What Are the Ingredients in Pine-Sol?
According to The Clorox Company, the manufacturer of Pine-Sol, the ingredients of Original Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner include water, C10-12 alcohol ethoxylates, glycolic acid, fragrance, caramel, dimethicone/silica/PEG distearates, sodium C14-17 secondary alkyl sulfonate and xanthan gum. Ingredients are listed according to their proportions in descending order. Ingredients that make up more than one percent of the product are included.
Water acts as a base. C10-12 alcohol ethoxylates and sodium C14-17 secondary alkyl sulfonate are grease-cutting surfactants, or cleaning agents, used in cleaning products such as laundry detergent. Glycolic acid is used to remove soap scum, discoloration and scale deposits in toilets and bathtubs. Dimethicone/silica/PEG distearates are used mainly as defoamers. Caramel is added to improve the product’s appearance and to let the consumer know if the product is working when it is applied. Xanthan gum is used as a biodegradable thickener.
When used at full strength, Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner is a disinfectant. It is EPA-registered and claims to kill 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria on non-porous surfaces. Pine-Sol should not be used on unsealed or worn wood, aluminum, marble, copper, dishes or cars. According to the Pine-Sol product website, Original Pine-Sol Multi-Surface Cleaner does not contain phosphorus or ammonia but does contain biodegradable ingredients.
