Some parasites like Giardia can be pretty resistant to disinfectants, especially if they’re in cyst form. They can stick around in things like lakes and rivers or even tap water that hasn’t been treated well, where they can then enter people and animals. Luckily, most disinfectants that contain quaternary ammonium compounds (like Lysol) have been shown to be pretty effective at killing Giardia cysts.

But the key to using Lysol effectiveness on giardia is applying it Lysol effectiveness on giardia . You need to apply it in a thick layer, enough that it’s visibly wet. And you need to leave it on the surface for the amount of time specified on the label. This is because most Giardia cysts have a tough outer layer that needs to be broken down before the cysts can be killed.

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Once you’ve given the disinfectant the time it needs, wipe the area down with a clean cloth that has been thoroughly rinsed. Make sure to do the whole area, not just the visible contamination. Also, don’t try to speed up the drying process with a fan or hair dryer. Giardia cysts can actually survive better in moist environments, so rushing it will only let them thrive again.

Keep in mind, though, that cleaning and disinfecting isn’t a cure for Giardia. You’ll still need to treat your pet with prescription medication and follow veterinary advice for managing the infection. This may include bathing them with a giardia-specific med, washing their bedding on the hottest setting and cleaning food and water bowls daily.