Microban 24 Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Sanitizing Spray and Bathroom Cleaner

For busy, working parents with families to keep safe, keeping a disinfected and sanitized home is more important than ever, and so is having an arsenal of cleaning products to do it. Microban 24 offers three of these products for the job — a Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Sanitizing Spray and Bathroom Cleaner — so the Today’s Parent Approved team put  them to the test around their homes, cleaning everything from bathroom soap scum to kitchen grease, and disinfecting backyard furniture, light-switches and everywhere bacteria and viruses can spread.

All of our parent testers agreed that the entire range of Microban 24 products did a great job of cleaning up their household messes, leaving a pleasant citrus scent they enjoyed, and that wasn’t overpowering. While all three of these cleaners can kill 99.9% of cold and flu viruses, where the Microban 24 line stands out is in its extended protection, able to kill 99.9% of bacteria on surfaces for a period of up to 24 hours, perfect for repeat touching on high-contact surfaces such as railings, doorknobs, light switches and fridge handles.*

Multi-Purpose Cleaner

Of the three products, this was the most popular among our parent testers, with reports that the Multi-Purpose Cleaner easily cut through painted cupboard doors and a stainless steel sink. Our testers praised the wide spray coverage of the Microban 24 on larger surfaces like countertops and tables. It’s disinfecting action takes place after letting the surface stay wet for five minutes before wiping with a paper towel or wet cloth. Our testers reported that the clear, slightly foamy consistency of the product wiped up easily, though one commented that it did leave some slight streaking on ceramic tiles. For 24-hour bacteria protection on hard, non-porous objects, the instructions require that you let the spray air dry and remain on the surface – and for this the company recommends not using it on kitchen or food-contacting surfaces, such as countertops. While the spray dried easily in less than five minutes, our parent testers reported a slight film and stickiness afterwards. It’s an easy fix, however, as you need to allow the surface to remain wet for 5 minutes before wiping, to make sure it’s working properly.

Microban 24 Multi-Purpose Cleaner, $5.99 at Canadian Tire

Sanitizing Spray

The most versatile of the Microban 24 range, the Sanitizing Spray is a 3-in-1 aerosol product that can be used as a cleaner, with the same effectiveness as the Multi-Purpose product, a sanitizer and deodorizer. High praise was given from all our editors and parent testers for its clear, even spray that didn’t leave lingering residue or stickiness when wiped up, making it perfect and safe for repeated sanitization of places where germy fingers and hands frequently contact, such as door knobs, light switches, computer mice, keyboards, tablets and smartphones. Although, it’s worth noting that the directions advise testing on an inconspicuous area first.

Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray, $6.99 at Amazon, Canadian Tire

Bathroom Cleaner

The bathroom is a petri dish of bacteria, soap scum and mildew, so having a spray bottle at hand in there is particularly helpful. Microban 24 Bathroom Cleaner is the only one that kills Rhinovirus, the virus which is said to be the cause of at least 50% of colds. It also protects against the growth of mold and mildew for up to seven days on hard surfaces. Like the other two products on our list, the Bathroom Cleaner gets top marks for its clear, pleasant-smelling citrus spray that cuts through grime and mildew with little scrubbing. Our testers used it throughout the bathroom on countertops, sinks, toilets and bathtubs, all reporting that it wiped up clean and streak-free – it’s not for use on mirrors, though. For the 24-hour protection, as with the Multi-Purpose Cleaner, our testers reported that although it dried quickly, it left a slightly sticky film. However, as per the label, you must allow the surface to remain wet for 5 minutes.

Microban 24 Bathroom Cleaner, $5.99 at Canadian Tire

Final word 

All of our parent testers who used the Microban 24 cleaners were impressed overall with how each product performed on a variety of hard-non contact surfaces. With their ability to kill 99.9% of cold and flu viruses within five minutes and additional long-lasting protection against 99.9% of bacteria for up to 24 hours when used as directed, the Microban cleaners offer a level of protection few disinfectants or sanitizers can offer. Although, some parents commented that it might be best for families with older children less prone to putting their fingers in their mouths. Whether you’re tackling the cleanup of a backyard barbecue, your nine-year-old’s  slime-making party or just trying to keep the bathroom mildew at bay, there’s a Microban 24 product that offers great value for the price that’s suited for the job.

*When used as directed, Microban 24 initially kills 99.9% of bacteria and cold and flu viruses. Microban 24 Sanitizing Spray, Bathroom Cleaner and Multi-Purpose Cleaner is effective against Staphylococcus aureus & Enterobacter aerogenes bacteria, killing viruses that cause common colds and the flu, including Human Coronavirus, Influenza A H1N1, Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Microban 24 does not provide 24-hour residual protection against viruses.