10 Best All-Purpose Cleaners – Reviews And Buying Guide
pratyasha rayMA (English) Experience: 2 yearsPratyasha has a master's degree in English from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is an avid lover of art and literature. She has over two years of experience in writing articles across bea... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
We all like to keep our household and workspace clean and hygienic. But, it is not always feasible to spend a lot on various cleaners that are specifically made for certain surfaces. This is where an all-purpose cleaner steps in to work its magic. These cleaners are a perfect choice to include in your cleaning essentials as they work on multiple surfaces — from wood, glass, ceramic, and stainless steel to upholstery and laundry. All-purpose cleaners are effective in removing stubborn stains and grease while disinfecting and deodorizing the space. They are best suited for quick cleaning as well as deep cleaning of kitchen and bathroom surfaces. So, we have put together a list of the 10 best all-purpose cleaners based on various factors such as their ability to be used on various surfaces, if they deodorize or disinfect, or leave any residue behind, and much more. Check them out!
In This Article
10 Best All-Purpose Cleaners Available Right Now
1. Clorox Disinfectant Clean-Up All Purpose Cleaner With Bleach
Clorox Disinfectant Clean-up All-Purpose Cleaner is an all-in-one cleaning and disinfecting solution that removes tough stains and grease while eliminating the unpleasant odor that is caused by mold, bacteria, or mildew. This all-purpose cleaner smells fresh and has the ability to clean every surface without leaving any stains or pigments behind. With one swift motion, you can easily get rid of grease, dirt, or soap scum, germs, and other stains.
Key Features
- Surfaces: Various surfaces including kitchen or bathroom hardware, stainless steel, and other surfaces
- Suitable to be used in commercial facilities, schools, restaurants, offices, daycare centers, etc.
- Eliminates odor and pungent smell
- Can be used with a spray nozzle
- Disinfectant + stain remover
- FDA-approved
Specifications
- Item Weight: 9 pounds
- Item Volume: 128 fl. oz.
- Item Form: Liquid + Spray
- Fragrance: Pungent bleach
- Ingredients:84% sodium hypochlorite, 1.75% chlorine, and 98.16% other ingredients
Pros
- Deodorizes pungent smell
- Cleans various surfaces
- Removes tough stains
- Contains bleach
- Easy to use
Cons
- Strong fragrance
- No safety seal
2. Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda – Household Cleaner & Laundry Booster
Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda is an ultra-powerful all-purpose cleaning powder that ensures your entire surrounding is spick and span without any stains or odor. Just mix this powder in water to clean every surface thoroughly and remove every stubborn stain. From greasy stains on surfaces to tough stains on clothes, this all-purpose cleaner is sure to work its magic to give you clean surroundings.
Key Features
- Surfaces: Silverware, copper, brass, outdoor furniture, upholstery, refrigerators, microwaves, tiles, grouts, toilets, sinks, stainless steel surfaces, bathtubs, garage floors, and more
- 100% fragrance- and phosphate-free
- High cleaning power
- Cleans and cuts through greasy soils and stains
- Made with all-natural ingredients
Specifications
- Item Weight: 3 pounds
- Item Volume: 55 oz.
- Item Form: Powder
- Fragrance: No fragrance
- Ingredients: Sodium carbonate
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Phosphate-free.
- All-natural product
- Deodorizes the pungent smell
- Cleans a wide range of surfaces
- Removes tough and stubborn greasy stains
Cons
- Not good value for money
3. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Dish Soap
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Dish Soap is made especially to remove stubborn grease stains while imparting a refreshing fragrance all over the house. The ultra-refreshing basil scent will help in deodorizing the surroundings. This biodegradable all-purpose cleaner is powerful on the surfaces and cuts through grease stains easily, but is also equally gentle on the skin and can be used even as a hand wash. It contains plant-derived cleaning agents that keep dishes clean and sparkling. It is also available in various other fragrances.
Key Features
- Surfaces: Dishes, pots, cookware, pans, and hands
- Biodegradable all-purpose cleaner
- Cuts through grease and keeps dishes clean and sparkling
- Post-consumer recycled material
- Biodegradable
- Made without parabens, phthalates, or other harmful chemicals
- Comes in a pack of 3
Specifications
- Item Weight: 1 pound
- Item Volume: 16 fl. oz.
- Item Form: Liquid
- Fragrance: Basil
- Ingredients: Plant-based extracts
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Cuts grease
- Contains plant-derived cleaning ingredients
- Gentle on the skin
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
4. Murphy’s Oil Soap Wood Cleaner And Polish
Murphy’s Oil Soap Wood Cleaner And Polish is formulated to clean both wooden as well as non-wooden surfaces to maintain their shine and newness. This all-purpose cleaner enables us to bring out the natural shine of the surface with quick and easy cleaning sessions. Simply dilute this cleaner in warm water and clean your wooden or non-wooden surface with ease and without having to put in lots of effort.
Key Features
- Surfaces: Wood tables, cabinets, doors, finished and sealed hardwood floors, painted surfaces, ceramic tiles, linoleum, kitchen floors, bathroom floors, finished furniture, wood paneling, and more
- Contains 98% naturally-derived ingredients
- Pleasant fragrance
- Free of ammonia and phosphate
- Comes in a pack of 3 bottles
Specifications
- Item Weight:1 pounds
- Item Volume: 32 fl. oz.
- Item Form: Liquid
- Fragrance: Mild coconut
- Ingredients: Water, sodium tallate, fragrance, trisodium MGDA, lauramidopropyl dimethylamine
Pros
- Does not contain bleach
- Biodegradable
- Adds sheen on wooden surfaces
- Suitable to clean metal and glass
- Trusted and reliable brand
Cons
- Does not remove grease stains
5. Soft Scrub All Purpose Surface Cleanser
Soft Scrub All Purpose Surface Cleanser has an amazing formula that enables you to clean any surface faster and easier. It is suitable for many surfaces and removes stains thoroughly without struggle or extra pressure. Also, it leaves behind a mild and refreshing citrus fragrance to cover up any odor. This all-purpose cleaner can be used to remove various types of stains like hard water stains, lime scale, soap scum, grease, food stains, and grime from various surfaces. It is also available in 3 scents – Alpine Fresh with Bleach, Sapphire Waters, and Lemon.
Key Features
- Surfaces: Sinks, showers, toilet, bathroom and kitchen surfaces, stainless steel, chrome, granite, porcelain, ceramic, plastic laminate, and glass top stoves
- Mild lemon scent
- Orthodox Union-certified kosher
- Cleans various types of stains from multiple surfaces
Specifications
- Item Weight:5 pounds
- Item Volume: 24 fl. oz.
- Item Form: Liquid
- Fragrance: Lemon
- Ingredients: Water, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, calcium carbonate, sodium citrate, lauramine oxide, preservative, and fragrance
Pros
- Requires little effort
- Cleans various types of stains
- Suitable for various surfaces
- Fresh and lingering fragrance
- Affordable
Cons
- Very diluted consistency
6. OdoBan Concentrate Disinfectant Laundry And Air Freshener
OdoBan Concentrate Disinfectant Laundry And Air Freshener is an all-purpose cleaner that can be used to clean any surface. It can also be sprayed in the desired area to use as an air freshener. It easily eliminates odor, cleans surfaces, disinfects, sanitizes, as well as deodorizes any non-porous surface. It can be used to eliminate odor from pet beddings, upholstery, beddings, carpets, showers, walls, and even floors and leaving it refreshed. This all-purpose cleaner aims to kill 99.99% of viruses and germs in 60 seconds. This 3-in-1 all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant, and sanitizer also helps in flood and fire restoration and water damage.
Key Features
- Surfaces: Wooden floors, basements, bathroom, kitchen floors, beddings, car interiors, carpets, closets, upholstery, pet beddings, shoes, and many more
- Spray it in various areas to use it as an air freshener
- Fabric and laundry refresher
- Aims to kill 99.99% germs and virus in 60 seconds
- Comes in a pack of 2 gallons
Specifications
- Item Weight: 18 pounds
- Item Volume: 128 fl. oz.
- Item Form: Liquid
- Fragrance: Eucalyptus
- Ingredients: Alkyl and dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride
Pros
- Cleans and disinfects
- Controls the growth of mold and mildew
- Can be used as an air freshener
- Works on all surfaces
- Leaves no residue
Cons
- Fragrance does not last long
7. Windex Disinfectant Multi-Surface All-Purpose Cleaner
The Windex Disinfectant Multi-Surface All-Purpose Cleaner is the ultimate combination that gives you disinfected as well as shiny and squeaky clean surfaces. It is formulated to clean and make any surface shiny without leaving behind any residue. This high-quality all-purpose cleaning agent aims to kill 99.9% of germs, viruses, and bacteria on hard and non-porous surfaces, thus leaving the space clean and safe. The cleaner is safe and easy to use at home, office, or any other commercial space.
Key Features
- Surfaces: Kitchen and bathroom surfaces, countertops, sealed granite, sealed marble, glass, chrome, plastic, vinyl, porcelain, ceramic tile, plexiglas, formica, and many more hard surfaces
- Contains disinfecting properties
- Cleans and imparts a shine to various surfaces
- Aims to kills 99.9% of germs, viruses, and bacteria
Specifications
- Item Weight: 88 pounds
- Item Volume: 128 fl. oz.
- Item Form: Liquid + spray
- Fragrance: Citrus
- Ingredients: Lactic acid and inert ingredients
Pros
- Ammonia-free.
- No residue
- Cleans various surfaces
- Mild lingering fragrance
- Safe to use
- Kills germs
Cons
- Expensive
8. Tub O Towels Heavy-Duty Multi-Surface Cleaning Wipes
Tub O Towels Heavy-Duty Multi-Surface Cleaning Wipes is a quick and convenient option for cleaning any surface without having to bother much. It is a large-sized wet paper towel wipe that does not require any external cleaning solution as it is pre-soaked in an all-purpose cleaner solution. Use it to easily clean any surface without hassle. Ink, tar, grease, paint, permanent marker, wax, stains, scuffs, lipstick, nail polish, food or drinks, pet stains, and so much more – this heavy-duty wipe can clean it all.
Key Features
- Surfaces: Automobile interiors, office, home, and kitchen surfaces, countertops, fabric and carpet, leather, vinyl, metal, walls, for cleaning appliances, cabinets, tiles, toilets, and tubs.
- 100% soaked in all-purpose cleaner
- Wide paper towel wipe
- Strong cleaning agent
- Vapor-lock lid
Specifications
- Item Weight:23 ounces
- Size Of Wipes: 7 inches x 8 inches
- Item Form: Soaked wipes
- Number Of Wipes: 40 wipes
- Fragrance: Orange citrus
- Ingredients: Lanolin, aloe vera, and vitamin E
Pros
- Safe on hands
- Easy to use
- Stronger and better cleaning experience
- Cleans all types of surfaces easily
Cons
- Does not disinfect or sanitize
9. Better Life Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
Better Life Natural All-Purpose Cleaner is a 100% plant-based all-purpose cleaner that is absolutely safe to use and great at cleaning various surfaces. Despite having no chemicals or toxins, it is powerful enough to even cut through grease and grime. It removes stains and soap scum, hard water marks, and other types of dirt from various surfaces. Simply use this high-quality all-purpose cleaning spray and watch as it tackles every type of stain or dirt. It has a refreshing citrus fragrance that lingers, making the room odorless and renewed.
Key Features
- Surfaces: Marble, floors, bathroom, toilets, kitchen countertops, appliances, baseboards, walls, furniture, automobiles, upholstery, sporting equipment, and even toys
- Completely plant-derived ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- No alcohol, petroleum solvents, or chemicals
- Comes with a spraying nozzle for quick spray cleaning
- Comes in a pack of 2 bottles
Specifications
- Item Weight: 4 pounds
- Item Volume: 32 fl. oz.
- Item Form: Liquid + spray
- Fragrance: Clary Sage and Citrus
- Ingredients: Purified water, vegetable-based surfactant, coconut and corn surfactant, pure essential oils of lemon, and clary sage
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- No additional fragrances or dyes
- Paraben-free
- SLS/SLES-free
- Petroleum-free
- Safe to use
- Purely plant-based
- Kills bacteria and germs
Cons
- Leaves some residue
10. Biokleen Natural All Purpose Cleaner
Biokleen All- Purpose Cleaner is an amazing eco-friendly alternative to all those toxin-filled cleaners that have a harsh effect on the surfaces as well as your skin. Experience the powerful cleaning ability of citrus and grapefruit seed extracts with this all-purpose cleaner. It thoroughly degreases dirt and grime in and around your home, work area, and commercial spaces. It leaves no harsh residues or fumes behind and is very gentle on most surfaces. This all-purpose cleaner has a mild and refreshing citrus fragrance derived from plants. It is 3 times more concentrated than other cleaners. All you have to do is simply dilute it in water and clean.
Key Features
- Surfaces: Floors, kitchen and bathroom surfaces, laundry, RVs, boats, garages, walls, stainless steel, granite, painted surfaces, carpet, upholstery, clothes, and more
- No artificial preservatives, fragrances, or colors
- Grapefruit seed and orange extracts
- Highly concentrated
- Safe for use on surfaces and areas around kids and pets
Specifications
- Item Weight:01 pounds
- Item Volume: 64 fl. oz.
- Item Form: Liquid
- Fragrance: Citrus
- Ingredients: Water, various plant-based surfactant, glycerin, sodium chloride, orange peel extract and oil, grapefruit seed extract, C10-16 alcohols (plant-based)
Pros
- High cleaning power
- Refreshing fragrance
- Leaves no harsh residues or fumes behind.
- Gentle enough for most surfaces
- Toxin-free
- Eco-friendly and plant-based
Cons
- Does not disinfect or sanitize
If you are planning to buy an all-purpose cleaner for your house or office, check out a few things that you should consider before buying one.
Things To Consider Before Buying An All-Purpose Cleaner
- Ingredients: Make sure that the all-purpose cleaner is non-toxic and not loaded with chemicals. All the ingredients in it should be safe enough to be used around you, your children, and your pets. Picking a non-chemical, paraben-free, or a plant-based all-purpose cleaner is the best choice.
- Surfaces: Having an all-purpose cleaner essentially means that it should be capable of cleaning almost all the surfaces in your household or office space – kitchen to bathroom surfaces, stainless steel, glass, wood, brass, ceramic, porcelain, appliances, copper, tile, and fabrics.
- Cleaning Ability: As important as it is to have a cleaner that is suitable for all surfaces, it is equally important that it has a strong cleaning ability. From removing stubborn stains, dirt, and grime to removing grease from all surfaces, the cleaner should have a strong and powerful cleaning capacity. Also, make sure that it does not leave any residue behind that is harmful to your pets or children.
- Safety: An all-purpose cleaner that states it is natural does not necessarily mean that it is safe. Make sure you check if its ingredients are safe even to be around. Some chemicals release toxic gases once they come in touch with any surfaces. So, ensure that the all-purpose cleaner is safe enough to be around and to touch the surface after it has been cleaned with it.
- Fragrance: One might wonder how and why fragrance is such an important factor for an all-purpose cleaner. But you need to understand that once any surface is cleaned, the only thing that is left behind lingering is the cleaner’s fragrance. Thus, it is important to check that the fragrance is not too strong, bleach-smelling, or toxic.
- Sanitization: Cleaning simply does not mean cleaning the surface – the all-purpose cleaner should have sanitizing and disinfecting abilities too. Pick an all-purpose cleaner that can not only clean the surface thoroughly by removing the stains but also kills bacteria, viruses, and germs. This ensures that you and your family are residing in a thoroughly clean, hygienic, and sanitized environment.
Those are the 10 best all-purpose cleaners available right now along with a quick buying guide and helpful tips to pick the right one. There is no denying that having a good all-purpose cleaner will help you in reducing the extra expense of having multiple cleaners for various surfaces. Compare the best ones and buy the one that suits all your needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an all-purpose cleaner and a multi-purpose cleaner?
While they may sound the same, all-purpose cleaners can actually be used on all surfaces – be it upholstery, laundry, floor, or furniture. You can use a multi-purpose cleanser only on certain surfaces.
Do all-purpose cleaners disinfect?
Multi-purpose cleaners do disinfect, but only temporarily. Once you touch the surface, bacteria begin to grow on it immediately.
Do all-purpose cleaners kill germs?
All-purpose cleaners are capable of removing the dirt, grime, and grease from surfaces, but only a few of them kill the germs that can cause diseases and illnesses. Check the label to ensure it kills germs.
