If you’re like me, you probably have a bottle of Pine-Sol under your sink. It’s great for cleaning floors and windows, but did you know that it can also be used in the laundry?
Yes, Pine-Sol actually works as a laundry detergent! It can be used as a booster alongside your detergent to help get rid of tough stains and odors.
Let’s discuss how to use Pine-Sol in the laundry and some of its benefits.
Benefits of Using Pine-Sol in the Laundry
Pine-Sol is a great laundry additive for many reasons, making it a great value and a great choice for your laundry needs. Here are just some of the ways this product can help you get clean, fresh clothes.
It Softens Fabric
One of the main benefits of using Pine-Sol in the laundry is that it helps to soften the fabric. This is especially beneficial if you have items like towels or sheets that are stiff and scratchy. It may also help to reduce static as well in drier months.
It Will Boost Washing Power
Pine-Sol is great to use with clothes that are extremely soiled and can help to boost the cleaning power of your regular detergent. Add Pine-Sol when you’re washing clothes with a lot of dirt, such as sports uniforms, work clothes, or clothing that has been worn while gardening.
It Helps To Reduce Odors
Pine-Sol is also great for getting rid of odors. If you have any clothes that smell like smoke or are musty, adding a bit of Pine-Sol can help to get rid of these odors. It’s also great for getting the smell out of sports clothes and gym shoes!
In addition to making your clothes smell fresher, it can also help get rid of any odors in your washing machine caused by bacteria lurking in the washer’s crevices.
It Helps Remove Grease Stains
One really impressive benefit of using Pine-Sol in your laundry is that it helps to eliminate stains. If you have a grease stain, Pine-Sol can be used as a pre-treatment before washing. Directly apply it to the spot you want to treat and let it sit for about 15 minutes before throwing it in the washing machine.
Many People Enjoy Its Smell
Pine-Sol has a really pleasant smell that many people enjoy. If you’re someone who loves the smell of pine, you’ll love using Pine-Sol in your laundry. It can make you feel as if you’re enveloped in the smell of a pine forest every time you wear your clothes.
Original Pine-Sol is made with real pine essential oils, so you know that you’re getting the real thing, which is better for you and the environment than many other fragrances.
Unfortunately, the company has changed its recipe in recent years, using less essential oil due to market shortages. However, similar to the original Pine-Sol, their new formula has a very similar scent.
Using Pine-Sol in your laundry is really easy. Simply add about half a cup with your detergent or use it as a pre-treatment for tough stains before washing the clothing normally. We recommend
It’s Easy to Find and Affordable
It’s cost-effective. Pine-Sol is much cheaper than most detergents, so if you’re looking to save money on cleaning supplies and still have clean laundry, this might be the perfect solution for you.
It’s also widely available and can be found at most grocery stores, as well as online. This means that no matter where you are, you should be able to find a bottle of Pine-Sol.
How to Do Laundry With Pine-Sol
Now that we know some of the benefits of using Pine-Sol in the laundry, let’s discuss how to use it in your washing machine. It’s a super simple process that won’t add much time or complication to your laundry process.
Spot Treat Any Tough Stains
Firstly, if you have any tough stains that you want to pre-treat, apply Pine-Sol directly to the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes before washing.
Set the Washer According To the Care Label
There isn’t a special washing machine setting that works best with Original Pine-Sol. Simply set your washer to the care label instructions for your fabric type.
Add Regular Detergent
Use whatever detergent you like best and add the amount that is directed on the package. This could be liquid, powder, or pod detergent. They will all work well with the Pine-Sol.
Add Pine-Sol
Next, add about half a cup of Pine-Sol with your regular detergent into the washer. You can increase or decrease this amount slightly depending on the size of your load or the soil level of your laundry.
Start the Washing Machine
Once everything is added, start the washing machine and let it run its course! You can dry or hang your clothing as you normally would.
Does Pine-Sol Work With White or Colorfast Laundry?
Pine-Sol is safe to use with white or colorfast laundry. If you have any concerns, we recommend testing a small patch of fabric first to make sure that there is no adverse reaction.
You can do this by applying a bit of Pine-Sol to an inconspicuous area and letting it sit for 15 minutes. Then, rinse the spot with cold water. If there are no color changes, you’re good to go!
It is important that you do not use Pine-Sol on dry clean only fabrics as it may ruin them. You should also avoid using it on silk, wool, and other delicate fabrics.
How to Remove Pine-Sol From Laundry
If you accidentally use too much Pine-Sol or if there is some left in your washing machine after the cycle is finished, don’t worry! It’s easy to remove.
If you accidentally use too much Pine-Sol in your laundry, we recommend washing it again without any laundry detergent or fabric softener. If possible with your machine, select an extra rinse cycle to make sure you get everything out.
This should remove most of the leftover Pine-Sol. However, if there is still a pine smell when the clothes are dry, wash them once more with regular detergent.
Take note to use less Pine-Sol next time so that your clothes are perfectly clean after the rinse cycle.
Is Pine-Sol Safe to Use?
Pine-Sol is considered safe for use in the laundry and can be used with a variety of fabrics, including cotton and polyester.
However, it’s always best to use it according to package instructions, because using too much could cause damage or discoloration to your clothes.
The original Pine-Sol is listed as an irritant, so don’t let it come in direct contact with your skin for an extended period of time. You also shouldn’t digest it or inhale it, as this could cause harm.
Keep it stored out of reach of children and pets and make sure to use the proper amount when cleaning your clothes to make sure it will fully rinse out. This will prevent any irritation from residue on your laundry.
Other Items In the Cleaning Cupboard That Boost Washing Power
Sometimes you may run out of your preferred washing machine booster, and need to reach into the cleaning cupboard to find a suitable alternative.
Here are three commonly found cleaning products that you can use to boost your laundry.
Fabuloso
Fabuloso works well as an effective laundry booster. It comes in many different scents and is also readily available at most grocery stores as well as online. It’s very affordable and can be used to boost washing power, get rid of tough stains, and add fragrance to your laundry detergent.
Lysol
The Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills 99.9% of bacteria while sanitizing your laundry. Many types of washable fabrics can be cleaned with this product, including gym clothes, undergarments, bedding, baby clothes, towels, and delicates.
Vinegar
Many people are surprised to hear that white vinegar can be used in the washing machine.
It’s a great fabric softener and doesn’t leave any residue on your clothes after they have been washed, unlike some commercial fabric softeners. It helps to deodorize clothing alongside your detergent.
It also helps to get rid of any heavy stains and can be used as a laundry booster. Vinegar is available at most grocery stores in either the cleaning or the baking aisle.
While white vinegar is often used for this purpose, you can also use apple cider vinegar if you prefer the scent. Simply add one cup of vinegar to your wash cycle and let it run its course.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great alternative to commercial laundry boosters. It’s affordable, effective, and can be used on many different types of fabrics.
Baking soda will help to soften your clothes and remove any unwanted smells. It also helps to remove stains and make colors look brighter as well as brighten your whites. To use baking soda as a booster, add one cup to your washing machine during the rinse cycle.
Don’t use vinegar and baking soda together in your laundry load. The two substances neutralize each other since one is acidic and the other is basic.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil comes from a plant native to Australia. It has a very clean, fresh scent that people love and is known for its disinfecting properties. It can also help to deodorize laundry.
Tea tree oil should be added directly to your washer along with your detergent and water. You can add about 15 drops of tea tree oil to your wash cycle to enjoy the benefits it offers in your laundry routine. You’ll be able to reap the antibacterial benefits and enjoy its pleasant smell at the same time.
Final Thoughts
Not only is Pine-Sol an effective laundry booster, but it’s also one of the best household cleaners on the market that can give you a germ-free home.
It’s much safer than chlorine bleach and liquid chlorine disinfectants with many of the same anti-bacterial properties.
Don’t forget to colorfast test an inconspicuous area of one of your garments if you’re new to using Pine-Sol in the laundry. If it passes with flying colors, then go ahead and add it to the rest of your wash.
