What to Look for in an All-Purpose Cleaner
Use
When browsing all-purpose cleaners, you’ll want to look for something formulated for a variety of materials and surfaces. “All-purpose,” “multi-purpose,” “multi-use,” or a similar catchall term should be in the product name, on the label, or in the description. The formula should be versatile in that it works for many cleaning purposes, but also won’t damage most materials.
Some abrasive formulas, such as powders and pastes, aren’t best for delicate surfaces like brushed metals, or mirrored and painted objects. Most manufacturers recommend testing an inconspicuous spot of a surface, if you are unsure of the product’s compatibility.
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“All purpose cleaners are generally safe to use on all surfaces and are handy for those everyday messes that are bound to happen,” says Christine McNerney, Senior Director of Merchandising, Non-Food, at Thrive Market. “If you are more concerned about protecting specific surfaces like granite or stainless steel, then I would recommend buying a targeted product which will be specifically formulated to keep those surfaces safe while effectively cleaning.”
Type
Just as how the formula of a cleaner dictates its use, the type of cleaner you choose also determines which surfaces it can be used on and how it can be used. Many of the all-purpose cleaners listed in this roundup are liquid-based and come in spray bottles. Powders and pastes are also great options for heavy-duty cleaning jobs. Plus, you’ll also find some formulas that are concentrates, meaning they should be diluted with water before being used.
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Spray cleaners are a great option if you’re looking for an easy, everyday cleaner. It’s not a bad idea to also have an all-purpose powder or paste in your cleaning cabinet for tough stains or greasy messes. But be mindful of what surfaces you use abrasive cleaners on. We recommend spot testing a surface before fully cleaning it, just to ensure it won’t be scratched or damaged. Concentrates are a cost-effective alternative to normal spray bottles, but they require mixing, and don’t always come with separate spray bottles or application tools.
Ingredients
The ingredients list, which varies among all-purpose cleaning products, should also receive a decent amount of attention when you’re shopping for a cleaner. Surfactants are must-haves, as they do most of the cleaning, and they can be naturally derived or synthetic. Then there are deodorizing ingredients, such as baking soda and essential oils. Some cleaners also have disinfecting ingredients, like bleach, benzalkonium chloride, pine oil, or phenols. Disinfecting and antibacterial ingredients should not come in contact with food surfaces, which somewhat limits their daily use.
These disinfecting ingredients should always be used in conjunction with protective materials, such as gloves and glasses, if you have sensitive eyes. If you have sensitive skin, McNerney says to watch out for products with chlorine and/or hydrochloric acid, as they can be very irritating.
Amount
While the amount of cleaner you receive is mainly pre-determined by packaging options, there are some ways that you can make your cleaners more cost-effective. As mentioned above, concentrates will last much longer than their diluted counterparts. Concentrates are also sometimes designed to serve as multi-purpose cleaning solutions, like the Branch Basics Concentrate, which can be used to create hand soap, laundry detergent, and all-purpose cleaner, among other things.
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You’ll also want to keep in mind the amount of product you spray or dispense. Most spray bottles eject enough product after two or three spritzes to clean a decent-sized surface. You should not overuse a product or completely saturate an area as this may lead to staining, deterioration over time, and eye or nose irritation.
Scent
While scented cleaning products are a matter of personal preference, formulas with extra-strong fragrances can affect your guests, pets, and other people living in your home. Don’t get us wrong—we’re all for a good smell. That said, the best all-purpose cleaners are lightly scented, usually with natural ingredients like essential oils or plant extracts. They should be refreshing yet not overbearing. You can also find unscented options if you prefer to keep it simple.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Emma Phelps, an updates writer for The Spruce, refreshed this roundup’s product list to reflect the latest product developments for all-purpose cleaners. Phelps has covered a variety of topics for the appliances, cleaning, and organization column at The Spruce. She has also previously interviewed cleaning experts, whose expertise helped inform Emma’s background understanding for this topic.
Theresa Holland is a freelance writer for The Spruce, and she originally researched and wrote this roundup. She’s covered home improvement, cleaning, bedding, and more in the home space. She has personally gone through multiple bottles of Mr. Clean, Mrs. Meyers, Method, Lysol, and Clorox, and can speak to their effectiveness. Additional research for this article comes from Mary Marlowe Leverette, a nationally recognized cleaning expert.
For additional background on all-purpose cleaners, we spoke to Christine McNerney, Senior Director of Merchandising, Non-Food, at Thrive Market, who spoke about ingredients to look for and how to use all-purpose cleaners.
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