Create your own Pine Sol at home (3 easy recipes)

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February 7th, 2024 marks the end of the Pine Sol settlement claim period. This follows a class action lawsuit that raised concerns about the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa - a bacteria known to cause infections in individuals with weakened immune systems - in certain batches of their products.

There has also been a steady upward trend in homemade cleaning alternatives, according to Google Trends - inadvertently fueling an ongoing demand for sustainable cleaning products.

For those who prioritize their health and care about the environment there is an alternative cleaning product right in your backyard: homemade Pine Sol from pine needles.

Clean with nature's disinfectant made from the antibacterial properties of pine needles with this do it yourself method.

Here are three simple recipe options for making DIY Pine Sol. We’ve also included a vinegar free version for folks looking for an alternative base. Natural cleaning products can be just as powerful as chemically laden products so give these recipes a try - your lungs will thank you as will our planet.

Recipes for DIY Pine Sol

Traditional Pine Sol (with pine needles and vinegar)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of white vinegar

• 1/2 cup of pine needles (make sure to rinse and pat them dry)

• 5-10 drops of essential oil  optional (pine, rosemary or lemon)

• Glass jar with a plastic lid

• Cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer

• Spray bottle

Instructions

1. Infuse the Vinegar: place the needles into the glass jar. Pour the vinegar over them until they are fully submerged. Close the lid tightly. Store it in a dark place for at least 2 weeks. Remember to give it a shake every now and then. The longer you let it steep the stronger its scent and cleaning power will be.

2. Strain and Bottle: Once it has steeped enough carefully strain the vinegar through a cheesecloth or a strainer into another jar. Discard the needles.

3. Add Essential Oils (optional): if you'd like to enhance the scent you can add 5-10 drops of your essential oil to the strained vinegar. Start with a few drops then mix well and test the scent. You can gradually add drops until you achieve your desired strength.

4. Dilute and Bottle: combine parts of infused vinegar with water in a spray bottle. Give it a shake before each use.

Quick & Easy Pine Sol (Vinegar Only):

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 10-15 drops essential oil of your choice (pine, rosemary, tea tree, etc.)

• Water

• Spray bottle

Instructions:

Mix and Dilute: Simply add the essential oils to the vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake well to combine. Then dilute with equal parts water. Remember, this option lacks the antibacterial benefits of pine needles but offers a quicker solution.

Vinegar-free pine sol:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Castile soap

• 2 cups warm water

• 10-15 drops essential oil of your choice (lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus, etc.)

• 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol optional (for extra disinfecting power)

• Spray bottle

Instructions:

Add the Castile soap, water and essential oils to a spray bottle. Shake well to combine. The rubbing alcohol is optional but can enhance cleaning power for specific tasks.

Pro-straining tips:

• Double strain for an extra smooth cleaner.

• Use a funnel to transfer the strained vinegar into the spray bottle.

• Label your bottles clearly with the recipe name and date made.

Remember

Always make sure to test your homemade Pine Sol on a small area before using it on larger surfaces. Keep in mind that essential oils are quite potent. Be sure to follow dilution guidelines and practice handling procedures.

To maximize the shelf life of your homemade cleaner store it in a dark place like a cabinet to protect it from direct sunlight. Opting for a glass or stainless steel container will help preserve its quality.

Take this opportunity to squeeze earth based ingredients into your cleaning habits, prioritize your health while also saving money and being environmentally conscious.

Disclaimer: the content of this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare cleaning expert before using any DIY cleaning solutions particularly if you have any concerns regarding allergies, sensitivities or the appropriateness of these solutions for your specific requirements.

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