Can You Use Pine-SOL on Wood Floors? Is it Safe?

Yes, you can use Pine-Sol® occasionally to remove debris and stains. Pine-Sol is entirely safe for wood floors that have been sealed or finished. However, the product manufacturers recommend not to use it on unsealed or untreated wooden surfaces.

While Pine-Sol may not have any significant adverse effects on the hardwood floor’s surface, the negative effects it has on people, animals, and the environment, might be something you wish to consider.

Is Pine-Sol Good for Hardwood Floors?

Pine-Sol on Hardwood floors
Pine-Sol is still a favorite in many households. When used correctly, Pine-sol is a great cleaning agent that can disinfect your floors while leaving a beautiful shine and pleasant scent.

The Pine-sol Squirt and Mop and the original Pine-sol are safe to use on hardwood floors. Dilute ¼ cup of Pine-Sol original in 1 gallon of water to clean non-porous finished hardwood floors and laminates. However, do not use it on an unfinished wood floor as the residue will get into the pores of the wood and may damage your flooring.

Pine-Sol Original All Purpose Cleaner
Original Pine-Sol for Hardwood Cleaning – Buy from Amazon

What is Pine-Sol?

Pine-Sol® is an effective cleaning solution and disinfectant that has been around since 1929. When you use Pine-Sol correctly and carefully, it is suitable for wood. This cleaner’s makers describe it as an excellent means of removing stubborn debris, dirt, and stains from wooden floors.’

Is Pine Sol Safe For Engineered Hardwood?

Engineered hardwood is very different from solid wood. The compression of heat and pressure is applied to alternating wood layers to make hardwood structurally stronger than solid wood. As a result, it is more challenging to leave scratches and marks on this flooring type.

Pine-Sol is safer to use on engineered hardwood floors than other cleaning products typically used on hardwood floors. Pine-Sol is relatively safer because it is a water-based cleaner. It offers several advantages over hardwood cleaning formulas based on wax, oil, and ammonia.

Can You Use Pine Sol on Laminate Floors?

Luckily, Pine-Sol is a versatile cleaner. You can use it on concrete, ceramic tile, glass, plastic, carpet, granite, and linoleum.

You can use Pine-Sol on all finished wood floors, including laminate. Laminate floors are like hardwood and have special cleaning requirements. Daily cleaning of dirt is a must to stop scratching and staining.

Pine-Sol is an excellent solution for laminate when it is used correctly.

When Should I Avoid Using Pine-Sol?

Pine-Sol is not recommended for unsealed or visibly worn floors or oiled or waxed wood floors. In addition to that, it is also not safe to use on Aluminum, marble, quartz, unpainted kitchen cabinets, wax finished furniture, etc.

How Do I Use Pine-Sol to Clean My Floor?

Hardwood floors can usually look their best with simple regular dry cleaning or vacuuming. However, if your floor is a high-traffic area or becoming a little hazy, you may want to treat it to an intense clean.

Pine-Sol Original (40236) Cleaning

Pine-Sol is very simple to use:

  1. Hoover/Vacuum your surface
  2. Dilute ¼ cup of pine sol in 1 liter of water in a bucket.
  3. Dip a mop in the bucket
  4. Clean the floor in a gentle motion, following the direction of the wood
  5. Make sure you don’t use too much solution
  6. Leave the floor to dry before standing on it

You can use undiluted Pine-Sol on tougher stains but be careful not to use too much or too often as you may cause damage to the floor.

Spray the solution and rub with an old toothbrush or soft sponge. Do not use a sharp material.

Be careful not to leave any excess solution on the floor as this may crack and warp the wooden floor.

Ph. of Pine-Sol.

Is pine sol ph neutral, acid, or base? There have been many versions of Pine-Sol over time. Here is what you need to know –

  • The 2005 version of the original Pine-Sol was acidic (pH 3–4) and could remove bacteria from household surfaces.
  • However, some products now contain bases (pH 10-11).
  • The Original Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner is registered with the EPA as a disinfectant when used at full strength as directed.
  • This new Pine-Sol kills 99.9% of household germs and bacteria on hard surfaces when used correctly.

Is Pine-Sol Bad for My Health?

According to thecleanr, Pine-Sol can be bad for your health.

The main effects are:

  • Irritation of the mucous membrane
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Allergic reaction
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Burning sensation in the eyes and nose

It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean you can’t use Pine-Sol in the house. Many cleaning solutions have health warnings. It simply means that you need to take extra care not to breathe in, swallow or touch the Pine-Sol solution.

Precautions When Using Pine-Sol

  • Wear protection – Make sure you are wearing gloves to stop irritated skin.
  • Concentration- Unless you’re trying to remove stubborn stains, Pine-Sol should be diluted, not used in a concentrated form.
  • Application – Make sure you use a soft sponge, cloth, or mop to avoid damage to the surface.
  • Water retention – Always remove as much standing water as possible, as this may cause stains or water damage to the floor.

How Do I Clean My Hardwood Floor Without Damaging It?

Hardwood floors are very resilient and long-lasting if you take good care of them. It would be best to use a natural hardwood cleaner such as hot water or vinegar or a specially formulated Hardwood Floor Cleaner for extra protection.

Similar to Windex, Pine-Sol is a good option; however, you shouldn’t use it regularly.

Vinegar is superb when it comes to cleaning a surface naturally. Add ½ cup of white vinegar in warm water. Mix it thoroughly and apply to a hardwood surface. Mop gently and repeat twice a week.

Here are a few tips to provide longevity to hardwood floors:

  • Choose a soft-bristled broom.
  • Make sure to keep the surface dry all the time.
  • Avoid coming onto the surface with your shoes on.
  • Ensure minimal activity of pets on hardwood floors.
  • If anything spills by mistake, clean it ASAP using a microfiber cloth.