7 Brilliant Ways to Use Pine

Did you know that Pine-Sol has Southern roots? Chemist Harry A. Cole invented the product during the Great Depression while trying to make the most of the natural resources around him, as he was surrounded by miles of pine forest near Jackson, Mississippi. Cole knew that pine oil was a natural disinfectant and deodorizer, and he created the now-iconic all-purpose cleaner in 1929 with elements from his own backyard. The rest is history.

Caitlin Bensel

While Pine-Sol no longer contains pine oil, its legacy lives on as the best-selling all-purpose cleaning product on Amazon, refreshing everything from countertops and appliances to showers, tubs, and sinks. However, the full spectrum of uses for this popular cleaning product have likely been untapped in your home. Discover seven brilliant ways to use Pine-Sol that just may change your life.

Yep, Pine-Sol isn't just great for cleaning your washer and dryer but for your actual clothes, too. The product is safe for most fabrics, such as cotton and polyester, but you’ll want to avoid using it on delicates and dry clean-only pieces. Simply add a 1/2 cup of the product with your laundry detergent into the washer to boost its cleaning power. Pine-Sol can get rid of tough stains and smells such as grease and unpleasant odors on athletic gear for clothing that seems good as new.

Our hairbrushes are not one of the first things that come to mind when it comes to deep cleaning needs but between grease, built-up hair products, and any recent lice or dandruff outbreaks in the home, they are in desperate need of freshening up.

About a Mom advises first removing all trapped hair (you may need scissors or tweezers), then placing your brush in a bowl of 3:1 hot water and Pine-Sol. Soak for 2-3 minutes then use a toothbrush to clean up the bristles until fully clean. Rinse in clean water and let your brush dry on a towel.

This DIY pest repellant should be a staple in the Southern home. Pour equal parts water and Pine-Sol in a spray bottle to spritz on outdoor furniture, the deck, and indoor areas where flies are most likely to flock to, such as kitchen countertops. Upstairs Downstairs Cleaning says that you can use full-strength Pine-Sol as an insecticide or a 4:1 Pine-Sol to water solution spray for staving off wasps and other stinging insects—just steer clear of honeybees!

Even your trash cans can use a refresh from time to time, but before you roll your eyes, know that it will take seconds to get them good as new. Pine-Sol advises wiping your vessel inside and out with a little of the product on a cloth or paper towel and rinsing with water to get them back in shape. Bonus: It will keep pesky critters like raccoons away, as Pine-Sol is an effective pest repellant.

A major deep clean is typically top-of-mind when the flu has swept through your home, and Pine-Sol has the ability to halt the spread. Stop the flu and other unwanted germs in their tracks with a bit of this powerful disinfectant by applying it to hard, nonporous surfaces (think: countertops and doorknobs) and letting it stand for 10 minutes.

While we appreciate our kiddos’ creativity, it doesn't exactly need to be displayed on the walls of the dining room. Use Pine-Sol to remove original artworks, plus sticky handprints by making a 1:4 solution of Pine-Sol and water and wiping down the walls with the mixture before wiping them off with water. Make sure to dry the wall to prevent streaking.

This one's not just for the home but also for schools, churches, daycares, and more. Pine-Sol can be used on plastic toys, home decor, and yard ornaments to clean and disinfect. Dilute ⅛ cup of Pine-Sol in a half-gallon of water and wipe down the surfaces with the mixture. You may need to soak extra-grimy pieces for several minutes or use a toothbrush to remove tougher stains. Be sure to dry everything off before use.