For nearly a century, Pine-Sol has been a household name. Founded in 1929, the formula was developed by a chemist who leveraged the disinfectant and deodorizing properties found in pine oil. Most people grew up seeing the recognizable bottle under the kitchen sink. And while many longtime, classic cleaners have disappeared over the years, Pine-Sol is still as popular as ever. You likely already know it works on floors and countertops, but you might not realize it has a variety of uses around the house.

If you read the bottle’s fine print, you'll see that Pine-Sol is formulated to cut grease, deodorize, and remove 99% of household allergens. Its formula is powerful enough to tackle grimy kitchen cabinets but also gentle enough for regular surface wipe-downs, making it a workhorse in places you probably haven’t even tried it in. Below are eight unexpected things that can benefit from Pine-Sol's power.

7 Things to Clean with Windex (Besides Windows!)

Before You Begin: Pine-Sol Safety Basics

Like any household cleaner, Pine-Sol works best when used correctly. Never mix it with other cleaners (especially anything containing bleach or ammonia) as dangerous fumes can form. It’s also intended for hard, nonporous surfaces, so avoid using it on unsealed stone, unfinished wood, or directly on fabrics (surprisingly, it can be used in the laundry, but we’ll get to that!). Keep the area you’re working in well-ventilated, wear gloves if you have sensitive skin, and keep pets and kids away from freshly cleaned surfaces until they’re dry. A quick spot test on new-to-you areas is always wise!

6 Cleaning Product Mistakes Experts Warn Could Put Your Home at Risk

Pine-Sol is not safe for use on surfaces that come into contact with food, so do not use it when washing dishes. For everything else, most jobs require a diluted solution, so check the label for the best ratios.

Manolo Langis

1. Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts

Cabinets are magnets for fingerprints, oils, and everyday gunk. In the kitchen, airborne grease settles on surfaces and, over time, attracts dust. Pine-Sol’s grease-cutting properties help dissolve that sticky film without leaving streaks. Dilute a small amount of Pine-Sol with warm water, dampen a microfiber cloth with the solution, and wipe down doors and drawer fronts. You may need to rinse the cloth and repeat, but the result is a smooth, sparkling-clean surface!

How to Degrease Kitchen Cabinets in Just 3 Simple Steps

2. Range Hoods and Backsplashes

As with cabinets, range hoods and backsplashes are grease magnets, and most people don’t realize how dirty they are until they run a finger along them. A Pine-Sol solution can cut through that residue better than basic dish soap. Wipe everything down, rinse, and buff dry with a microfiber cloth to make it shine. Note that you should not use Pine-Sol on backsplashes made of copper, aluminum, or marble.

Note that you should not use Pine-Sol on backsplashes made of copper, aluminum, or marble.

6 Quick Ways to Get Rid of Grease on Your Range Hood (Without Chemicals!)

3. Baseboards and Door Frames

Baseboards are subject to dust and shoe scuffs, while door frames deal with fingerprints and random smudges, especially if you have kids in the house. Take a rag dipped in diluted Pine-Sol and run it along both, cutting through dirt and deodorizing as you go.

9 Simple Tricks to Get Your Baseboards Looking Like New

4. Vinyl Floors and Rubber Mats

While most people already know you can use Pine-Sol on sealed wood or tile floors, few think to use it on vinyl floors or rubber mats. That includes entryway mats, basement workout mats, or even rubber-backed kitchen runners. Start by mixing 1/4 cup Pine-Sol with 1 gallon of water in a bucket, then dip a cloth or soft-bristled brush and scrub surfaces. Avoid soaking anything with a foam core, but for solid vinyl or rubber, this works exceptionally well. It removes grime without leaving residue, unlike other cleaners.

I Tested 12 Vinyl Plank Floor Samples—This Pick Deserves a Spot in Your Home

5. Trash Cans and Recycling Bins

Even with a bag lining the inside of the can, residue always makes its way to the bottom or splashes up the sides. Recycling bins can get even funkier thanks to sticky bottles or cans that weren’t rinsed thoroughly. To clean the bins again, take them outside, fill them with a Pine-Sol and warm water solution, let them sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush. Rinse well and leave it in the sun to dry. This task won’t just get them clean; it will also help with any lingering odors from those leftovers you never revisited.

How to Clean Outdoor Garbage Cans to Get Rid of Smells and Messes

6. Bathroom Storage Containers

You likely have a variety of trays, caddies, and containers in your bathroom to organize your skincare, hair tools, makeup, and other beauty products. And so, you’re probably familiar with the fact that they quickly collect spills from toothpaste, serums, and the like. If the containers are acrylic or plastic, you can use Pine-Sol to restore their shine and remove gunk that regular soap can’t break down as easily. Just make sure to rinse them well afterward so no residue lingers.

How to Clean Outdoor Furniture for a Total Seasonal Refresh

Paul Dyer

7. Garage Surfaces

Garages are often the most neglected rooms in the home when it comes to cleaning, which is ironic since they handle some of the messiest tasks. Workbenches, tool cabinets, and shelving units collect motor oil residue, sawdust, and dirt. However, a diluted solution of Pine-Sol can help remove grime and cut through greasy fingerprints on those hard, sealed surfaces. (Remember to avoid using it on anything unfinished or porous, like untreated plywood, as well as on sealed concrete floors, as it can cause discoloration over time.)

8. In the Laundry Room

Your washer and dryer might look clean, but liquid detergents and fabric softeners can leave sticky residue along their exteriors. Pine-Sol removes that grime without scratching the appliances. Just apply with a damp microfiber cloth, avoiding soaking the control panels. If you want to give the inside of your washer a good scrubbing, add up to half a cup of Pine-Sol (use less if your machine is high-efficiency) to the empty drum and run a hot wash cycle. This not only cleans and deodorizes, but also helps remove mineral deposit buildup. Lastly, Pine-Sol can also be used as a laundry booster. Add 1/4 cup to a load of white or colorfast items only (and avoid using on delicate fabrics).