Top 12 All-Purpose Cleaners for Every Surface

October 17, 2024Updated:October 17, 2024

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Top 12 All-Purpose Cleaners for Every Surface — (Left) Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner (Right) Stardrops The Pink Stuff Multi-Purpose Cleaner Spray Illustration by the Epoch Times, Amazon

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“Can I use it on granite?” “Is it safe to use it in the kitchen?” When trying to find the best all-purpose cleaner, all kinds of questions pop into our heads.

At every cleaning aisle, there are many colorful bottles claiming to be the perfect all-purpose cleaner. And don’t get us wrong, most of them are really good, but they have their own unique features. That’s why you should know what you are looking for when buying a cleaner.

And here is a little bit of help for you! In this article, we will dive in and review a dozen of the best all-purpose cleaners on the market and find out which one will serve you better considering their special capabilities.

The Breakdown:

Why You Should Have An All-Purpose Cleaner In Your House

All-purpose cleaner is a necessity in your kitchen’s toolbox. They are a multi-purpose cleaning tool that can be used on different surfaces to wipe out various stains without a trace. With an efficient all-purpose cleaner, you won’t need multiple specialty cleaning products.

Therefore, not only is it a budget-saving approach to buy an all-purpose cleaner, but it also saves you from a cabinet full of numerous cleaning products, each for a specific purpose. Using advanced technologies and science, all-purpose cleaners have become safer to use inside the house while maintaining a sustainable manufacturing process.

So, there is not much to worry about in that regard. But what is the difference between various all-purpose cleaners on the market, and which one will suit you best? That is the question we are going to answer in today’s article. Stay tuned.

Mr. Clean All-Purpose Cleaner

The first thing that grabs your attention when looking at this all-purpose cleaner from Mr. Clean is its creatively designed spray bottle. The handle is designed so you can use it conveniently for different purposes. If all you need is just tiny bursts of cleansing product, pull it shortly.

Pull it longer in case you need slightly more product, and finally pump the handle to get a huge amount of cleansing product. So you will have full control over the amount of product that’s coming out of the cleaner, which makes it more durable and prevents overusing it.

This cleaner is truly suitable for all types of cleaning chores. You can use it in the kitchen, bathroom, and stainless steel without worrying if it’s going to damage any surfaces or leave unwanted marks. But when it comes to more porous surfaces, such as untreated timber, it might not be the best option.

It is a capable cleaner that can tackle dirt, dust, grime, and grease. Even if you encounter sticky residue, you can use this product to clean it like it was never there. Mr. Clean made this cleaner available in three scents, which are lavender, lemon zest, and spring fresh.

Although this product meets EPA safety standards and has ingredients that are harmless for both humans and the environment, it should not be used near food or places that are in contact with food.

If you have to use it in a place where you’ll put food on it, rinse the surface after cleaning it with Mr. Clean’s all-purpose cleaner, and then bring out your edibles.

Pros

Refillable: To minimize the waist and maintain sustainability, you can repurchase the formula and fill the emptied bottle easily.
Controllable nozzle: The handle can be pulled with different amounts of pressure to spray out the product accordingly.

Cons

Not safe for food: It should not be used near food or in places that have direct contact with foods.

$24.32 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach

If you are looking for a rather strong cleaner that does especially well in the bathroom, this is what you should try. This product from Clorox comes with a refill gallon that can refill the spray bottle five times. So once you buy this product, you won’t need to buy another all-purpose cleaner for years!

Thanks to its bleaching properties, it is an ideal option for bathrooms. Colorx’s clean-up not only disinfects the bathroom and kills germs, but it also gives it a shiny bleached look. And to make things even better, it has a bergamot scent to it which creates a fresh spa-like atmosphere, making cleaning a more pleasant experience.

As you would expect from an all-purpose cleaner, this product is also usable on nonporous surfaces around the house. Showers, appliances, and floors can be cleaned using this all-cleaner spray efficiently.

So if you have dirt, dust, grease, sticky residues, etc you can wipe them out using this cleaner spray. Just spray the cleaning agent on the surface and wipe it off after 30 seconds.

The nozzle is equipped with Smart Tube technology that makes it possible to use the bottle to its last drops without having to tip it. The nozzle also does well in spraying the cleaning agent smoothly and evenly on the surface.

There is one thing that you should watch out for while using this product though. Be aware not to use it in combination with vinegar or ammonia since it will create a hazardous chemical reaction.

Pros

Smart tube technology: Thanks to this technology, all of the cleaning agents in the bottle will be usable to its last drop.
Refill gallon: This product is being sold with a refill gallon that has enough containings to refill the bottle five times.
Ideal for the bathroom: Due to its bleaching ability and strong formula, it can tackle rough soap marks and eliminate 99.9% of germs in the bathroom.

Cons

Price: Since it comes with a refill gallon, it is understandable why you should pay more for this all-cleaner compared to other items on our list.

$32.29 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Lysol Multi-Surface Cleaner

The all-purpose cleaner from Lysol comes in various sizes. A 1.13 gallon, a 40 fluid ounce, and a 48 fluid ounce. Unlike the majority of all-cleaners, this item does not have a spraying tool and it is meant to be used as a simple bottle with a lid.

But there is a valid reason for this design. This product is meant to be diluted with water before use. So having a lid instead of a spraying nozzle makes it easier to pour it into a separate container.

However, if you need its maximum strength to fight against the roughest of stains, you can use the cleaning agent in its pure form. But for more general purposes, it’s recommended to be mixed with water.

To create a delightful and fresh atmosphere, this all-purpose cleaner is enriched with a mixture of sunflower and lemon scents that make cleaning chores rather enjoyable. It also helps with eliminating odor-causing bacteria from places like bathrooms and kitchens.

The company claims that this product can eliminate viruses as well. Notably, it kills the SARS-CoV-2 virus that is responsible for Covid-19.

As the name suggests, you can use this cleaner on various types of nonporous surfaces including acrylic, quartz, brass, stainless steel, glass, and glazed tiles. Once again, it is worth mentioning that chemical cleaners like this should not be used in areas that have direct contact with food.

But if you have to use it in places like a kitchen sink or steel counter, make sure to rinse the place properly before placing food on it.

Pros

Affordable: It’s an easy-on-the-wallet option offered in different sizes and packs with strong properties in fighting germs.
Diluteable: For everyday cleaning, it can be mixed with water. But if you need its full force, you can use it in its concentrated form.

Cons

No sprayer: It does not have a sprayer and comes in a simple bottle/gallon style. However, you can pour its contents into a spraying bottle and use that instead.

$5.99 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day All-Purpose Cleaner Spray

The Mrs. Meyers company produces a wide variety of fresheners and cleaners. Their products include scented candles and air fresheners. So it is not a surprise that their all-purpose cleaners come in numerous scent options.

The lavender scent creates a soothing and relaxing environment that can help remove fatigue caused by doing cleaning chores. The lemon verbena is a popular light scent with refreshing and invigorating properties that lift your mood.

If you prefer a cool and crisp smell to ease the nerves, then you should go for a basil scent. And if you are a fan of floral scents, the geranium scent is there for you to comfort your mind.

If you enjoy having a sweet-smelling atmosphere after each cleaning day, Mrs. Meyer’s all-purpose cleaner is the right choice for you. It can be used on all sorts of nonporous surfaces such as counters, walls, floors, and appliances.

This product is cruelty free which means it was not tested on animals during its manufacturing processes. However, it has to be said that while Mrs. Meyers is an effective cleaner, it is better to avoid using this chemical cleaner around pets or children.

That’s the case for almost all kinds of chemical cleaners. For safety reasons, they have to be stored in a place away from children’s access. Overall, Mrs. Meyer’s all-purpose cleaner is an easy-to-use and effective spray suitable for home and office. Its wide variety of delightful scents is a selling point for this product that helps to create a refreshing atmosphere while cleaning.

Pros

Variety of scents: It comes in unique and reviving scents that create a lovely environment after each cleaning day.
Multi-purpose: It can be used on all kinds of nonporous surfaces without damaging them and wipes out germs and stains effectively.

Cons

Not safe for pets: It is recommended to not use this product around pets or children due to its chemical materials.

$8.98 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Clorox Clean-Up Bleach Cleaner Spray

Another product from Clorox offers bleaching as well as killing germs and disinfecting surfaces. This all-purpose cleaner can kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria and can be used to clean the kitchen, bathroom, furniture, showers, floors, and walls in a matter of minutes.

If you worry about scratching or decoloring your floor’s material, then you should consider this cleaner from Clorox. It is completely safe to use on glazed porcelain, cultured marble, corian, plastic laminate, fiberglass, and enamel.

Since the majority of houses are built using these materials, Clorox has proved to be an effective solution for most people.

Similar to the other Clorox spray that was mentioned above, this one also benefits from Smart tube technology. This means the tube that pumps the cleaning agent using the sprayer, is designed in a way to use the entire bottle contents even the very last drops. So nothing will go to waste and you are able to utilize the entire bottle for your cleaning purposes.

If you are not a fan of scented cleaners, we have some good news for you. Unlike the first Clorox all-purpose cleaner in this article which was enriched with bergamot scent, this product is odorless and does not have any specific smell to it.

But still, it is capable of removing odor-causing bacteria that make an unpleasant smell in your house. All you need to do is to spray this Clorox clean-up bleach cleaner spray and wait about 30 seconds before wiping out germs, viruses, and bacteria.

Pros

Odorless: For those who prefer all-purpose cleaners without any specific scent, this is an odorless spray from Clorox.
Bleaching: Thanks to Clorox’s bleaching formula that is used in this product, it makes a sparkling area after killing germs and viruses. A perfect option for bathrooms.
Smart tube technology: Even when there are only a few drops left in the bottle, you can still use them thanks to this technology.

Cons

Packaging: There are some complaints from users about the quality of packaging compared to similar products in this price range.

$21.99 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner

Dr. Bronner’s is a well-known company for its sustainable methods used in producing chemical products. Their Sal Suds biodegradable cleaner is the jack of all trades. It can be used almost for any cleaning activities around the house. From cleaning the kitchen’s surfaces to disinfecting toilets.

Even washing dishes, removing stains from clothes, or cleaning your car! You can use this all-purpose cleaner for all of them and achieve great results. Just like Lysol’s cleaner, this product also can be mixed with water. This is a useful feature for a versatile cleaner like this since it allows you to create your ideal formula for each specific purpose.

Cleaning rough stains on stainless steel needs a much stronger formula compared to cleaning some dust and fingerprints from a window. So by adjusting the amount of water mixed with Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap, you can alter the cleaning power and prevent damaging the surfaces or failing to remove germs and stains.

As you would guess, since this product is meant to be diluted, it does not have a sprayer and comes in a simple bottle design with a lid. But considering its great versatility, that should not be an issue. It is also safe for kids and pets since it does not have any harsh chemicals in it and won’t harm them.

In addition to laundry and washing dishes, you can use Sal Suds biodegradable cleaner on wood, granite, plastic, vinyl, tile, and stainless steel. It is even safe for use on treaded leather and synthetic surfaces which makes it an all-purpose cleaner quite literally.

Pros

Great versatility: It can do almost anything. Mix it with your desired amount of water and use it for laundry, dishwashing, surface cleaning, etc.
Safe for pets and children: The use of eco-friendly chemicals in this cleaner made it a safe product to be used around pets and children.

Cons

No sprayer: Since it is a mixable liquid soap, there is no sprayer attached to its bottle.

$19.99 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Stardrops The Pink Stuff All-Purpose Cleaning Paste

All of the products that we reviewed so far were liquid-form cleaning agents, but not this one. The Pink Stuff all-purpose is a cleaner paste that is especially useful against grease. To use it, you have to implement a sufficient amount of paste on the surface and after some moments, wash it with warm water.

Then you will see the miracle of this powerful cleaning paste made from natural cruelty-free ingredients. Its anti-grease properties can be utilized on all kinds of materials. To name a few, the Pink Stuff from Stardrops is safe for metal, ceramics, porcelain, marble, wood, silverware, jewelry, stoves, toilets, sinks, bathtubs, car wheels, and stainless steel.

But be careful with it; since it is mildly abrasive, it can damage sensitive surfaces by leaving marks. If you are not sure the surface will withstand this cleaning product, before going for full cleaning, apply a tiny beat of paste on it and see how it reacts.

The rhubarb scent leaves a pleasant smell upon use that is not powerful enough to bother you. It is also safe to use around pets or children but don’t forget to keep it away from their reach.

The pink-stuff all-purpose cleaner comes in a can and has to be stored in a cool dry place. You can order it in different sizes for a reasonable price. There is also a spray cleaner from Stardrops’s Pink Stuff that we will get to later in this article. But before that, let’s review the pros and cons of this one.

Pros

Easy to use: The paste material makes it super easy to clean surfaces as it only needs to be applied on stains and washed after a few moments.
Powerful: It is a capable cleaner especially when it comes to rough greasy stains that won’t go away easily.

Cons

Mildly abrasive: The power of fighting stubborn stains comes with a downside and it is that it can scratch sensitive surfaces.

$5.97 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner

We have already introduced on Lysol product which was its multi-surface cleaner that needed to be mixed with water. But this one right here, is an all-purpose cleaner that comes in a sprayer bottle - unlike the previous Lysol cleaner.

Both all-purpose and multi-surface cleaners are suitable to be used on various types of surfaces. They can both eliminate 99.9% of germs and viruses that sit around in our houses and cause all sorts of problems. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus virus which is related to COVID-19 is one of the viruses that Lysol claims its product will eliminate effectively.

The obvious difference between these two powerful cleaners from Lysol is their usage method. The sprayer on this bottle makes it slightly more convenient to use it against stains. This product can be used on almost any nonporous hard surface around the house including the kitchen, toilet, floors, and walls.

Not only does it completely eliminate the odor-causing bacteria, but Lysol’s all-purpose cleaner will also leave a tropical scent that is a mixture of mango and hibiscus. However, keep in mind that this product is designed for a rather general use. In other words, it is not as powerful as the previous Lysol cleaner in this article and may struggle to remove hard stains.

Overall, this cleaner is a superhero for everyday messes around your house, not tough stains. While it tackles most grime, dirt, and grease, for heavy-duty cleaning jobs, you might need a more powerful formula from Lysol itself or other brands.

Pros

Affordable: For those who seek an affordable all-purpose cleaner that can do the job efficiently, this is an ideal option for everyday use.
Refillable: After using the bottle completely, you can refill it with Lysol’s formula and avoid buying a new bottle.

Cons

Not powerful: While it does a decent job of eliminating common daily messes, it might struggle to eliminate rough and hard stains.

$4.46 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Stardrops The Pink Stuff Multi-Purpose Cleaner Spray

As promised, here is the cleaner spray from Stardops that uses the Pink Stuff technology. Pink Stuff is a famous brand in the cleaning industry thanks to its longevity in the business. They have been around since 1938 and their products are known for being affordable while offering great quality.

This multi-purpose cleaner is one of their best-sellers. Stardrops claims that the ingredients used to build this product are 100% natural. It is a multi-purpose option that can fight against stains on almost every nonporous surface with a hard texture.

Have some fingerprints on your stainless steel fridge door? The microwave’s glass is filled with greasy stains? Is there some food spillage on your wooden counter? With Stardrops’ multi-purpose cleaner spray, you can wipe them all out effortlessly without scratching the surface. Just spray that Pink Stuff bottle and wipe it after a few seconds to get rid of the stains.

And that’s not all. This spray can also be used to clean the inside and outside of the car to make it sparkle as if it just came out from a carwash. Just like the Pink Stuff cleaning paste, this spray also benefits from rhubarb scents to create a refreshing atmosphere around the house.

Another advantage of these cleaners, both the paste and liquid spray, is their durability. Meaning that even after finishing the cleaning process, it still keeps the surface clean thanks to its durable ingredients. Therefore it takes some time for the cleaned surface to get dirty again and you can enjoy having a pleasant and clean environment.

Pros

Versatile: It can be used on various types of nonporous both inside and outside of the house.
Natural ingredients: Stardrops claims that they have used 100% natural ingredients in making this multi-purpose sprayer. Also, they claim that they don’t test their products on animals.

Cons

Not powerful: When it comes to stubborn grease stains, you might need a more powerful cleaner like Pink Stuff cleaning paste to remove them.

$5.97 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Seventh Generation All-Purpose Cleaning Spray

Perfect for those with sensitivities, Seventh Generation’s Free & Clear formula takes plant-based cleaning to the next level by removing dyes and fragrances. It is an important step because these dyes and fragrances are potentially irritant to some.

Sensitive to dyes or fragrances? Opt for the free & clear model, formulated without either. Love a fresh scent while you clean? Seventh Generation offers some delightful options to choose from.

These options are lemongrass citrus, lemon chamomile, morning meadow, lemon, and sparking seaside. All of these scents are derived from 100% essential oils and botanical ingredients which makes this brand special in terms of using eco-friendly methods to produce their products.

That means these cleaners don’t have any harsh chemicals, petroleum-based solvents, glycol ethers, phosphates, acids, and caustics among their ingredients. Even the packaging is manufactured using recycled materials and the package itself can be recycled again.

These high standards in making a healthy cleaner have led to a safe product that can be used around pets and kids—according to Seventh Generation. This plant-based cleaner can be sprayed on any nonporous hard surface in the kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere around the house. It can kill microorganisms, viruses, germs, etc to make a clean and healthy environment for the residents.

The free & clear formula is a perfect option to use in places where sensitive people live. Also if you want to use an all-purpose cleaner but don’t want anybody to be bothered by the smell, like in an office, you can go with a free & clear formula which is completely odorless and does a good job in cleaning the surfaces.

Pros

Odorless: The free & clear formula offers a fragrance-free cleaner that is suitable for sensitive people or use in an office.
Plant-based ingredients: This product does not have any harsh chemicals in it since it is plant-based. Therefore a safe option to use around kids and pets.

Cons

Not ideal for glass: There are complaints that after using this all-purpose cleaner on glass, it left some streaks on the surface.

$17.96 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Method All-Purpose Cleaner Spray

Method is one of the other sustainable brands that create products with an eye on the environment’s future and its impact on it. Just like the Seventh Generation’s cleaner, this all-purpose cleaner from Method is completely plant-based and there are no harsh chemicals amongst its ingredients.

That is what makes this product a harmless option to use in houses that pets and babies live in. Although, you still have to be cautious about that and don’t overuse any kind of chemical cleaner near pets, babies, and plants; no matter how safe they are.

This cleaner spray is available in one scent: the French lavender that is combined with bergamot, purple sage, and chamomile to create a lovely atmosphere to breathe in after each use.

Similar to other products that we reviewed above, this cleaner is also great for nonporous surfaces like wood, tile, stone, counters, and glass. The sprayer bursts an even amount of cleaning agent with each pull which makes it possible to wipe out the surface conveniently. It does provide a lovely shine on smooth surfaces after cleaning.

Apart from the nozzle, all of the other parts of the bottle are made with 100% recycled plastic (PCR). This is yet another step in maintaining a sustainable approach to manufacturing cleaning products.

There were no animals hurt from testing this product, which is why you see a bunny picture at the back of its eye-catching purple bottle. All in all, this is an affordable plant-based option (much cheaper than Seventh Generation), that can help you clean your home efficiently without harming the environment, kids, and pets.

Pros

Plant-based ingredients: A safe and eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner that can be used around kids and pets without worrying about harming them.
Affordable: Compared to other plant-based cleaner sprays, this is a truly affordable option with strong cleaning properties.

Cons

Scent option: The only scent option available for this product is French lavender. If you want another scent or an odorless formula, you should try something else.

$4.99 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

Pledge Everyday Clean Multi-Surface Cleaner

Pledge offers numerous cleaning solutions for daily cleaning. One of their most popular products, it is an everyday clean multi-surface spray that has antibacterial properties. This item targets certain bacteria that tend to grow around our houses and kills them efficiently.

These bacteria include Staph, Salmonella, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae. It also does a great job against the H1N1 virus which is related to flu. The spray bottle comes in a modern, stylish look with an ergonomic handle to make cleaning chores more convenient.

You can use this pledge cleaner on multiple nonporous surfaces with a rather hard texture. It does work great on glass, wooden, and granite surfaces particularly. Wiping out the germs and stains without leaving any streaks or scratches.

You even can use this product around electronic devices. To do that, don’t spray the cleaner directly on the surface near electronics, instead spray it with a cloth and then clean the surface using that cloth.

After finishing the cleaning routine, you can sit back and enjoy the sweet citrus scent that comes from this Pledge all-purpose cleaner. Their antibacterial formula is infused with a subtly sweet citrus scent. It’s not an overpowering blast of artificial fragrance which may bother sensitive people, but rather a gentle, uplifting aroma that lingers in the air.

Think of it as a breath of fresh air, a way to transform your sanitized space into a truly refreshing environment. It’s the perfect finishing touch to your cleaning routine, leaving your home not only disinfected but also uplifting and inviting.

Pros

Antibacterial: It eliminates 99.9% of bacteria and viruses effectively. Make it a great option for daily use to have a safe and healthy home.
Appearances: It has a nice and modern-looking bottle design with an ergonomic handle which makes cleaning chores easier.

Cons

Not powerful: Since it’s made for everyday use and general cleaning, it is not as strong as some specialty cleaners that can tackle tough stains.

$5.11 on Amazon (Price at Time of Publishing)

All-Purpose Cleaner Reviews

all-purpose cleaner reviews will give us great insight to find out how these products perform on the battlefield against germs, stains, etc. These reviews are gathered from Amazon’s user’s comments for each of these 12 products. The majority of them have bought one of these products and shared their first-hand experience on the website.