10 Unexpected Ways You Can Use Pine-Sol Around The House
Pine-Sol is a multi-surface cleaner. Original Pine-Sol is a registered disinfectant with the EPA. This means that when the non-diluted formula is applied to hard, nonporous surfaces and used following the manufacturer's directions, it can kill 99.9% of bacteria, germs, and viruses. The formula has been shown to effectively kill Influenza A, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enterica. The disinfectant has also been shown to be effective at killing the COVID-19 virus, though this claim cannot be printed on the product labels until all 50 states register the EPA approval.
When many people see or hear about Pine-Sol, they think about using it to clean toilets or floors. While Pine-Sol's disinfectant properties certainly allow it to excel at these tasks, it is actually a very versatile cleaner. Many of the ways that Pine-Sol can be used around the house may even surprise you. Continue reading to learn more about some of the many ways that this versatile cleaning product can help you around the house — some of them aren't even related to cleaning!
Removing stains
Pine-Sol can be an effective stain remover. It is safe to use on clothes and in your washing machine, allowing this cleaning product that is often associated with bathrooms to come to the rescue in the laundry room as well. One way you can use it when doing laundry is to add a little to loads of more heavily-soiled laundry to make your regular detergent more effective. Pour in about a ½ cup of Pine-Sol with each load, and you're likely to notice an improvement in how clean your clothes look when they come out of the washer.
You can also use Pine-Sol to pre-treat stains on clothing items. It can be especially effective at getting rid of grease and oil stains when applied directly (and undiluted) to a stain. Leave it to soak for about 30 minutes before washing it. You might want to hand wash it first to confirm that the stain has been removed before adding it to the machine. If the stain is still there, repeat the process a second time.
In addition to removing stains from your clothes, you can also use Pine-Sol to get rid of carpet stains. Before applying any to your carpet, test a small amount in a corner or under a piece of furniture where it won't be seen. Verify that the carpet is colorfast and that adding the Pine-Sol to it doesn't cause any dyes to bleed or otherwise damage it. Once you've confirmed that it is safe to use the cleaner on your carpet, pour or spray a small amount over any stains. Work it into the stain using a brush, then rinse the area with some plain water. Use rags or paper towels to absorb as much excess water as possible.
Cleaning a deck
Being exposed to the elements day in and day out can really do a number to a deck. When you factor in rain, snow, and wind combined with tree debris, blown grass clippings, and "presents" left by birds and other animals, it doesn't take long for your deck to start looking grimy. Fortunately, Pine-Sol can help you get it cleaned up and looking nice once again. You should only use Pine-Sol if your desk is sealed; it should not be applied to any unsealed, oiled, waxed, or overly worn surfaces.
Before you start cleaning your deck, use a broom to sweep off any grass, leaves, or other debris. If you have any patio furniture, children's toys, grills, or other items on the deck, move them off to leave yourself with a more open space to clean. Fill a 5-gallon bucket about halfway with water. Add ½ cup of Pine-Sol to the water and slosh the bucket around gently to mix the two liquids. Use a mop or push brush to clean the deck using the mixture. After you've finished mopping, use your garden hose to rinse the deck. If there are any particularly stubborn stains, try applying some undiluted Pine-Sol directly over the area. Scrub with a brush and use your hose to rinse away the cleaner away.
Cleaning the shower or bathtub
If you've run out of your favorite tile or tub cleaner, don't worry. That bottle of Pine-Sol can come to the rescue once more. Before attempting to clean your shower or bathtub using Pine-Sol, start by clearing out all of your shampoo and other products. This will leave all of the corners, which are more likely to be covered in gunk or soap scum, exposed and easier to get at.
Add four cups of warm water to a spray bottle. Pour in a splash of the disinfectant, and close the spray bottle. Gently swirl it around to combine the two ingredients. Now that your shower and bathtub cleaner is ready, you can spray it directly on the walls, tiles, fixtures, and any other surfaces. After spraying an area, use a scrub brush to power through messes. If you have any mineral deposits, stuck-on scum, or other stubborn stains, try pouring a little undiluted Pine-Sol over them before scrubbing them with the brush. After you've finished cleaning the bathtub or shower, thoroughly rinse all the surfaces with clean water.
Cleaning walls
If your walls are covered with fingerprints, scuffs, or impromptu children's artwork, you can get them back to looking like new with some Pine-Sol. Add about 4 cups of water to a large bowl or spray bottle. Then, mix in a splash of Pine-Sol, and your cleaner will be ready to use. You can spray the mixture directly on the wall and wipe it down using a damp microfiber cloth. Alternatively, if you combined the ingredients in a mixing bowl, dampen your microfiber cloth with the solution and use it to wipe down the walls. As you're working, try to wipe from the top of the wall down to the bottom. Doing so will help prevent the walls from getting streaky.
Undiluted Pine-Sol can be used to wipe down stains that won't come off with the cleaning solution. Be sure to wipe down the walls with plain water after cleaning. Using a dry microfiber towel to wipe them down one additional time can remove excess water and make sure they don't end up with streaks or lines.
Cleaning the stove
Did you know that you can even use Pine-Sol to clean a stove? Well, you can. It works well to remove gunk and grime and can leave you with a streak-free and shiny cooking surface. Using Lemon Fresh Pine-Sol is ideal for this task. The lemon scent feels like it belongs in the kitchen, and can really make the whole room smell nice and clean.
To use this product to clean your stove, start by adding about 8 cups of water to a large mixing bowl. Then, pour in about 2 tablespoons of Pine Sol, and give the two ingredients a good stir. Dampen a sponge with the mixture and use it to wipe down the entire stovetop surface. Work in straight lines, going from one side to the next to avoid leaving streaks. You can also use this mixture to clean the front of the oven door. After you've finished wiping the stove down with the cleaning solution, follow up by wiping it down with a clean, wet sponge to remove any residue or cleaner from the surface. Finally, use a dry microfiber towel to dry the surface, working again in straight lines going side to side.
Removing weeds from your yard
Pine-Sol's uses extend beyond the inside of the home. You can even use it to get rid of weeds in your yard or garden. To use Pine-Sol for getting rid of weeds, you'll also need a garden hose, spray bottle hose attachment, and some dish detergent. Add the disinfectant and dish detergent to the spray bottle in a 1:1 ratio. Spray the solution with your hose over any weeds. After a few days, the weeds you sprayed should be dead and easy to remove from the ground.
When using this solution to kill weeds in the garden, you'll want to be careful not to target any plants that you want to keep. The Pine-Sol could end up killing them as well. While this recipe can be used in a pinch, it is still probably best to choose products specially designed for killing weeds. Specifically-formulated products can be more effective at removing the weeds you don't want in your yard.
Cleaning stainless steel
Stainless steel refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, and other appliances can help you create an elegant and modern kitchen. Their finish looks so shiny and sleek when it is clean. However, when these appliances are covered with fingerprints, water stains, food splatter, or other gunk, they don't look so sleek and attractive anymore. Fortunately, Pine-Sol can step in to help you get rid of all of these unsightly stains and leave your stainless steel appliances looking attractive.
To use Pine-Sol to help you clean stainless steel surfaces add a splash to a bowl with 8 cups of warm water. Dip a microfiber towel or sponge into the mixture and squeeze out the excess liquid. Use the damp cloth or sponge to wipe down all of the stainless steel surfaces in your kitchen (or other rooms in the house). Take care to follow the direction of the grain and work in straight lines to avoid leaving streak marks. Use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to wipe over the surfaces once more (again working in straight lines and following the grain) to remove any residue.
Cleaning the washing machine
Your washing machine cleans your clothes, but do you clean your washing machine? If you answered no, you might want to change that practice. When you wash a load of laundry, it leaves germs behind in the washing machine. Over time, these germs accumulate and can cause odors — both inside the washing machine and on your "clean" clothing items. Using Pine-Sol, along with some vinegar, can help you get the inside of your washing machine clean. This will allow your washing machine to do a better job getting future loads of laundry clean and odor-free.
Start by adding vinegar to the tub of an empty top-load washing machine (4 cups) or the drum of an empty front-load machine (2 cups). Run the machine through a full, hot water wash cycle (opening the lid to pause and let the water sit for one hour for top-load models). After the vinegar wash cycle completes, follow the same steps, but add Pine-Sol instead of vinegar. After the second wash cycle completes, add four cups of warm water and ¼ cup of Pine-Sol to a large bowl or bucket. Use this solution to wipe down any other areas of the washing machine, such as along the rubber gasket, under the rim, or inside the detergent, bleach, or fabric softener reservoirs. Wipe over these areas again with plain water before running a final wash cycle using just water.
Cleaning concrete patios and walkways
Your concrete patio, walkways, and driveways are a few other surfaces that Pine-Sol can help you keep clean and looking their best. These surfaces are porous and can easily become stained with oil, mold, and more. Using Pine-Sol, along with a stiff brush, can remove or fade many stains and leave the surfaces nice and clean for outdoor enjoyment.
Before attempting to remove any stains or clean concrete surfaces, you should begin by clearing them off. Move any vehicles, toys, or other items to expose all of the concrete and give yourself more space to work. Fill a 5-gallon bucket about halfway with warm water. Add in ¾ cup Pine-Sol, and gently swirl the bucket to mix the two ingredients together. For stubborn stains, try scrubbing with a hand brush to release as much of the residue as possible. For the rest of the surfaces, dip a large push broom in the bucket and use it to wipe everything down. Use your garden hose or pressure washer to rinse the grime and any cleanser residue. As a note, you might want to begin by testing the Pine-Sol solution in a corner of the concrete to verify that it will not discolor the surface.
Killing wasps
Believe it or not, you can also use Pine-Sol to kill wasps and other pests, such as ants, flies, cockroaches, hornets, and yellow jackets. Mix a solution of 4 parts Pine-Sol and 1 part water and add it to a spray bottle. Swirl the spray bottle to combine the two ingredients. Once combined, you're ready to spray any wasps or nests you see.
Just remember, if you plan on trying to spray the solution directly on a wasp nest, you should do it either at dusk or sunrise. The wasps won't be as active (or likely to attack you) during these times. They're also more likely to all be in the nest. If you're going to spray a wasp nest, it is also a good idea to wear long sleeves, long pants, work gloves, closed-toe shoes, and a hat. This will give your body as much protection as possible in case the wasps try to go after you.
You can also use this mixture of Pine-Sol and water to deter wasps from coming to certain areas of your yard or deck. Spray any of these areas that you want wasps to stay away from. They do not like the smell of the eucalyptus oil in the formula.