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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses ranging from the common cold to much more serious diseases and can infect both humans and animals, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The new strain, first identified in Wuhan, China in January 2020, is related to two other coronaviruses that have caused outbreaks in recent years: Middle East respiratory syndrome, also known as MERS, and severe acute respiratory syndrome, or SARS.

Will ingesting bleach help kill Coronavirus?

Bleach and other disinfectants are not suitable for consumption, ingestion or injection under any circumstances. Consumers should always read the directions for use on label for proper usage instructions. Disinfecting surfaces with bleach and other disinfecting products may help to stop the spread of COVID-19. Health Canada has published a list of disinfectants that may be used against SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/covid-19/list.html).

Our products are safe when used properly. It’s critical that everyone understands the facts in order to keep themselves safe and healthy, which is why we continue to educate people about how to use disinfectants safely and effectively against the virus that causes COVID-19.

What Clorox products are eligible to use against Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses. They are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant when used according to the labeled directions. Health Canada has published a list of hard-surface disinfectants (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/covid-19/list.html) that are likely to be effective for use SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. This list is updated regularly. We are constantly working to help consumers and now we have several disinfectants, approved by Health Canada, to kill SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

I can’t find Clorox products anywhere. Why is that?

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented demand for disinfecting and cleaning products. This has led to supply chain challenges across the world. To help avoid market disruptions, as an interim measure, Health Canada has now allowed US products in Canada. So you will find some of our products in US labeling that are now available in Canada under this interim measure. We have a Product Supply team in place that’s working around the clock to ensure that we continue to bring the trusted Clorox® disinfecting products to our consumers.

The following is a list of hard-surface disinfectants that are authorized for sale in Canada under the interim measure: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/covid-19/products-accepted-under-interim-measure.html

When can I expect to see your products back in stores?

We have stepped up production of our cleaning and disinfecting products in response to unprecedented demand. It’s hard to say exactly when specific retailers will have product in stock; it will vary from day to day, store to store and region to region. We are working around the clock to make sure as many people as possible have access to our disinfecting products. We ask consumers to do their part by buying only what they need. In times like these we all have to work together.

How are you prioritizing where to restock? Have you started allocations for retailers?

Our goal is to provide as many people as possible with the cleaning and disinfecting products they are seeking. With that in mind we are working to restock as many different retailers and geographic locations as possible at this time.

Can I buy Clorox products directly from Clorox?

Thank you for your interest in purchasing Clorox products directly from us. Right now Clorox products are only available through our retail partners by purchasing inside physical locations, purchasing through their order and pick-up services or through their online sites. This is a fast-moving situation and it is hard to say when specific retailers will have product in stock as it varies by store and by region, but we have increased production of our disinfecting products and are working around the clock to ensure people have access to them.

Do Clorox products kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19?

Yes, several Clorox bleach-based disinfecting products (Clorox® Clean-Up® Disinfecting Bleach Cleaner Spray, Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach, Clorox® Performance™ Disinfecting Bleach) are approved by Health Canada to kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. We also have other non-bleach based disinfecting products like Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes, Pine-Sol® Multi-Surface Cleaner Disinfectant and Clorox® All-Purpose Disinfecting Cleaner Spray, that are also approved by Health Canada to kill SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Clorox® Products You Can Use

Clorox®
Disinfecting Wipes
(DIN 02466031)		 Clorox® Clean-Up®
Disinfecting Bleach Cleaner Spray
(DIN 02494000) 		Clorox® Disinfecting
Concentrated Bleach
(DIN 02488590) &
Clorox® Disinfecting
Liquid Bleach
(DIN 02459116)
  • • Wipe surface to be disinfected.
  • • Keep surface visibly wet for 15 seconds (or 30 seconds for SARS-CoV-2).
  • • Let surface dry.
  • • For highly soiled surfaces, clean excess dirt first.
  • • For items that come in contact with food or mouths (like baby bottles or toys), rinse with warm water and let air-dry.
  • • Rotate nozzle to “ON.”
  • • Spray product 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) from surface until thoroughly wet.
  • • Let stand 30 seconds.
  • • Rinse or wipe clean.
  • • Pre-clean heavily soiled surfaces before disinfecting.
  • • Pre-wash surface.
  • • Apply a solution of 80 mL (1/3 cup) per 3.8 L of water.
  • • To disinfect, allow surface to remain wet for 5 minutes.
  • • Rinse thoroughly, and air dry. For items that come in contact with food or mouths (like baby bottles or toys), rinse with warm water and let air-dry.
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Do all Clorox products with bleach disinfect?

Clorox has several bleach-based products in our portfolio—some are labeled as disinfectants and others are not. To determine if a product disinfects, check the label. All our disinfecting products—registered with the Health Canada—prominently carry an eight digit DIN number as a confirmation that they are approved to kill germs. As mentioned above, to help avoid market disruptions, as an interim measure, Health Canada has now allowed US products in Canada. So you may find some of our products in US labeling that are now available in Canada under this interim measure. The US labeled disinfectants will also carry information on killing germs.

Where can I buy your products?

You can purchase products online from one of our retailer partners. A full list of stores is available at this link.

Can I use Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes as a hand wipe or for personal use?

No. Please do not use Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes as a diaper or baby wipe, for personal cleansing, or for cleaning or sanitizing skin. Dispose of wipe in trash after use. Do not flush.