Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner is a commercial cleaning agent that’s commonly used to clean and sanitize various hardy and nonporous surfaces. These surfaces include sinks, toilet bowls, and floors (hardwood vinyl linoleum). But did you know that you can also use this product to effectively clean and disinfect your soft and cozy carpet?
Pine-Sol is an effective Multi-Surface Cleaner that can eliminate stubborn spot stains on your carpets. Get the microfiber cloth, test the cleaner on the surface before embarking on a cleaning mission. Spray the cleaner and allow it to sit for about 10-20 min before rinsing it off.
Read on to find out how to use Pine-Sol to get rid of dirt, grime, stains, and odors on carpet fibers.
Table of Contents
- Can you use Pine Sol to clean carpets?
- How to Clean a Carpet using Pine Sol
- Gather the Items you’ll need
- Wear the necessary Protective Clothing
- Test out the Product
- Clean the Carpet using Pine-Sol Cleaning Agent
- Can you use Pine-Sol in a Carpet Cleaner Machine
- Pros and Cons of using Pine Sol on Carpets
- Advantage #1: Non-Toxic, Biodegradable Cleaning Agent
- Advantage #2: An effective Cleaning Agent
- Advantage #3: Deodorizes the Carpet
- Disadvantage #1: Not meant for use alongside other Cleaners
- Disadvantage #2: Can cause Skin and Eye Irritation
- How to get Pine-Sol out of Carpet
- References
Can you use Pine Sol to clean carpets?
Pine-Sol Original Multi-Surface Cleaner can effectively eliminate stubborn spot stains on carpets. This multi-purpose commercial cleaning agent will not only get rid of dirt particles tucked away deep in your carpet fibers, but will also disinfect the carpet by killing disease-carrying bacteria and viruses present within the carpeting.

Apart from its cleaning and sanitizing capabilities, Pine-Sol Multi-Purpose Cleaner also works to deodorize your carpeting. It’s available in a number of fragrances. These include original pine, lavender clean, lemon fresh, tropical flower, and sparkling wave.
Scented Pine-Sol products are especially great to get rid of pet urine smell from carpets if you keep cats or dogs. However, Pine-Sol’s website doesn’t recommend the use of these scented versions on carpets as they leave a lingering scent that may be uncomfortable to some homeowners.
Pine-Sol cleaning agent doesn’t contain any ammonia-based ingredients, thus won’t cause your carpet to fade. It also doesn’t emit any hazardous fumes, and should, therefore, not be a health concern.
How to Clean a Carpet using Pine Sol
To effectively clean up your carpet or area rug using Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner, follow the triple-step procedure detailed below:

Gather the Items you’ll need
For starters, collect all the supplies that you’ll require to properly clean and disinfect your carpet using Pine-Sol. These include Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner, dry wipes/microfiber clothing, and water. You may have some of these supplies readily available at homes, such as water and dry wipes. If not, you’ll have to purchase them from your local store.
Wear the necessary Protective Clothing
While Pine-Sol isn’t toxic/doesn’t emit any hazardous fumes, it can trigger skin and eye irritation upon prolonged exposure. Therefore, you should ensure to wear the recommended protective apparel when using this chemical cleaning agent to tidy up and sanitize your carpet.
Test out the Product
Before using Pine-Sol Multi-Purpose Cleaning agent on your precious carpeting, check to ensure that the carpet is colorfast. This means that the carpet fabric won’t fade or run when a chemical cleaning agent is applied to it.
To test whether your carpet is colorfast, apply the Pine-Sol cleaning agent directly onto a small, concealed section of the carpet. An ideal spot would be the part of the carpet that goes under your furniture.
Clean the Carpet using Pine-Sol Cleaning Agent
Next, locate the stained spots on your carpeting and apply the Pine-Sol cleaner. To effectively eliminate carpet stains plus the unbearable odor of pet urine from your Pine-Sol carpet:
- Spray the commercial cleaner directly onto the affected surface and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. After the waiting time elapses, rinse off any residual Pine-Sol cleaning agent from the carpet fibers using an old rag/microfiber cloth drenched in clean, warm water.
- Alternatively, you can apply the cleaning agent onto a dry piece of microfiber clothing before repeatedly wiping the pet urine stains using the piece of cloth. Once done, dry out the carpet using dry wipes or a dry piece of old clothing.
Remember, apart from pet urine smells, you can also use this multi-purpose cleaner to get rid of vomit smells and cigarette nicotine odors as well. Pine-Sol cleaning agents, whether the original or scented versions, all have a variety of fragrant ingredients whose odors will mask those of the aforementioned substances.
Read Also: Is Pine Sol Good for Hardwood Floors?
Can you use Pine-Sol in a Carpet Cleaner Machine
According to the product manufacturer’s website, Pine-Sol Multi-purpose Cleaner isn’t formulated for use in steam cleaners. As such, this product should be directly applied to your carpeting or using a microfiber cloth. If you prefer using a carpet cleaning machine/carpet shampooer, use commercial cleaners that are formulated for use on such cleaners.
Read More: Dog Urine Soaked Into Hardwood Floor: Remove and Signs of Damage

Pros and Cons of using Pine Sol on Carpets
Despite being an ultra-efficient carpet and rug cleaner, Pine-Sol has its downsides, just like any other product you can think of. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of cleaning and sanitizing your carpeting using a Pine-Sol Multi-Purpose Surface Cleaner.
Advantage #1: Non-Toxic, Biodegradable Cleaning Agent
Unlike most other commercial cleaners that contain reactive ingredients that release hazardous gases into the environment, Pine-Sol doesn’t emit any known toxic fumes. As such, it’s considered safe for use on carpeting. What’s more, all the ingredients used to make Pine-Sol cleaners are biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly carpet cleaning solution.
Advantage #2: An effective Cleaning Agent
Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner is sufficiently laden with EPA-approved cleaning agents and surfactants such as Propylheptyl ethers and Alcohol ethoxylates. These ingredients work to lift out stubborn dirt, grime, and greasy stains from your carpet fabric, while also killing up to 99.9% of microbes.
Advantage #3: Deodorizes the Carpet
Pine-Sol is formulated with various fragrances including limonene and Hexyl Cinnamal. These fragrances work to improve the smell of your carpet, while also downplaying any unwanted odors like nicotine and pet urine smells.
Disadvantage #1: Not meant for use alongside other Cleaners
It’s not advisable to use Pine-Sol carpet cleaner alongside other carpet cleaning solutions, whether commercial or homemade. That’s because there’s a possibility of the ingredients in the Pine-Sol reacting with the chemicals in the secondary cleaners to emit toxic gases into the atmosphere.
Disadvantage #2: Can cause Skin and Eye Irritation
Prolonged exposure to Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner may lead to skin and eye irritation. That’s why you should wear long-sleeved coveralls and hand-gloves when handling this cleaning agent. Overexposure to Pine-Sol for extended periods can be a problem especially for people prone to allergic reactions. Wash off your skin and eyes with plenty of water immediately, before seeking further medical attention.
How to get Pine-Sol out of Carpet
The Pine-Sol carpet cleaner is safe for use in surface areas with humans and pets. However, some homeowners simply don’t like the residual smell that lingers in their rooms after using this multi-purpose cleaner on their carpets. Additionally, some of the fragrances that give Pine-sol products their odor may cause allergic reactions (due to limonene and Hexyl Cinnamal-known allergens).
Finally, it could be that your carpet isn’t colorfast, and using Pine-Sol on it has caused discoloration in certain spots. Cleaning agents build-up can also cause Sticky Floors after Mopping.
As such, you may be keen to get rid of the lingering scent of Pine-Sol after using it to clean your carpet. You can easily do this using water and a spot lifter. Simply flush the carpet or area rug with water. Then, use the spot lifter to get rid of the water plus the residual Pine-Sol.
References
- Pinesol: Facts about pinesol FAQS
- Can You Use Pine Sol to Clean Laminate Floors?
- Can You Use Pine Sol for Vinyl Plank Flooring?
FAQs
Is it OK to use Pine-Sol on carpet? ›
Give Original Pine-Sol a try to help clean carpet stains and more. Rub in a splash of Original Pine-Sol® where needed. You can spot-treat grease or heavy dirt marks, or use all-around for a refresh. If you're not sure your carpet is colorfast, be sure to test an inconspicuous area first.
What surfaces should you not use Pine-Sol on? ›Pine-Sol® is not recommended for use on marble, aluminum, or unsealed, waxed, oiled or visibly worn wood.
Can you put Pine-Sol in Bissell carpet cleaner? ›see less Yes. Bissell will tell you no, because they want you to buy their stuff. But it is fairly pricey and I've found virtually no difference in cleaning between Bissell's stuff, Pine-Sol, Fabuloso or any other multi-surface stuff you'd use normally to mop with. The only thing to be mindful of is the concentrations.
What should you not put in a carpet cleaner? ›- Bleach. While bleach is a go-to for getting stains out of your white T-shirt, this is one of the major don'ts for carpet. ...
- White Wine. ...
- Laundry Detergent. ...
- Abrasive Cleaners. ...
- Dish Soap.
In order to disinfect against viruses and bacteria, you must use Original Pine-Sol® Multi-Surface Cleaner at full strength (in its concentrated form). 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.
What can I use to clean my carpet? ›- Steam Vapor. ...
- Water + Vinegar + Salt. ...
- Baking Soda + Vinegar + Water. ...
- Salt + Borax + Vinegar. ...
- Baking Soda + Cornstarch + Cornmeal + Borax. ...
- Pristine Pet Stain & Odor Remover. ...
- Dr.
Luckily, flies don't like the smell (mosquitoes don't either), which makes this a great DIY solution for getting rid of those bugs. Figure out how much liquid your spray bottle will hold. Then, create a 50/50 mixture by combining 1 part original scent Pine-Sol with 1 water. THAT'S IT!
Can you use Pine-Sol on any floor? ›It's safe for wood and hard, nonporous surfaces. You can apply it to the floor directly from the bottle. For more information about the Pine-Sol® lineup of products, visit our FAQs page.
Does Pine-Sol leave a residue? ›Pine-Sol All Purpose Cleaner is safe to use on most hard non-porous surfaces including finished hardwood, ceramic tile, linoleum, plastic, and leaves no sticky residue. With the power of Pine-Sol on your side, you only have to clean once to get the job done right.
What liquid can I use in a BISSELL carpet cleaner? ›For maximum cleaning results, BISSELL does not recommend using cleaning products other than BISSELL specified in the Big Green. BISSELL formulas are specially formulated with more “active” ingredients, contain no dyes and are designed for use in the BISSELL Big Green.
What can I use instead of carpet cleaner in a BISSELL? ›
For synthetic carpets: Mix ¼ teaspoon of a translucent liquid dishwashing detergent, such as Dawn or Joy, into one cup of lukewarm water. For natural fiber carpets: Mix one teaspoon of translucent liquid dishwashing detergent, such as Dawn or Joy, into 1 cup of lukewarm water.
Can I use Dawn to wash my carpet? ›You can try a mixture of white vinegar, Dawn dish soap, and water in a spray bottle. Use 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 tbsp. of Dawn dish soap, and fill with water. Spray area liberally and let soak for 5-10 minutes and then proceed with blotting with a clean, dry towel until stain is removed.
What are the three 3 most common ways to clean carpet? ›- Encapsulation. Encapsulation cleaning is one of the newer commonly-used methods, and needs no water to work. ...
- Steam cleaning. Steam cleaning (or hot water extraction) is a very common method of cleaning carpets. ...
- Carpet dry cleaning. ...
- Bonnet cleaning.
It's a simple ratio of about one part dish soap and one part hydrogen peroxide (say, a tablespoon or so of each) to four parts vinegar. She pours all three into the carpet shampooer, filling it the rest of the way with warm water, then uses the machine as she normally would.
What is the safest carpet cleaning method? ›Steam cleaning is also known as deep cleaning. That's because it is the only carpet cleaning method known to remove at least 97 percent of dirt and bacteria from carpeting. It is also the only method that reaches all the way down to the lowest layer, or “pile”, of your carpeting to clean it thoroughly.
Do you need to mix Pine-Sol with water? ›Steps For An Expert Clean
Pine-Sol cleans all kinds of counter tops and surfaces while disinfecting. Dilute ¼ cup of Pine-Sol® in one gallon of warm water. Dip a sponge in the mixture to wipe grease and grime away. Or for everyday mess control, keep the Pine-Sol® mixture in a spray bottle for quick cleaning spritzes.
Wipe down the toilet tank, lid, seat cover and outside of the bowl, reapplying more cleaner as needed. Rinse each surface with water. Splash Pine-Sol® into the toilet bowl and hit every crevice with your trusty toilet brush. Let it sit for a few minutes and flush.
Can you pour Pine-Sol down the drain? ›If you're pressed for time, simply sponge down the sink with Pine-Sol® full strength. You can even splash a bit down the drain to refresh your garbage disposal with your favorite Pine-Sol® scent.
What is the cheapest way to deep clean carpet? ›Natural & Cheapest Way to Clean Carpet At Home!
You can take a stiff brush, spray bottle, detergent, table salt, or some baking soda and dry towels. Add some soap and water solution to a spray bottle. Sprinkle baking soda or salt on the stained areas and spry the water soap mixture on the same area.
Refresh and disinfect the fibers of your carpet without renting a steam cleaner with the help of a simple homemade solution and a scrub brush. In a bowl or small bucket, mix one part white vinegar with three parts water. Dip the bristles of the scrub brush into the solution and rub them into the carpet.
How do you deep clean carpet like a professional? ›
Combine half a cup of baking soda with ten drops of your favorite essential oil. Sprinkle over your carpet, leave on for at least ten minutes, and then slowly vacuum over the area for a speedy refresh.
Does Pine-Sol attract ants? ›Ants are looking for food and will accept just about any crumb that they encounter as a food source. Wipe everything down with Pine Sol. For some reason, the ants hate the scent.
Do rodents like Pine-Sol? ›Some of the other common rodents include squirrels, hamsters, gophers, and others. Does Pine Sol deter rodents? As will most cleaners, Pine-Sol contains properties that may deter rodents and other types of pests; however, this is not a viable solution as a pest control measure.
How can I make my house smell like Pine-Sol all the time? ›Head to the closest discount store or junk closet and grab a small, pretty glass bottle or bowl. Buy a set of diffuser reeds. Pour your favorite Pine-Sol® scent into your bottle, then add the reeds. ... Enjoy the fresh clean scent throughout your house from your pretty new diffuser!
Is Pine-Sol good floor cleaner? ›Pine-Sol All-Purpose Original Pine Cleaner
It cleans grime, kills germs, and leaves a fresh pine scent that's subtle and not too overpowering. It works on most hard, nonporous surfaces inside and outside of your home, including sealed hardwood floors and stainless-steel appliances.
Mix 1/4 cup of Pine-Sol® Multi-Surface Cleaner with one gallon of warm water. Mop your floor with the mixture. But, first wring out the mop so it's just damp, not soaking wet. Also, try not to let liquid pool on the floor, which can warp it and cause streaks.
Is Pine-Sol The best floor cleaner? ›But if your wood floor is in a high-traffic area, such as a kitchen, it may sometimes require a more concerted cleaning effort. Pine-Sol is an effective cleaner as well as a deodorizer and disinfectant that has been around since 1929, and is suitable for wood if used properly.
How do you deodorize with Pine-Sol? ›- General Cleaning and Deodorizing: Use ¼ cup per gallon of water. ...
- Disinfecting: Apply disinfectant product with a clean sponge or cloth, full-strength on hard, nonporous surfaces. ...
- Laundry: Rub in full-strength on grease spots or heavily soiled areas before washing.
The best thing you can use to clean your floors is cold water and vinegar. Cleaning vinegar is safe for all floors (except marble or stone floors). It helps keep them clean, prevents them from getting sticky, and kills any bacteria harboring there.
Why do people put Pine-Sol in their laundry? ›When used in the wash Pine-Sol helps deodorize, and soften clothing, towels, etc. It is also ideal for grease stains. You can rub it on the stain, and add it to the wash in general.
Can I use Dawn in my Bissell carpet cleaner? ›
There are times when we run out of stock for our cleaning solutions or homemade carpet cleaning solutions. But you don't have to worry as you can easily use laundry detergent as a carpet cleaner.
What is the best homemade carpet cleaning solution for machines? ›~DIY carpet cleaner for machines~ I just made a gallon of this carpet cleaner. Add 1/4 cup vinegar, 4 tbsp dish soap, 4 tbsp softener and 1/4 cup peroxide in a measuring cup. Stir it. Then add it to an almost full gallon of warm water.
What is the best homemade carpet stain remover? ›For those times when you need a little more stain fighting power, add baking soda to dish washing liquid, white vinegar, and warm water. Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and you're ready to go. Or, try this combination of white vinegar, salt, and lavender scented essential oil to clean stains and deodorize.
Can I put laundry detergent in my carpet shampooer? ›Laundry Detergents aren't Formulated for Carpet Cleaning
Cleaning solutions are specifically formulated to clean and not damage the machines they're used in and the material they're treating. Laundry soap is designed to be used in washing machines to clean clothing.
Fabuloso is a multi-purpose cleaner that can be used to clean many different surfaces, including carpets. It can help to lift stains and remove odors while removing dust and dirt from your carpet fibers. Simply mix Fabuloso with water and apply it to the affected area.
How do you make homemade carpet cleaner? ›In a spray bottle, mix one cup of distilled water, one cup of distilled white vinegar, and one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Shake well to mix and label the bottle.
Does hydrogen peroxide clean carpet? ›Hydrogen peroxide has many uses, but it is most commonly known as a disinfectant or bleaching agent. When used on carpets and rugs, it can help to remove stains and dirt.
Will vinegar clean carpet? ›Vinegar removes odors and loosens many food stains from carpet fibers. For cleaning and deodorizing, mix equal parts vinegar and water, then spray the solution onto the stain.
What soap is safe for carpet? ›Instructions. Mix clear dish soap with warm water in a small bucket. If the stain is fresh, use a rag or a paper towel to blot up (don't rub, which can press the stain deeper into the fibers of your carpet) as much excess liquid as possible. Pour the soap and water mixture onto the stain.
How do I make my carpet look new? ›Baking soda is the go-to solution for bringing your carpet back to life. Not only does it clean, it also kills bacteria, refreshes the pile and removes odours. Apply plenty of baking soda to completely cover your carpet then use a stiff brush to work it in, rubbing it in different directions.
What is the most effective method for cleaning badly soiled carpet? ›
Baking soda is an excellent choice for cleaning heavily soiled carpet, as it absorbs mud, grease, and other unsightly residues. To use baking soda over your entire carpet, sprinkle it heavily along the surface and then grind or push it into the fibers using a fresh, dry sponge mop.
What kind of carpet cleaning is best? ›Steam cleaning works best for the removal of ingrained dirt and deep stains, and doesn't leave any residue or odors in your carpeting. Especially if you have pets, this is the best method for getting smelly stains out.
Can you use Pine Sol on carpet? ›Give Original Pine-Sol a try to help clean carpet stains and more. Rub in a splash of Original Pine-Sol® where needed. You can spot-treat grease or heavy dirt marks, or use all-around for a refresh. If you're not sure your carpet is colorfast, be sure to test an inconspicuous area first.
What can I put in my carpet cleaner to make it smell good? ›Mix ½ cup of baking soda with 30 drops of essential oil. Pour this mixture into something that resembles an old spice container (any mixing container that has holes in the lid will work). Let the mixture sit overnight for 24 hours. Sprinkle the mixture lightly over the carpet.
Does sprinkling baking soda on carpet clean it? ›You can use baking soda (aka bicarbonate of soda) to clean and deodorize all kinds of carpet and area rugs, but the method used depends on whether the stain is grease-based (think pizza, oil, mayonnaise) or non-greasy (like mud, wine, blood). In all cases, the process starts by sprinkling baking soda over the stain.
What disinfectant is safe for carpet? ›Disinfect Your Carpet
White vinegar is a natural way to disinfect your carpets, and it's a simple and cost-effective process. Simply pour white vinegar into a spray bottle, mist it over the carpet and let it sit overnight.
May cause irritation of respiratory tract. Causes serious eye irritation.
How do you disinfect a carpeted floor? ›Clear off any furniture from the area that you want to sanitize. Mix a solution of 3/4 cup (180 mL) of chlorine bleach and 1 gallon (3.8 L) water in a clean bucket, then use a clean cloth to apply it over the carpet. Let the mixture sit on the carpet for five minutes before wiping it with paper towels or rags.
How can I disinfect my carpet without washing it? ›Disinfect your carpet with vinegar and water
Take a spray bottle and fill it with a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water. Then simply spray this solution on your carpet and you're ready to go (a light spray is enough, don't soak the carpet).
Cover the wet area with baking soda, then let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the excess moisture you were unable to remove with the paper towels. Vacuum up as much of the baking soda as possible to further remove vomit on carpet. A wet/dry vac or carpet shampooer can make this task much easier – and more effective.
Why is Pine-Sol being recalled 2022? ›
Oct. 27, 2022 – Eight varieties of Pine-Sol products sold at major retailers nationwide are being recalled because they may contain dangerous bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
What are the warnings for Pine-Sol? ›WARNING: EYE AND -or- & SKIN IRRITANT. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS: HAZARDS TO HUMANS & DOMESTIC ANIMALS WARNtNG: EYE & SKIN IRRITANT. Do not get In eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling.
Does Pine-Sol remove odors? ›It gets rid of all the dirt, sweat and smells. They actually notice how clean their clothes look and smell!