When I first moved out on my own, Pine-Sol was the only cleaner I used. I used it on the floors, to wipe down counters, and sometimes even filled the sink with it just because I liked the smell.
And while Pinesol undoubtedly cleans hard surfaces very well, that doesn’t automatically make it a disinfectant.
So, is Pinesol a disinfectant? Here’s what you need to know.
Is Pine-Sol a Disinfectant?
Yes, you can use Pine-Sol as a disinfectant. However, to disinfect, you must use it at full strength. For disinfecting purposes, apply Pine-Sol directly on a sponge (undiluted), wipe the surface, allow the Pinesol to sit for ten minutes, and then rinse with clean water.
Using Pine-Sol as instructed can kill viruses and bacteria on nonporous surfaces.
How to Use Pine-Sol to Disinfect Your Floors
For general cleaning, you should add ¼ cup of Pine-Sol to a gallon of water to mop nonporous flooring such as sealed hardwoods, ceramic, porcelain, vinyl, linoleum, and laminate.
Unfortunately, the standard cleaning method does not thoroughly disinfect your floors. To disinfect your floors, you need to mop with undiluted Pine-Sol, let it sit for ten minutes, and then rinse the floors with clean water.
Before doing this, I highly recommend spot testing your floors – especially if they’re hardwood or laminate. Undiluted Pine-Sol could potentially cause an adverse reaction.
How to Use Pine-Sol to Disinfect Your Countertops
Again, to regularly clean countertops, you should dilute your Pine-Sol at ¼ cup to a gallon of water. However, that ratio is not strong enough to kill viruses.
For full disinfecting power, you need to wipe down your counters with full-strength Pine-Sol, allow it to sit for ten minutes, and then wipe away with clean water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pine-Sol Lemon a Disinfectant?
No, the only Pine-Sol cleaner that disinfects is the original formula. But, even then, you must use it at full, undiluted strength to reap the disinfecting benefits.
Is Pine-Sol Lavender a Disinfectant?
No, Pine-Sol lavender is a cleaner and deodorizer, not a disinfectant. The only Pine-Sol product that disinfects is the original formula and only when used at full strength.
Can I use Pine-Sol on Marble Countertops?
You should not use Pine-Sol on marble countertops. Pine-Sol is not safe for any type of porous surface, including marble. Instead, use a cleaner made for natural stone.
Conclusion
If you need a disinfectant and have some Pine-Sol stored away, you can use it to disinfect all of your non-porous surfaces. Simply use the cleaner at full strength, allow it to sit for ten minutes, and then wipe away with a clean, wet cloth.
Pine-Sol is fully approved by the EPA as a disinfectant on most hard surfaces when used correctly.
