Picture this: you're in the cleaning aisle, looking at two big names - Pine Sol and Simple Green - and you’re stuck.

You’ve heard of both, but you’re not quite sure which one’s actually going to get the job done in your home. Maybe you’re after something to scrub the kitchen, or maybe you’ve got some grease in the garage that needs tackling.

Either way, you don’t want to waste time or money picking the wrong one.

No worries! I’m here to help you figure it out!

In this post, I'll compare Pine Sol vs Simple Green against a number of factors to help decide.

#1 Main Active Ingredients

When you're picking a cleaner, it's good to know what’s in it, right? So, let’s start with the basics: what’s actually doing the cleaning work in Pine Sol and Simple Green?

Pine Sol’s secret ingredient is pine oil. That’s what gives it that classic, fresh scent. 

Pine oil also has natural cleaning properties, so it’s pretty effective at cutting through grease and grime.

Simple Green, on the other hand, is based on a surfactant called “alkyl benzene sulfonate.” It’s a bit of a mouthful, but it’s a non-toxic cleaning agent that works well for a variety of messes. 

It’s known for being pretty gentle on surfaces, which is great if you need a cleaner that won’t damage delicate materials.

Also Read: Simple Green Vs Krud Kutter

#2 What Is It Made For

Pine Sol started out as a cleaner that was really good at tackling floors and killing germs.

People then discovered it worked great on all sorts of surfaces. Over the years, they've expanded their formula to handle multiple cleaning tasks, from mopping to wiping down counters and even tackling bathroom grime. 

The pine oil makes it strong enough for all sorts of messes, especially on hard, non-porous surfaces.

Simple Green is a bit more versatile. 

It’s marketed as an all-purpose cleaner, but it’s especially great for cleaning larger surfaces or anything that’s got grease or oil. People use it for everything from floors to car engines. 

Simple Green can even be diluted to adjust the strength depending on how dirty your mess is. So it’s really a go-to for a variety of tasks.

#3 Effectiveness Against Germs

Pine Sol is definitely the winner here. The EPA has given it their stamp of approval as a disinfectant, and it knocks out 99.9% of germs including some nasty stuff like influenza A and various bacteria. 

It's super effective at eliminating common household bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella when used as directed. 

Simple Green is good at cleaning, but it doesn't have that official disinfectant status. 

It'll wash away germs while you're cleaning, but it won't actively kill them like Pine Sol does. This doesn't mean it's not hygienic - it's still great at removing dirt and grime that harbor bacteria.

So, if germs are your main concern, Pine Sol is probably your best bet.

#4 Degreasing Power

Degreasing is where Simple Green really shines. It’s built for grease. 

It's amazing at cutting through oils and grease, which is why you'll find it in lots of garages and workshops. The formula contains specialized surfactants that break down oil molecules effectively, making it perfect for cleaning engines, tools, and greasy kitchen messes.

Pine Sol can handle some grease too, but it's not quite as powerful as Simple Green. 

It works well for general messes and does a solid job on greasy surfaces, but when you’re facing something extra greasy (like a stove top covered in cooking oil), it might take a little more elbow grease.

#5 Smell

Everyone knows that Pine Sol smell - it's like their trademark. 

Some people love it, and others don’t. It’s pretty strong, so it can leave your whole space smelling like a forest after you clean. It’s refreshing to some, but if you’re sensitive to strong smells, it can be a little overpowering.

They've also expanded their line to include lavender, lemon, and other fresh scents to appeal to different preferences

Simple Green has a much lighter, more neutral scent. 

It’s a bit herbal but not as in-your-face as Pine Sol. It’s pleasant, but not lingering - which many people appreciate, especially in workplaces or homes where strong fragrances aren't desirable.

Also Read: how to get rid of Pine Sol smell

#6 Surface Safety And Versatility

Both cleaners are versatile, but they shine in slightly different areas.

Pine Sol can be a bit harsh on certain surfaces if you’re not careful. 

It’s not ideal for use on wood floors unless you dilute it properly. On some delicate surfaces, you’ll want to be cautious about using it full-strength. 

That being said, it’s totally safe for tile, vinyl, and other common hard surfaces.

Simple Green is known for being pretty gentle. 

It works well on almost all surfaces, including wood, granite, and even car interiors. It’s non-toxic and safe around pets, which makes it a good option for families. You can even use it to clean outdoor furniture without worrying about damaging anything.

#7 Prices

You don’t want to spend too much on cleaning products, right? So, how do the prices stack up?

In general, Simple Green tends to be a bit pricier than Pine Sol. 

Simple Green is marketed as a “premium” cleaner, and while it’s effective, you’re paying a bit more for that extra versatility and gentleness.

Pine Sol is a bit more budget-friendly. 

It’s been around for a long time and is available in larger sizes, which keeps the cost lower.

#8 Environmental Impact

Simple Green is more environmentally friendly than Pine Sol. 

It's made with biodegradable ingredients, and the company works toward reducing its environmental impact.

If you’re someone who’s concerned about eco-conscious cleaning, Simple Green is a better choice. It's also non-toxic, so it's safe for pets and kids around the house.

Pine Sol has been working on being more environmentally friendly, and it's now marketed as being biodegradable and safe for septic systems. 

However, it’s not quite as “green” and they still use more traditional cleaning chemicals. Plus, the strong pine scent comes from pine oil, which isn’t always sustainably sourced, so that’s something to consider.

Also Read: 8 Awesome Pine Sol Alternatives

Should I Get Simple Green Or Pine Sol?

Now that we’ve broken it all down, let’s answer the big question: Which one should you get?

If you want something that kills germs, and want to save some money, Pine Sol is your best bet. 

It's particularly good for regular household cleaning, especially in bathrooms and on floors where disinfecting is important. Plus it’s super effective at killing germs.

But if you're dealing with lots of grease, or need to clean all sorts of different surfaces, Simple Green might be the way to go. 

It's especially good for garages, workshops, or anywhere you need serious degreasing power without harsh chemicals. Plus, it’s safe for the environment, and it’s gentle enough to use around the whole family and pets.

Bottom Line

The main difference between Pine Sol and Simple Green is that Pine Sol is better at killing germs and is cheaper. It also smells nice and is great for bathrooms, kitchens, and places that need a little extra power. Simple Green is more versatile, gentle and effective at degreasing.

Either way, you can’t really go wrong with either one—they both get the job done.