Chemist Harry A. Cole invented Pine-Sol during the Great Depression while trying to make the most of the natural resources around him in Jackson, Mississippi. Surrounded by miles of pine forest, Cole knew that pine oil was a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. He created the now-iconic all-purpose cleaner in 1929 using elements from his backyard. The rest is history.
 

While Pine-Sol no longer contains pine oil, its legacy lives on as the best-selling all-purpose cleaning product on Amazon. It refreshes everything from countertops and appliances to showers, tubs, and sinks. However, you may not be using this popular cleaning product to its full potential. Here are eight brilliant ways to use Pine-Sol that just may change your life:
 

1. Achieve fresher, cleaner, and better-smelling laundry. Pine-Sol isn't just great for cleaning your washer and dryer, but for your clothes too. It's safe for most fabrics like cotton and polyester, but avoid using it on delicates and dry clean-only items. Add 1/2 cup of Pine-Sol with your laundry detergent to boost cleaning power. It can remove tough stains and odors, even from athletic gear.
    

2. Get gunk off of hairbrushes. Remove all trapped hair, then soak your brush in a 3:1 mixture of hot water and Pine-Sol for 2-3 minutes. Use a toothbrush to clean the bristles, then rinse and dry.
    

3. Create a fly and wasp repellent. Mix equal parts water and Pine-Sol in a spray bottle. Use on outdoor furniture, decks, and indoor areas where flies gather. For wasps, use full-strength Pine-Sol or a 4:1 Pine-Sol to water solution.
    

4. Clean trash cans and keep pests away. Wipe trash cans inside and out with Pine-Sol on a cloth or paper towel, then rinse. This also helps repel pests like raccoons.
    

5. Disinfect surfaces during flu season. Apply Pine-Sol to hard, nonporous surfaces and let it stand for 10 minutes before rinsing.
    

6. Remove sticky handprints and kids' wall art. Make a 1:4 solution of Pine-Sol and water. Wipe down walls, then rinse and dry to prevent streaking.
    

7. Freshen up plastic toys, chairs, and more. Dilute 1/8 cup of Pine-Sol in a half-gallon of warm water. Wipe down plastic surfaces or soak grimy items. Dry before use.
    

8. Clean stainless steel appliances. Mix 1/8 cup of Pine-Sol with a half-gallon of warm water. Wipe appliances in the direction of the grain, then rinse with clean water.
   
    

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