Pine-sol vs. Lysol

Surface cleaning is a good way to keep your home and environment shiny and free from germs. However, knowing the right cleaning agent that will get the job done can be challenging. Here we want to discuss Pine-sol and Lysol surface cleaners to see how they compare.

Pine-sol is a multi-surface cleaning product that is effective for household and commercial cleaning. It is a concentrated formula with great cleaning power that rids surfaces of dirt, grime, and grease.

Lysol is also as great as Pine-sol. It is a disinfectant that will kill 99 percent of bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold, etc.

The major difference between pine-sol and Lysol is that pine-sol has a longer contact time of 10 minutes than Lysol, which needs only 2 to 5 minutes to work effectively. On a level of similarities, they are both excellent surface cleaners that will take care of your cleaning needs.

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Comparison chart between Pine-sol and Lysol

Differences between Pine-sol and Lysol surface cleaners

The differences between pine-sol and Lysol can be found in their composition, surface recommendation, method of application, liquid volume, scent, and cost. 

Surface Recommendation

Pine-sol and Lysol are excellent surface cleaners, but their effect is felt more when they are used on the recommended surface. Additionally, knowing their surface recommendation will help prevent material damage. 

Pine-sol is recommended to be used on hard and nonporous surfaces such as counters, floors, diaper buckets, trash cans, bathtubs, washrooms, shower stalls, sinks, etc. However, it is not to be used on marble, aluminum, copper, or wood surfaces that are waxed, unsealed, unpainted, unfinished, worn, or oiled.

While Lysol can be used on both hard surfaces, as mentioned above, and some soft surfaces like mattresses and sofas. It is not to be used on soft surfaces like silk, leather, or satin fabrics, and painted wood or acrylic plastic in the case of hard surfaces. 

It is further advised to test both products on an inconspicuous area of the surface you want to clean to know if it is safe for it or not.

Method of application

There is a difference in how to use both products and in how to use each of them for different cleaning jobs. 

Pine-sol is a concentrated disinfectant that can be diluted with water to different strengths or used undiluted for tougher cleaning jobs. Let’s look at its application for different cases.

1. For cleaning wood or similar surfaces, mix 1/4 cup of pine-sol in a gallon of water or use it at full strength for tougher jobs and ensure to rinse immediately. Do not use it at full strength on finished, painted, or sealed wood, no matter how tough the stain is.
2. For cleaning floors, mix 1/4 cup with a gallon of water, then mop and rinse.
3. For toilet bowls, pour 1/2 cup into the bowl and brush rigorously, including under the rim. For laundry, rub in full strength on grease spots or stained areas and wash. Do this only on white or colorfast fabrics.
4. When disinfecting, first, you apply it at full strength on nonporous surfaces, leave it for 10 minutes, and rinse with water. 

On the other hand, Lysol is more user-friendly and does not require dilution with water. It adopts a spray pattern, so always hold the can 6 to 8 inches above the surface. Below are some examples.

1. To deodorize, spray on the surface as much as needed.
2. To sanitize, spray to wet the surface for about 10 seconds and allow it to air dry.
3. To disinfect, the surface must remain wet for 3 to 10 minutes, as the case may be, then allow it to air dry. 
4. To sanitize or disinfect soft surfaces, spray to wet till surface, avoiding saturation, and leave it for 30 seconds to sanitize or ten minutes to disinfect.
5. If you use it on toys or food contact surfaces, ensure to rinse them very well with portable water to prevent poisoning. 

Liquid volume

If both surface cleaners meet up with your needs and you are more concerned about quantity, you should know that pine-sol is larger in quantity, measuring 24oz than Lysol, which measures 19oz.

Scent

The pine-sol will fill the air with the scent of pine. While Lysol will do so with the scent of linen, so it all depends on your personal preference. 

Cost 

The difference in the cost of purchasing both products largely depends on the size and the local store you are purchasing from. However, Lysol comes cheaper for both products at the same size without local store influence.

Similarities between pine-sol and Lysol 

Pine-sol and Lysol share some similarities, which can be seen in their functionality, packaging, storage, and safety.

Functionality 

Pine-sol and Lysol are both very functional. They both carry out sanitizing, deodorizing, and disinfecting functions. 

Packaging 

They are both packaged in a biodegradable, reusable plastic container, making them eco-friendly.

Safety

Are they both safe to use? the answer is yes; pine-sol and Lysol are both certified by EPA and USDA and will not cause any damage as long as you use them the right way and do not mix them with other sanitizers like bleach in an attempt to increase sanitizing power. Instead, you will end up creating a toxic and harmful substance.

Storage 

Both surface cleaners are recommended to be stored in a cool, dry place out of children’s reach.

Conclusion

With the details provided above, choosing between pine-sol and Lysol should be an easy task. They are both effective surface cleaners, and if you carefully follow the comparison above, you won’t go wrong with any decision you make. 

A quick reminder that pine-sol is a multi-purpose surface cleaner that is suitable for household and commercial cleaning. Its main strength is sanitizing, so pine-sol will get the job done if you are constantly fighting with grime and grease stains. Lysol also will handle your sanitizing needs but focuses more on killing bacteria, fungi, viruses, and even covid. This makes it a better option for homes with kids who are prone to germs.