One Common Cleaner Just Got Added to the EPA’s Coronavirus-Approved List

If you’ve been keeping tabs on EPA-approved household cleaners effective against the coronavirus, you’re probably stocked up on virus-killing essentials like bleach and isopropyl alcohol. Now, six months into the pandemic, you can add another common household cleaner to your toolkit: Pine-Sol.

There are nearly 500 cleaners and chemicals approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to disinfect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. On Sunday, a representative from the EPA told CNN that Pine-Sol had been added to the list after being tested in a third-party lab. According to a press release from Clorox, Pine-Sol’s parent company, the disinfectant can kill the coronavirus within ten minutes of use on hard, nonporous surfaces.

Read more: How Long Can Germs Live on Surfaces at Home?

To effectively stave off SARS-CoV-2, Clorox recommends customers apply full-strength Pine-Sol with a clean sponge or cloth on a hard, nonporous surface, wait ten minutes, and then rinse. If a surface is heavily soiled, don’t neglect pre-cleaning to take care of any dirt or debris before you disinfect. Per CDC recommendations, to lower your risk of contracting COVID-19, it’s a good idea to disinfect any surface that’s come in contact with a sick person (which is even more important during the coming flu and cold season).

Even if you’re not disinfecting high-touch surfaces to protect your household from getting sick, you can use this versatile cleaner on many surfaces, for many purposes (including, of course, infusing your space with that familiar fresh, forestry scent). According to the product description, Pine-Sol Original can kill germs, clean, and deodorize several nonporous surfaces, including floors, sinks, counters, tile, sinks, and stoves. Apparently, it’s also safe to use on finished hardwood, glass, granite, carpet, plastic, linoleum, granite, cement, and ceramic tile! 

Generally, Pine-Sol recommends using ¼ cup of Pine-Sol Original per one gallon of water. No rinsing is required except on rubber or asphalt tile. For tougher jobs (including disinfecting SARS-CoV-2), use full strength and rinse immediately. 

If your goal is to prevent getting sick, Pine-Sol may be a key player in your routine. But for your own health and the health of others, don’t neglect CDC recommendations like mask-wearing, physical distancing, and routine handwashing.