Disinfectant Spray vs Waterproofing Wax for Leather: which is safer?
Lysol Disinfectant Spray is the clear pick. Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.
Our pick
Lysol
Disinfectant Spray
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleInhalation of spray mist and propellants
ReportedEye and mucous membrane irritation
PossibleSkin sensitization from repeated contact
Nikwax
Waterproofing Wax for Leather
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleRespiratory irritation or fume inhalation during application
ReportedPFAS in water repellency treatment
Where these two actually differ
- We flag Inhalation of spray mist and propellants, Eye and mucous membrane irritation, Skin sensitization from repeated contact and Residue buildup and allergic contact reactions on treated fabrics on the Lysol and not on the Nikwax.
- We flag Respiratory irritation or fume inhalation during application and PFAS in water repellency treatment on the Nikwax and not on the Lysol.
- The Lysol is active ingredients (alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium compounds) in aqueous spray base where the Nikwax is wax-based waterproofing, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
Both products run through the same public rubric: materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
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