 28 Fl Oz and 32 Fl Oz packing.
Pros
- It can kill over 141 different disease-causing germs.
- It can also work as a broad-spectrum fungicide.
- All in one formula to disinfect and eliminate odor
- It can be applied to sanitize a wide range of commercial and residential surfaces.
Cons
- It kills mold but doesn’t dissolve them, so you’ll have to clean the leftovers using a wet cloth.
- Some users complained about leakages.
3-CloroxPro Disinfectant & Sanitizer Aerosol Spray
CloroxPro Disinfectant & Sanitizer Aerosol Spray is an EPA registered disinfectant that kills bacteria on carpets and fibers in a few seconds. It is designed as a four in one product that disinfects in a single step, sanitizes soft surfaces, reduces allergens, and sanitizes the air.
It can kill odor-causing bacteria and leaves behind a fresh scent. It is available in 14 Fl Oz size in lavender and citrus scents.
Pros
- Proven to kill more than 20 bacteria, viruses, and fungi
- Deodorize
- Great for commercial use
- Sanitizes hard surfaces within 5 minutes and soft surfaces such as carpets, rugs, and mattresses in 30s
- 18 months shelf life
- No pre-cleaning required
Cons
- Some people reported manufacturing or packaging faults.
4-BENEFECT Decon 30 Natural Spray Disinfectant
Benefect Decon 30 Natural Disinfectant Spray is an EPA registered best quality aerosol spray that can effectively kill over 99.9% of bacteria and other pathogens on carpets.
This multipurpose spray cleaner can kill both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria within 30 seconds of contact. It is available in the size of 4 Fl Oz with lemon and thyme scent.
Pros
- It can kill viruses, fungi, mold and mildews.
- Made from natural botanical ingredients
- Removes odor
- No wiping or rinsing required
- Wide action spectrum on soft and hard surfaces
- Boosts cleaning performance and helps to achieve hospital-grade disinfection
- No PPE required
- Approved food surface contact
Cons
- You might find the odor unpleasant.
- Don’t remove mycotoxins
5-OdoBan Odor Eliminator and Disinfectant
OdoBan Ready-to-Use Multipurpose Cleaner and Disinfectant is an EPA-approved aerosol spray that can kill 99.99% of germs, including bacteria and viruses, on carpets in just 60 seconds. It is available in 27 Fl Oz size.
With excellent disinfectant power, it can tackle germs conveniently. It is available in different scents, including lavender and eucalyptus.
Pros
- It can kill many viruses including the COVID-19.
- Prevents and control molds and mildews
- Eliminates odor
- OdonBan disinfectant concentrates are also available that can be used after diluting with water.
- Air freshener
- Fabric freshener
- Suitable for various hard and soft surfaces
- It can be widely used in healthcare facilities, restaurants, and businesses.
- Leaves no residue
Cons
- This product is expensive compared to its competitors.
- Some damaged products were reported.
6- 3M TB Quat Disinfectant Spray
3M TB Quat’s Ready-to-Use Formula is a disinfectant and non-aid cleaner with the potential of killing 99.9% of household bacteria on carpets and other surfaces.
This powerful disinfectant leaves nothing but a fresh lemony scent. It is available in 32 Fl Oz packing.
Pros
- One of the best fungicidal, virucidal and mildewstatic products available
- It can be used to clean a wide range of surfaces, including carpet, tiles, floor walls, kitchen counter plastic, and metal surfaces.
- Eliminates odor
- Free of abrasives or bleach
- Mild scent
- Potent cleaner
- Low price
- Revolutionary stain remover
Cons
- It might leave a residue on some surfaces.
7-CleanSmart Disinfectant Spray
CleanSmart Surface Cleaner and Disinfectant employ Hypochlorous acid technology to work as a medical-grade disinfectant which makes it a powerful household cleaner that kills viruses, bacteria, and other germs in no time.
This super disinfectant is available in 2,16 and 23 Fl Oz packing.
Pros
- It can kill various viruses including cold, Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus(MRSA), flu and more
- Made with 100% natural ingredients
- Safe around pets and kids
- Free of ammonia, alcohol, and bleach
- No rinsing required
- It can be applied to a wide range of surfaces
- Allergen-free
- Leaves no chemical residues
- No fragrance
Cons
- Complete ingredients list not available
- Some users complained about spills and leakages
8-Microban Disinfectant Spray
Microban Sanitizing Spray is a fantastic disinfectant that kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses within the 60s. It provides a multi-layered protective shield that can keep killing bacteria for up to 24 hours, even if the surface is touched multiple times.
This spray is available in 15 and 22 Fl Oz with a refreshing citrus scent.
Pros
- Effective against viruses such as Influenza A hand, respiratory Syncytial Virus, and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Inhibits growth of mold ad mildews
- A fantastic solution for removing harmful bacteria
- Eliminates odor
- Ongoing (24 hour) bacteria protection
- Best for soft surfaces
Cons
- Not eligible to return for a refund
9- Tide Antibacterial Fabric Spray
The Tide Fabric spray can kill 99.9% of bacteria (within 5 minutes of contact) efficiently. It is one of the best antibacterial sprays for disinfecting your carpets.
It is available in 22 Fl Oz packing with a fresh scent.
Pros
- Prevents mold and mildew
- Freshens and sanitizes the fabric
- Fights odor-causing bacteria
- It can be used for various surfaces, including carpets, beddings, towels, couches, and car seats.
- Quick action formula
- Convenient to use
Cons
- It is heavily scented and not suitable for people with sensitivities.
- Pre-cleaning required for heavily soiled areas
- Some people say it can spill and leak.
10-PURELL Professional Surface Disinfectant Spray
PURELL Professional Surface Disinfectant Spray kills harmful bacteria and viruses and ensures they don’t linger on your carpets. This fast action formula offers rapid kill times, i.e., 30 seconds.
With its light citrus scent that dissipates quickly, it is available in 32 Fl Oz size.
Pros
- Kills various viruses incuding cold and flu, strep, norovirus, Listeria, MRSA, VRE, and human coronavirus.
- EPA registered
- This product has earned EPA’s design for environmental certification.
- It can be used across a wide range of soft and hard surfaces
- Safe to use on fabric
- No harsh chemicals
- Refillable spray bottle
- No streaks or sticky residues
Cons
- This item is non-returnable.
- Some faulty products were reported
11- Bissell Woolite Advanced Sanitizing Spray
Bissell Woolite Spray is a fantastic carpet sanitizer with the potential to remove 99.9% of bacteria.
This powerful disinfectant is available in 22 Fl Oz size and leaves a fresh scent.
Pros
- Fast action sanitizng formula
- Best for area rugs, carpets and upholstery
- Eliminates odor
- Easy to use
- No chemical smell
- Removes tough stains efficiently
- When you buy this spray, you help Bissell in its mission to save pets. On every purchase you’ll be contributing to reduce the number of homeless pets.
Cons
- Some users complained about manufacturing faults, and some even found its smell unpleasant.
12- Clear Gear Disinfectant Spray
Clear Gear is a multi-surface cleaner and disinfectant that kills 99.9% of bacteria and other germs.
This EPA registered disinfectant is lightly scented and available in 4 Fl Oz. 8 Fl Oz, 24 Fl Oz size.
Pros
- Professionally trusted by professional teams, gyms, fitness studios, entertainment centers and many more
- Non-corrosive to surfaces
- Destroys odor
- Simple to use
- It can be used for both soft and hard surfaces.
- Alcohol and bleach-free
- No fumes
- Does not leave any residues
Cons
This product is expensive.
13- Seventh Generation, Disinfectant Cleaner
The Seventh-Generation Aerosol Spray can kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses on carpets within 10 minutes. This disinfectant spray is powered by compressed air and is available in 13.9 Fl Oz packing.
It leaves nothing but a refreshing citrus and thyme scent.
Pros
- Perfect for use in offices, schools, daycare centers, and many more
- This organic product is safe for environment.
- Eliminates odor
- No wiping or rinsing is required even for the surfaces that are used for food preparation
- Non-flammable
Cons
- Pre-cleaning required for greasy areas
- Some users complained about leakages
14-Spray Nine 26832 Disinfectant
Spray Nine 26832 is an EPA registered heavy-duty multi-surface cleaner and disinfectant that kills germs, bacteria, and viruses within 45 seconds. It is available in 32 Fl Oz size.
Pros
- Also Kills fungus.
- Helps in controlling mold and mildews
- Eliminates odor
- VOC compliant formula
- USDA organic
- It can be applied to a wide variety of soft and hard surfaces
- Fast cleanup
Cons
- Some manufacturing and packaging faults were reported.
How Do You Kill Bacteria on Carpet?
You can kill bacteria on carpets using natural and commercial methods. For disinfecting carpets and rugs, you can use:
- Vinegar
- Antibacterial Spray
Vinegar Spray
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can be safely used to kill bacteria on carpets. It can be used as a spray after dilution.
Vinegar tends to kill germs; however, it is not as strong as commercial cleansers or bleaches.
Although vinegar is not an EPA-recommended disinfectant but >6% vinegar solution has proved to be effective. Just fill this diluted vinegar solution in a spray bottle and spray it directly onto the carpet surface.
Antibacterial Spray Testing and Use
You can use an antibacterial spray to disinfect carpets by following these steps:
- Grab a ready-to-use antibacterial disinfectant spray(carefully read labels to determine if it’s suitable).
- Apply a little spray to a corner of the carpet.
- Wait for approximately 5 minutes to check for any damage or discoloration.
- If you see any discoloration or damage, avoid using the product.
- If there are no issues with the product, spray all over your carpet to kill bacteria
- Rinse carpet if required(in most cases rinsing won’t be required after using an antimicrobial spray).
Why Is Bacteria on Carpets Harmful?
Bacteria trapped in carpets can produce allergens and damaging fumes that can be harmful to your health. They can cause:
- Respiratory illness
- Skin infections
- Allergic reactions
- Digestive system ailments
The chances of being in contact with harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, Staphylococcus, increase if your carpets are not cleaned regularly.
