Can You Mix Pine Sol And Bleach?

Last Updated on March 4, 2023

You might have heard about the hazardous effects of mixing some cleaning substances, specifically cleaning agents, due to their toxicity. Pine-Sol and bleach are the most common cleaning solutions and can be found in any household, so you might think to mix them.

But it can be confusing if you are mixing them for the first time and may wonder, should I mix Pine-Sol and bleach? Will it be safe?

The simple answer is no. You should never mix Pine Sol and bleach as their chemical reaction will result in the formation of chlorine gas which is very poisonous. You can severely damage your whole respiratory system after inhaling even a minute amount of it.

To get further details about the effects of mixing these agents and what to do if you have already mixed Pine Sol and bleach, continue reading this post.

Can You Combine Pine Sol And Bleach

When you mix Pine Sol with bleach, the toxic chlorine gas produced ultimately leads to intoxication. You may suddenly get unconscious, and if you inhale it for a longer period, it will kill you.

The Association of Residential Cleaning Services International has highly recommended avoiding mixing bleach and Pine-Sol under any circumstances.

Chlorine gas is highly toxic to mucous membranes and can cause severe allergies.

What Is Pine Sol

Pine-Sol is a cleaning solution extracted from pine oil and is best known for cleaning tough stains. You can easily get rid of grease and soil stains by applying a small quantity of Pine Sol.

The pure form has the following composition:

• 8 to 12% Pine Oil
• 3 to 7% Alkyl Alcohol Ethoxylates
• 1 to 5% Isopropanol
• 1 to 5% Sodium Petroleum Sulfonate.

What Benefits Pine Sol Can Provide

With great cleaning properties, Pine Sol provides several advantages such as,

• It is a disinfectant that kills almost 99.9% of germs, bacteria, and viruses. Even the most dangerous viruses have been killed by it.
• If your soil contains lots of dirt, dried grease, and debris, just a single wipe will clean all surfaces. Using only over white surfaces is recommended as it may cause discoloration.
• You can also wash the toilet bowl with just one or half cups of Pine-Sol.
• Not only floors, but you can also wash multiple surfaces, including sinks, garbage cans, hard floors, bathtubs, and diaper pails with Pine Sol.
• If there is a heavy load in your washer, Pine Sol will act as a deodorizer, but it isn’t compatible with all types of clothes.

What Hazards Can Result After Mixing Pine Sol And Bleach

Pine Sol can cause unconsciousness and even death with intoxication in the respiratory system. It is better to avoid mixing bleach and Pine-Sol to avoid forming chlorine gas with strong fumes.

For safety, you should only use cleaning agents in a well-ventilated area. Using them in confined places such as bathrooms may cause suffocation. You should also avoid mixing bleach or Pine-Sol with Ammonia or other chemicals with high PH value.

What If You Have Already Mixed Pine Sol & Bleach

The best preventive measure is to avoid mixing Pine Sol and bleach in any case, but if somehow you have already mixed them by mistake, you must follow these instructions.

• Keep the cleaners in separate places and do not use different cleaners on a surface which already has a cleaning solution.
• Always wear protective gear and use safety tools while dealing with such chemicals.
• Use plain water to wash the surface where you have applied Pine Sol and bleach solution.
• Keep the windows open, and fans turned on for proper ventilation. 
• Cover your mouth, nose, and other body parts to avoid getting in contact with the gas.
• It is better to stay away from the cleaned area for some time to reduce the high risks of toxicity.

How to Use Pine Sol And Bleach Without Harmful Effects

Follow these steps to prevent the harmful effects of Pine Sol and bleach:

Avoid Mixing Them

Before buying any cleaning solution, make sure you have all the relevant information. Precautions are necessary to avoid bigger risks. We’d suggest always prefer to use both of these separately.

Use Only Diluted Solutions

It doesn’t matter how tough stains are on the surface; you should always dilute these cleaning solutions with water. If they get in touch with your skin, they may cause skin burns or severe allergic reactions.

Do Not Use With Other Cleaners

Other cleaners with similar compositions to Pine Sol or Bleach should never mix. When mixed with other agents, any chemical can start a chemical reaction that can prove deadly for you. Only mild solutions or diluted forms should mix.

Wear Protective Gears

Whether you are using diluted or concentrated solutions of bleach and Pine Sol, always wear safety gear. You should cover your eyes with goggles, hands with gloves, and other body parts in a good way to prevent getting affected.

What Cleaners Can Be Mixed With Bleach

You can only mix water with bleach for safe cleaning results. Any other chemical or cleaning substance can start reacting with bleach and create chlorine gas. You are well aware of its negative effects. There is no logic in mixing bleach with other cleaners as it is one of the most powerful cleaning agents.

What Can You Safely Mix With Pine Sol

The manufacturer of Pine Sol does not recommend mixing it with other solutions. It is also an effective disinfectant that doesn’t need to mix with other cleaning solutions.

You can only add water to it to make a consistent solution and then apply it over different surfaces to get the best cleaning outcomes.

Important Safety Tips For Using Pine Sol

With many precautionary suggestions, here are some additional safety tips you must consider while using Pine Sol.

• It is not safe for you to stay in contact with Pine Sol for a long time. They are functional for hard surfaces, and if they get in touch with delicate skin, you must wash the affected area with water and soap.
• Never use it in closed rooms or areas with minimum ventilation.
• Their bottles are recyclable, but you should not transfer the solution to other bottles not made of tough materials.
• Check for the expiry date before use. Using an expired Pine Sol can enhance dangerous effects ten folds.
• Using it, you can remove stains from clothes but prefer testing it before use.

So, you should never mix Pine Sol and bleach or with any other cleaning solution if you give more preference to health and safety measures.