What Kills Parvo Besides Bleach: Products Safe To Use (Not Lysol!)

What kills parvo besides bleach featured photo with sick looking golden retriever at the vet office

Maintaining a clean environment is crucial when your living space has been exposed to the highly contagious Canine Parvovirus. Establishing a meticulous cleaning regimen becomes imperative, especially if you’re seeking effective alternatives to bleach for eliminating this virus.

Does Lysol Kill Parvo?


The answer, as stated on Lysol’s official website, is a definitive NO. Lysol’s components are not equipped to neutralize the Canine Parvovirus, as indicated in their comprehensive list of targeted viruses. However, fear not, for there exist potent disinfectants other than bleach that can indeed combat Parvo with great efficacy.

What Kills Parvo Besides Bleach?


Below we provide viable alternatives for combating Parvo without resorting to the use of bleach. Looking for ways to kill Parvo without bleach? We’ve got you covered with some solid options that steer clear of the bleach route. These alternatives, distinct from Clorox bleach, come in various forms:

  • Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide: Think of it like hydrogen peroxide, but on a mission!
  • Potassium Peroxymonosulfate: This one’s a pro at saying farewell to Parvo using peroxymonosulfate power.
  • Chlorine Dioxide: Watch Parvo vanish with the wave of a chlorine dioxide wand.

And the best part? These aren’t just fancy-sounding alternatives – they’ve got the goods to take down Parvo like champions. They’re like Parvo’s worst nightmare turned heroes! Plus, they’re superstars at sorting out messy yards and places, and they stick around longer for the win.

Now, here’s the scoop on our top picks based on how big your cleaning mission is. After that, we’ve got the lowdown on how to make these heroes work their magic against Canine Parvovirus. Oh, and there’s a handy table on the way to guide you through acing the art of disinfecting your home and kicking Parvo to the curb. So let’s dive in and get your place Parvo-free!

Products That Kill Parvo


Your veterinarian has just confirmed your dog’s parvo diagnosis—now what? While professionals in the animal industry rely on advanced equipment, you can kick off your cleaning routine using some of the following alternatives. Take a look below for sprays and powders that can assist you in this process.

Product NameSniperJani-Source ParvoScrubRescueStar-Brite PerformacideKennalSol
RatingBest OverallBest TravelerKills FASTEasy To UseVet Recommended
Cost / Oz(click to check price)$$ $$$ $$$$
QuantityMultipleMultiple32 Oz32 OZ1 Pint
FormLiquidLiquidLiquidLiquidLiquid
MixingReady To Use or ConcentratedReady To UseReady To UsePower MixConcentrate, Needs Mixed
UsesYard, Clothing, Carpets, Furniture, Hard Surfaces, Soft SurfacesHard SurfacesHard SurfacesHard Surface, YardsHard, Non-Porous Surfaces
Contact Time Needed10 Minutes10 Minutes1 or 5 Minute10 minutes10 Minutes
ProEco-Friendly, Safe on Food Surfaces, Safe for Pet EnclosuresTravels EasyKills Parvo FAST, Bulk-BucketNo carcinogens, No Wipe, No Rinse, No ResidueNo Wipe, Low Odor, Multiple sizes and quantity, Non-staining, Non-corrosive
ConsSometimes on BackorderCorrosive Irritant Until MixedHard Surfaces OnlyCan have a strong smell, Not suitable for clothing, Possible skin irritationRequires mixing, Requires proper protection
Chart Showing Parvo Killing Products and The Recommended Use Case

Sniper Disinfectant


Sniper Disinfectant offers effective odor elimination and pathogen eradication. It is EPA-registered and capable of eliminating various types of bacteria, viruses (including canine parvovirus and HIV), mold, mildew, and other pathogens. There are two ordering options: Sniper Disinfectant & Odor Eliminator or Nok-Out Odor Eliminator, both delivering strong odor-removing results.

Key Product Features:

Sniper employs Stabilized Chlorine Dioxide to eliminate the Parvo Virus, presenting distinct advantages over bleach:

  • EPA Tested and Approved: The formulation has undergone EPA testing, covering toxicity levels in skin contact, eye contact, inhalation, and ingestion. SNiPER has received the EPA’s lowest toxicity rating in all categories.
  • Gentle and Non-Corrosive: The ClO2 used is non-abrasive and non-corrosive, ensuring safe use on various surfaces and around animals.
  • Effective Against a Range of Pathogens: SNiPER has been extensively examined by the EPA, demonstrating its effectiveness against a spectrum of pathogens, including canine parvo virus, ringworm, and even the current coronavirus.

Jani Source ParvoScrub II


ParvoScrub II offers a reliable solution for eradicating viruses and germs that commonly affect animal care facilities. It’s a perfect choice for Veterinary Clinics, Kennels, Grooming Stations, Shelters, and more, emphasizing the importance of keeping our pets safe and well-protected.

Key Product Features:

  • Effective Against Various Coronaviruses: ParvoScrub II is capable of killing Human Coronavirus, Canine Coronavirus, and SARS-related Coronavirus. The CDC suggests its potential effectiveness against the new Coronavirus, as it targets similar organisms.
  • Wide-ranging Germ and Virus Elimination: This disinfectant effectively combats 99.99% of germs, viruses, and harmful microns specific to animals.
  • Surface-Friendly Formulation: Designed not to harm most non-porous surfaces, making it suitable for a variety of uses, including examining tables, cages, walls, floors, and even items like food bowls, water dishes, and harnesses.
  • Versatile Dilution Ratios: At 2.25 oz. per gallon of water, ParvoScrub II effectively eliminates Canine Parvovirus, Minute Virus of Mice, and Porcine Parvovirus. A higher concentration is recommended for known or suspected Canine Parvovirus presence. The 0.5 oz/gal dilution is effective for daily cleaning and deodorizing, targeting the listed viruses and germs.
  • Comprehensive Virus Elimination: At 0.5 oz per gallon of water, ParvoScrub II targets a wide range of viruses, including Feline Leukemia Virus, Avian Flu A H5N1, A H9N2, Avian Reovirus, Canine Distemper, and many more.
  • Pleasant Scent: Leaves a pleasant aroma suitable for public areas like waiting rooms and reception lobbies.

Using Clorox Bleach To Kill Parvo Virus


When considering the use of bleach for cleaning in your environment, there are important factors to keep in mind:

Using Bleach Correctly: Follow proper guidelines for using bleach effectively. For instance, Clorox recommends preparing a disinfecting solution of ½ cup Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach and one gallon of water to eliminate canine parvovirus on hard non-porous surfaces. Thoroughly pre-wash the areas and then apply the disinfecting solution. Allow it to stand for ten minutes, then ensure thorough rinsing and air drying. It’s crucial to maintain the proper dilution and contact time for effective virus eradication. Using a newly purchased bottle of bleach ensures the bleach is at optimal strength, as bleach potency naturally diminishes over time, making it less effective.

Ventilate the Area: Bleach emits a strong odor, and proper ventilation is essential as per manufacturer directions. Given that our pets possess more sensitive olfactory receptors, ensuring ample fresh air flow is crucial to minimize any discomfort for them.

Thorough Cleaning: After employing bleach in an area where your pets will be present, it’s recommended to follow up with a cleaning using an animal-friendly solvent. This extra step helps ensure that no residue or lingering odor remains, providing a safer and more pleasant environment for your furry friends.

Wysiwash Sanitizer


The Wysiwash Sanitizer -V is a system specifically for kennels or veterinarian offices. While technically an alternative to Clorox bleach, it isn’t something the average home owner would ever investigate. At the same time, we mention it as a worthy comparison to the products above that come in various quantities and are often purchased in bulk by places that house multiple animals. 

The Wysiwwash product offers distinct advantages for individuals in the realm of dog boarding, grooming, and kennel operations. Here are five compelling reasons to consider this product:

  • Wysiwash achieves Parvo eradication within approximately two minutes.
  • It effectively neutralizes Distemper as well.
  • The product boasts easy, direct dispensing through an outdoor hose, eliminating the need for mixing.
  • Even with the investment in a sprayer, the cost per gallon remains minimal.
  • It’s an environmentally responsible option, biodegradable, and requires no rinsing—a departure from the traditional bleach approach.

This system notably excels in disinfecting and spraying down dog runs, artificial turf, concrete, and kennels on a daily basis, effectively countering both Parvo and Distemper.

Parvo Cleaning Protocol And Routine


Prior to welcoming a new animal into your space, it’s essential to equip yourself with tools that possess the power to decisively eliminate the Parvovirus. 

Outlined above are our top recommendations. Now let’s delve into the remainder of this guide to understand the application of each product and comprehensive disinfection strategies against Canine Parvovirus. 

Parvo’s resilience stems from its ability to survive for extended periods, sometimes spanning months or even years, on surfaces. The duration the virus remained active before infecting your dog remains uncertain. This necessity underscores the significance of adhering to a parvo cleaning protocol. The recommended approach for effectively eliminating the parvo virus involves:

  • Employing products specifically labeled for parvo.
  • Engaging in daily disinfection while your dog undergoes at-home parvo treatment.
  • Ensuring thorough disinfection at least three times once your dog tests negative for parvo.

While you are free to exceed the outlined cleaning requirements, it’s vital to refrain from deviating from this essential parvo cleaning protocol.

Steps For Cleaning Parvo

Step 1 – Dispose of Contaminated Items

Begin by carefully disposing of items that may carry the Parvo virus:

  • Double bag items you can live without, such as infected bedding, sheets, and clothing.
  • Wear disposable gloves and change them frequently, placing used gloves in the double-bagged garbage.
  • Spray a 30:1 water/bleach solution inside the garbage bags before tightly sealing them. This step prevents the spread of Parvo.

Step 2 – Disinfect the Laundry Room

Prioritize the disinfection of your laundry room to prevent recontamination of cleaned items:

  • Launder clothing, bedding, towels, etc., in hot water.
  • Use quality detergent and add bleach to whites or an appropriate disinfectant for colored items (e.g., Sniper Disinfectant or Rescue – Ready to Use).
  • If your machine has a pre-soak option, use it.
  • Do laundry in small loads and use a clothes dryer on high heat.
  • Store clean laundry in a clean area until your home is fully disinfected.

Step 3 – Choose and Begin Disinfection

You can use various products to kill Parvo, such as bleach, accelerated hydrogen peroxide (e.g., Accel or Rescue), potassium peroxymonosulfate (e.g., Trifectant or Virkon), or chlorine dioxide (e.g., Sniper):

  • Follow the specific instructions for your chosen disinfectant to thoroughly disinfect your home.

By following these steps and selecting an appropriate disinfectant, you can effectively combat the Parvo virus and ensure a safe environment for your pets and family.

FAQ : What Kills Parvo Besides Bleach


What products kill Parvo in the yard?

Killing Parvo in your yard can be challenging due to several factors. One obstacle is ensuring a disinfectant remains in contact with the virus for the required 10 minutes, which is challenging on vertical surfaces like grass. Additionally, yards consist of porous surfaces like mulch and rocks, which can harbor the virus in crevices. The sheer size of the yard can also be overwhelming, and many disinfectants lose their efficacy when in contact with organic material. 

However, Sniper, containing Chlorine Dioxide, stands out as a pet-safe solution. It kills Parvo effectively, maintains its power in the presence of organics, and is safe for use on dogs and humans, making it a valuable option for yard disinfection. Nevertheless, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian before using any products and strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper usage.

What can I use to disinfect my house from Parvo?

For lighter tasks, consider the convenience of pre-mixed options like Jani-source Parvo Scrub or Rescue. These are perfect for quick cleanups after visits to the vet, dog park, or pet store. However, for more serious infections, we highly recommend Sniper and Kennal-Sol for comprehensive and effective disinfection.

Is bleach effective against parvovirus?

Yes, absolutely it will kill parvo as long as it is a fresh batch of bleach and used per manufacturer recommendations.

How long does Parvo live on clothes?

Parvo (canine parvovirus) can potentially survive on clothes for a significant period, especially if the clothes are not cleaned or disinfected properly. In some cases, the virus may remain viable on fabric surfaces for up to several months. The exact duration can vary depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the amount of viral contamination.

How long does parvo stay in your yard?

The virus is known for its resilience. It can remain viable in outdoor environments for several months, potentially up to a year or even longer. The exact duration of survival depends on various factors, including temperature, humidity, and exposure to sunlight.

Does Lysol spray kill parvo?

Lysol spray, while effective against many household germs and viruses, may not be reliably effective against the canine parvovirus (Parvo). Parvo is an exceptionally resilient virus that can withstand many common disinfectants. To properly disinfect areas contaminated with Parvo, it’s recommended to use a disinfectant known to be effective against the virus.

Disclaimer:

Before using any products recommended on our site, we strongly advise consulting with your veterinarian. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Our information is for reference purposes and should not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Products mentioned have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. We do not assume liability for inaccuracies in product information.

Corey Turner
Corey Turner, owner of FurBallFun.com, draws on a lifelong love for dogs and extensive pet ownership to offer a unique perspective in the pet industry. With a successful background in project management, he excels in critical analysis, precise attention to detail, and quality assurance. This expertise allows him to effectively differentiate true value from marketing hype in the pet sector. Corey’s contributions have been featured in various publications including Rockery Press Guide Books and WealthofGeeks.com. During his free time, he enjoys disc golfing, rock climbing, and bonding with his cherished FurBall friend, Harvey.