Join free
← CleanWise

Benzalkonium Chloride in Cleaning Products

A quat disinfectant. Irritating to skin, eyes and airways; toxic if licked wet.

Also known as: bac

CAS #: 8001-54-5

Puppy Safety
3.0
Adult Dog Safety
4.0
Paw Safety
3.0
Respiratory Safety
4.0
Licking Risk
3.0
Environmental
4.0
Ingredient Transparency
—
Cleaning Performance
—

What should dog owners know about Benzalkonium Chloride?

Clean Wise evaluates Benzalkonium Chloride by the published ingredient reference and its dog-exposure sub-scores. Those scores help describe expected concern around paws, licking, breathing and age groups; they do not make a universal “safe” or “unsafe” claim for every concentration, product or use.

What this means for your dog

Plain-language read of the sub-scores above.

  • Around puppiesExtra care recommended around puppies. Consider a gentler alternative or keep puppies away until surfaces are fully dry.
  • Around pawsHigher potential for paw irritation. Rinse thoroughly and consider a paw wipe after contact.
  • If lickedDo not let dogs lick treated surfaces. Rinse well and store securely; call your vet or poison line if ingested.
  • In the airCan bother sensitive airways. Move dogs to another room during use, ventilate well, and wait before returning.

Why brands use it

disinfectant

Found in these product types

Bathroom Cleaners
3 products contain Benzalkonium Chloride
5.0
Kitchen Cleaners
2 products contain Benzalkonium Chloride
4.6

Products containing Benzalkonium Chloride

Tru Earth · Bathroom Cleaners
Tru Earth Toilet Bowl Cleaner
5.0
Tru Earth · Kitchen Cleaners
Tru Earth Multi-Surface Cleaner - Lemon Fresh
4.6
Lysol · Kitchen Cleaners
LYSOL® MULTI SURFACE CLEANER - Power & FreshTM Sparkling Lemon & Sunflower Essence
1.9
Lysol · Bathroom Cleaners
LYSOL® TOILET BOWL CLEANER - Action Gel® Spring Waterfall®
2.9
Lysol · Bathroom Cleaners
LYSOL® TOILET BOWL CLEANER - Action Gel® Country Scent®
2.9

Sources

CleanWise provides educational information to help dog owners make informed household choices. Scores are based upon ingredient transparency, intended use and currently available information. Individual dogs may have different sensitivities. Always follow manufacturer instructions.