Pine-Sol

FAQs

Find the answers to the most frequently-asked questions about Pine-Sol™ cleaning products — including how and where to use them, which ingredients are inside, and how to save on them.

  • Inside Pine-Sol™ Cleaners

    Only one Pine-Sol product is a disinfectant: Pine-Sol™ Original Pine Multi-Surface Cleaner cleans and disinfects when used as directed, while all other Pine-Sol formulas are cleaners only and do not kill germs.

    Pine-Sol can help remove visible mold and mildew stains from hard, non-porous surfaces by cleaning away buildup, but it is not a dedicated mold killer; for persistent or heavy mold, a product specifically labeled for mold and mildew removal is recommended.

    Pine-Sol is not pH neutral; it is specially formulated to effectively cut through grease and dirt on hard surfaces. Always use as directed and test on an inconspicuous area when cleaning new surfaces.

    Pine-Sol is a multi-surface household cleaner designed to cut through grease, dirt, and odors on hard, non-porous surfaces, with Pine-Sol Original Pine—also providing disinfecting power when used as directed.

    Yes. Original Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner is registered with the EPA as a disinfectant when used as directed full strength. When used according to the instructions on the product, it kills 99.9% of germs and household bacteria on hard, nonporous surfaces. It disinfects against Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus and Influenza A virus (Hong Kong strain). When using the non-concentrated formula, you must use at full-strength. When using the concentrated formula, it disinfects even when diluted — you can either dilute 1 cup of cleaner per ½ gallon of water or use at full-strength.

    Original Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner contains: Water, C10-12 alcohol ethoxylates, sodium secondary C13-18 alkyl sulfonate, fragrance, citric acid, colorant, xanthan gum and preservative. Contains fragrance allergen(s).

    A Pine-Sol Cleaner’s shelf life is one year. After that time, the color might change, but the product will still clean.

    No, Pine-Sol Cleaners do not contain phosphorus.

    Yes, Pine-Sol Cleaner bottles are made of #1 recyclable PET.

    No, Pine-Sol Cleaners do not contain ammonia.

  • How to Use Pine-Sol™ Cleaners

    You can use Pine-Sol cleaners on hard, nonporous surfaces, including floors, sinks, counters, stoves, bathtubs, shower stalls, tile, toilets, garbage cans, diaper pails, patio furniture, decks and concrete surfaces. Just use 1/8 cup per gallon of water. For tough jobs, use full strength and rinse immediately. On wood surfaces, do not allow puddles of product to remain.

    Apply Original Pine-Sol full-strength on hard, nonporous surfaces with a clean sponge or cloth. Wet the surface, let it stand for 10 minutes, and then rinse. Dilution is also effective when using the concentrated formula. Mix 1 cup per ½ gallon of water and apply on hard, nonporous surfaces with a clean sponge or cloth. Allow surface to remain visibly wet for 10 minutes then rinse with water. For heavily soiled surfaces, precleaning is required. To ensure stability, prepare solutions daily. When using the non-concentrated formula, apply the disinfectant product full-strength with a clean sponge or cloth on hard, nonporous surfaces. Wet surface, let stand 10 minutes and then rinse. For heavily soiled surfaces, pre-cleaning to remove excess dirt first is required.

    You can use Pine-Sol cleaners on hard, nonporous surfaces, including floors, sinks, counters, stoves, bathtubs, shower stalls, tile, toilets, garbage cans and diaper pails. Just use ¼ cup per gallon of water. For tough jobs, use full strength and rinse immediately. On wood surfaces, do not allow puddles of product to remain. Pine-Sol is not recommended for use on marble, aluminum, or unsealed, waxed, oiled or visibly worn wood. Here is a chart showing recommended use:

    SurfaceOriginal Pine-SolPine-Sol Scented Cleaners
    Acrylic
    Aluminum
    Bamboo flooring
    Bisque tile/grout
    Brass (polished)
    Brushed nickel
    Cement
    Ceramic tile
    Chrome
    Copper
    Corian
    Enamel
    Formica
    Glass (windows)
    Granite, sealed and unsealed
    Laminate Wood
    Linoleum
    Marble, sealed and unsealed
    Mirror
    Plastic
    Porcelain tile
    Quartz
    Slate
    Stainless Steel
    Vinyl tile
    Wood, sealed/painted/finished

    Yes, you can use Pine-Sol in a spray bottle. Dilute ⅛ cup Pine-Sol in a gallon of water, pour some of the solution a spray bottle to clean hard, nonporous surfaces. Prepare solutions daily.

    It is not recommended to use Pine-Sol for stain removal on fabric/soft surfaces, including carpets.

    For extra cleaning and deodorizing power, add ¼ cup to your load along with regular detergent. Use only on white or colorfast fabrics. Do not use the product full strength directly on fabrics.

    Do not use on marble, aluminum, copper or wood that is unfinished, unsealed, unpainted, waxed, oiled or worn. Do not use or mix with bleach-containing products.

    Pine Sol products were not designed to be used in steam cleaners.

  • Getting and Saving on Pine-Sol™ Cleaners

    Pine-Sol is available at many major retailers, both in-store and online. You can find Pine-Sol at grocery stores, mass retailers, wholesale clubs, and online marketplaces such as https://www.walmart.com/ for convenient purchase options.

    We often have promotions, like coupons or sweepstakes.

  • Pine-Sol™ Cleaner Safety

    Pine-Sol is not recommended for use on marble, aluminum, copper or unfinished, unsealed, unpainted, waxed, oiled or visibly worn wood. Pine-Sol is recommended and safe for wood, tile, stone, porcelain and glass.

    No, Pine-Sol and vinegar should not be mixed. Combining cleaning products can reduce effectiveness and may create unsafe conditions; always use Pine-Sol on its own and follow the label directions for safe, effective cleaning.

    Yes, when used as directed and allowed to dry completely, Pine-Sol is safe on hard, non-porous surfaces. Always follow label instructions and ensure proper ventilation during use.

    Pine-Sol is designed for indoor and outdoor hard-surface cleaning and should not be used on plants or lawns. Avoid runoff onto grass or landscaping and always dispose of cleaning solutions according to label directions.

    We recommend testing a small inconspicuous area before using a Pine-Sol cleaner on any painted surface.

    We do not recommend using Pine-Sol on dishes. It is not approved by the EPA to be used on food-contact surfaces.

    Yes! Pine-Sol is safe to use on wood floors, though it is not recommended for use on unfinished, unsealed, unpainted, waxed, oiled or worn wood.

    We do not recommend mixing any Pine-Sol product with other cleaning products or chemicals. Mixing cleaners can result in the release of hazardous gases.

    All of our products are designed to be safe and meet federal safety regulations when label instructions and cautionary text are followed. As a general rule, you should keep all cleaning products out of reach of children.

    Yes, it is safe to use Pine-Sol on vinyl floors when used as directed.

    All of our products meet federal safety regulations. Please consult label instructions and cautionary text for safe use and handling of the product. For additional safety information, you can look up the safety data sheet for further information. As a general rule, you should keep all cleaning products out of reach of children and pets.

    Yes! Pine-Sol is safe to use all around your home, from your playroom and dining room to your bathroom and kitchen. A list of surfaces that Pine-Sol cleans and how to clean them are here.

    We do not recommend using Pine-Sol to wash a car, as it could damage the car's finish.

  • ORIGINAL PINE-SOL™ DISINFECTING INFORMATION

    Only one Pine-Sol products, Pine-Sol Original Pine Multi-Surface Cleaner, is an antibacterial and disinfects when used as directed. Check the product label to confirm disinfecting claims and required contact time.

    Original Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner is our signature powerful disinfectant killing 99.9% of germs (Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus and Influenza A virus). Our scented Pine-Sol multi-surface cleaners, including Lemon Fresh, Lavender Clean, Refreshing Clean, Cherry Blossom and Tropical Breeze are powerful cleaners and deodorizers that cut through tough grease, grime and dirt, but don’t disinfect.

    Yes. Mix 1 cup of Original Pine-Sol per ½ gallon of water and apply on hard, nonporous surfaces with a clean sponge or cloth. Allow surface to remain visibly wet for 10 minutes then rinse with water. For heavily soiled surfaces, precleaning is required. To ensure stability, prepare solutions daily.

    The Original Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner2 is an EPA-registered disinfectant against Influenza A Virus, Influenza A (H1N1) Virus, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the virus that causes COVID-19 and Norovirus*. For more information on how to help prevent the spread of Norovirus, check out this how-to.

    * tested as Feline Calicivirus

    Disinfecting is complete kill of both bacteria and viruses, while sanitizing is only a reduction of bacteria. Cleaning removes dust, debris and dirt from a surface. Disinfectants are the only products approved by the EPA to kill viruses such as Influenza A Virus, Influenza A (H1N1), Respiratory synsytial virus (RSV) and SARS-Cov-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, on hard surfaces.