How to Use Pine-Sol in Laundry & Remove Clothing Odors

Thinking about using Pine-Sol™ Multi-Surface Cleaner in your laundry? While Pine-Sol is best known as a multi-surface cleaner, it can also boost your laundry routine by deodorizing fabrics and cleaning when used correctly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to safely use Pine-Sol in your washing machine, explain the benefits, and provide tips for the best results on all types of laundry.

Woman in white shirt holding full white plastic laundry basket with right hand, holding grey shirt in left hand.

Supplies

Cherry Blossom Cleaner

Laundry detergent

Measuring cup

Can you use Pine-Sol in laundry?

Pine-Sol is more than a surface cleaner and can be used in laundry to deodorize and enhance cleaning. It is safe to use in laundry when added correctly with your regular detergent. Using the recommended amount can boost freshness, but avoid delicate fabrics and never pour it full strength directly on clothes.

1. Sort laundry

Use only on white or colorfast fabrics.

2. Pour Pine-Sol™ Multi-Surface Cleaner

Add ¼ cup to your load in the drum as it fills with water.

3. Select cycle

Wash your items with your favorite detergent as usual.

Benefits of using Pine-Sol in laundry

Using Pine-Sol in laundry can level up your washing game and go beyond what regular detergent alone can provide. Adding a small amount to your wash can help:

Boost cleaning power: It can assist in lifting dirt and grime.
Deodorize fabrics: Even if clothes aren’t visibly dirty, Pine-Sol can leave them smelling fresh.
Enhance overall freshness: Using Pine-Sol in laundry can make fabrics feel cleaner and more revitalized after each wash.

These benefits make Pine-Sol a useful laundry booster for everyday cleaning, helping your clothes smell cleaner without replacing your regular detergent.

The best part: adding Pine-Sol to your laundry lets you enjoy your favorite Pine-Sol scents on more than just cleaning day. The Original Pine scent gives your clothes that classic smell of clean, while Cherry Blossom or Lavender Clean are the scents to reach for anytime you need a spring in your step. Lemon Fresh brings an energizing zing to your outfit, while Refreshing Clean is a breezy blend of linen and jasmine for a crisp feel. Try Tropical Breeze for an island-inspired vibe.

Tips for using Pine-Sol in laundry

Using Pine-Sol in laundry can be safe and effective if you follow a few simple tips:

Always use the recommended amount: About ¼ cup per load is sufficient to boost cleaning and deodorizing without leaving residue.
Add it with detergent, not alone: Pine-Sol works best as a laundry booster alongside your regular detergent.
Test for colorfastness: For colored or delicate fabrics, test a small hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t affect the color.
Avoid pouring directly on clothes: Always add Pine-Sol with detergent.
Do not mix with bleach or ammonia: Combining chemicals can create harmful fumes.

Following these tips helps you get the best results from Pine-Sol while keeping your clothes and washing machine safe.

Pine-Sol vs. DIY cleaners to remove odors from laundry

Household ingredients can help with mild laundry odors, but they may not fully remove the buildup. For deeper deodorizing and a lasting fresh scent, use Pine-Sol™ to tackle tough odors.

Feature	Pine-Sol	Vinegar	Baking Soda
Odors	✓ Deodorizes fabrics and leaves a long-lasting scent	∆ Helps neutralize light odors	∆ Absorbs mild odors
Laundry use	✓ Yes (when used as directed)	✓ Yes	✓ Yes
Residue	✓ Helps break down grime and buildup	∆ May loosen some residue	✗ Minimal effect
Safety	✓ When used as directed	∆ Strong smell may linger	✓ Generally mild

FAQS

Is Pine-Sol™ safe for laundry?
Yes. Pine Sol™ Multi Surface Cleaner can be used in laundry for extra cleaning and deodorizing power when used as directed. It should only be used on white or colorfast fabrics, added in small amounts with regular detergent, and never used full strength on fabrics.

Does Pine-Sol kill bed bugs?
No. Pine Sol™ is not designed or approved to kill bed bugs and should not be used as a pest control solution.

Is Pine-Sol pH neutral?
No. Most Pine Sol™ cleaners are not pH neutral and are typically alkaline or acidic, depending on the formula. For this reason, Pine Sol™ should be used only as directed and is not recommended for pH sensitive materials.

Does Pine-Sol have bleach?
No. Pine Sol™ does not contain bleach or ammonia, but it should never be mixed with bleach or bleach containing products because doing so can create harmful fumes.

Concentrated Formula

With a concentrated formula that is 2x as strong* to last 2x as long*, you can use less for the same great clean.

*vs. unconcentrated Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner.

concentrated formula	Unconcentrated formula
¼ cup in 2 gallons water	½ cup in 2 gallons water
⅛ cup in 1 gallon water	¼ cup in 1 gallon water
¹⁄₁₆ cup or 1 tablespoon in ½ gallon water	⅛ cup in ½ gallon water

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