We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The 8 Best All-Purpose Cleaners of 2024

Simplify your cleaning routine with these do-it-all formulas

Mr. Clean Clean Freak Deep Cleaning Mist

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

Grimy kitchen shelves? Accidental juice spill? A ring around the tub? All of those messes can be tackled with one product from your cleaning arsenal. All-purpose cleaners are formulated to remove all kinds of messes and stains and typically come in a spray bottle, though we also recommend a couple of pastes and powders that are great for digging into tougher messes.

While all-purpose cleaners are fantastic at cleaning a lot of things, you will want to take a couple of extra steps when using them in your kitchen and bathroom. Unless it specifically says otherwise on the label, you'll want to rinse food-contact surfaces after wiping them down with an all-purpose cleaners. When you're cleaning high-touch areas, you'll want to make sure whichever cleaner you use is also a disinfectant and you're following the instructions carefully to maximize its disinfecting power.

With that in mind, there are plenty of all-purpose cleaners on the market that will do a great job of cleaning your home. Which one you pick will come down to a few factors, like whether you want a disinfectant-cleaning combo, whether natural ingredients are important to you, and whether you're looking for a spray or something with more targeted delivery, like a paste or powder.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Mr. Clean Clean Freak Deep Cleaning Mist

Mr. Clean Clean Freak Deep Cleaning Mist

Amazon

What We Like
  • Power nozzle offers more control over spray amount

  • Antibacterial formula and disinfectant

  • Formula can be repurchased without nozzle

  • Certified as a Safer Choice product by the EPA

What We Don't Like
  • Not best for porous surfaces

  • Not safe for contact with food surfaces

Mr. Clean's Clean Freak spray is our number one pick because it's a multi-purpose solution available in a handy spray bottle that can be used everywhere from your kitchen to your bathroom. The spray is designed to coat your surfaces in an even mist from any angle. Smudges on the wall? Splatters on the ceiling? Those are no problem for Mr. Clean Clean Freak. To use this spray, use a short pull on the handle to spray the product in small bursts. Use a long pull on the handle for a medium amount of product, or pump the handle for a continuous mist.

This cleaner meets EPA safety standards as a Safer Choice certified product, which means it uses ingredients that are safe for human health and the environment. Plus, it powers through grease, grime, dirt, dust, and even tough, sticky residues. You can use it all over your kitchen, including on your appliances, anywhere in your bathroom, and on almost every other hard surface in your home. Not only that, but it also leaves a light lavender or lemon zest scent in its wake.

While this cleaner is fit for stainless steel, it's not considered safe for food-contact surfaces. We recommend either rinsing those surfaces before putting food on them and after using this cleaner, or choosing a different cleaner for those spots in your home. Overall, we think this product is a great option for any who's looking for a cleaner that can truly clean anything and leave a streak-free finish and pleasant scent.

Type: Spray | Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Lemon zest | Do Not Use On: Copper, untreated wood, or brass surfaces

Best Disinfectant

Lysol Multi-Surface Cleaner

Lysol Clean & Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner

Amazon

What We Like
  • Eliminates 99.99 percent of bacteria germs

  • Can be used concentrated or diluted with water

  • Cost effective

What We Don't Like
  • No spray trigger or application tool provided

  • Not safe for contact with food surfaces

This 48-ounce bottle of Lysol Clean & Fresh, when applied to hard surfaces, kills 99.9 percent of germs in a minute flat. It also cuts through grease, eliminates soap scum, and dissolves liquid messes throughout your home. You can use this formula at full strength to eliminate soap scum and grease stains, but it should be diluted (according to the bottle instructions) for other tasks like general cleaning and sanitizing.

This formula is best for non-porous materials, like acrylic, quartz, brass, stainless steel, glass, and glazed tile. Like many other all-purpose cleaners, you'll need to rinse any food-exposed materials with water if you use this cleaner to sanitize or disinfect them. Although we love the multipurpose design of this formula, we wish the bottle had a spray trigger or application tool to make cleaning slightly easier. If you're so inclined, you can easily transfer the solution into your own spray bottle or repurpose an old one.

Type: Liquid | Amount: 48 ounces | Scent: Sparkling lemon and sunflower essence | Do Not Use On: Eating/cooking utensils, glassware, dishes or cookware, unfinished, oiled or waxed floors; test on inconspicuous portion of painted surfaces first

Best Scent

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner

Target

What We Like
  • Cruelty-, phthalate-, dye- and paraben-free

  • Safe to use on a variety of surfaces

  • Variety of scents available

What We Don't Like
  • Should be kept out of reach of pets and kids

Sometimes your home doesn't feel totally clean unless it smells clean. Besides eliminating messes, spills, stains, and odor-causing residues, Mrs. Meyer's Everyday Cleaner graces your space with a pleasant yet not overpowering scent. This natural, eco-friendly cleaner comes in all of the brand's signature scents, including lemon verbena, lavender, peony, basil, and orange clove.

It can be used in your kitchen, dining room, bathroom, living room, and home office on a variety of surfaces. We love this cleaner's clean formula, however we wish it was safer to use around pets and kids. The product description does note to keep it out of your little one's reach. The convenient spray bottle makes it easy to quickly clean your kitchen or bathroom's countertops. You can also purchase separate refill bags of their cleaning formulas.

Type: Spray | Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Lemon verbena | Do Not Use On: Not listed

Best with Bleach

Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach Original

Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach Original

Lowe's

What We Like
  • Effective at killing viruses on non-porous surfaces

  • Non-abrasive

  • Smart Tube bottle ensures all product is used

What We Don't Like
  • Can not be used with other cleaning solutions

When it comes to bathroom cleaners, your best bet is something that simultaneously cleans surfaces and eliminates germs, like Clorox Clean-Up. This all-purpose solution penetrates hard water stains, soap scum, limescale, product residues, and other buildup while killing 99.9 percent of bacteria and viruses. On top of that, it's also a great all-purpose cleaner to have during cold and flu season, as it kills SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces. We recommend using gloves to protect your hands when spraying this product. You should also use it in a well-ventilated area.

This cleaner can be used in other areas of your home, too, including kitchen appliances, countertops, and outdoor furniture. The non-abrasive formula will leave your countertops shiny and free of germs, plus the spray bottle is designed with Smart Tube technology, which ensures you can spray every last drop of product without having to tip the bottle. Just be careful not to use this cleaner in the same area you use vinegar or ammonia to clean, as those combinations can create dangerous chemical reactions.

Type: Spray | Amount: 32 ounces | Scent: Original Clorox scent | Do Not Use On: Prolonged contact on metal, old porcelain, and worn plastic may cause discoloration

Best Powder

Bar Keepers Friend Powdered Cleanser

Bar Keepers Friend Powdered Cleanser

Amazon

What We Like
  • Great at removing rust

  • Can be used on lots of outdoor items

  • Gentle abrasion helps with deep stains

What We Don't like
  • Can be too abrasive for some delicate surfaces

You may recognize Bar Keepers Friend among your grandma's favorite cleaning supplies because it has been around for years. This household cleaner continues to be a reliable powder formula for almost every surface in your home's bathroom and kitchen. Aside from being effective at removing rust, tarnish, and mineral deposits, Bar Keepers Friend can be used to clean glass, ceramic countertops, porcelain, and acrylic bathtubs. It's a great polish for stainless steel sinks, and can even be used outdoors to clean your grill, remove plant grime from old pots, and more.

While this slightly abrasive formula is not best for all surfaces—the company recommends testing a small spot for plastic, fiberglass, and brushed metals—you can feel good about using its non-bleach formula to tackle stubborn stains on your home's non-porous surfaces.

Type: Powder | Amount: 12 ounces | Scent: Not scented | Do Not Use On: Gold, silver, polished stone, or surfaces that are lacquered, painted, or mirrored

Best Degreaser

Stardrops The Pink Stuff

Stardrops The Pink Stuff The Miracle Cleaning Paste

Amazon

What We Like
  • Mildly abrasive to treat tough stains

  • Can be used on outdoor items

  • Easy to use

What We Don't Like
  • May scratch delicate surfaces

A degreaser is an essential cleaning solution for busy kitchens and bathrooms. The Pink Stuff is a thick paste that easily cuts through grease and grime to leave a shiny and streak-free surface. It's great for cleaning cooktops and stained grout or appliance fixtures. The manufacturer recommends testing any delicate surface before cleaning because this paste is mildly abrasive. To use it, you simply pick up a small amount in a soft cloth and rub it on the surface you're trying to clean. Allow the paste to sit for a few moments after it is rubbed in, and then remove it with warm water.

Plus, this paste is non-toxic, according to the manufacturer and vegan and cruelty-free. We love that it leaves behind a pleasant rhubarb scent that isn't too overpowering. Be sure to store this paste in a cool dry place to avoid drying it out.

Type: Paste | Amount: 17.63 ounces | Scent: Rhubarb | Do Not Use On: Avoid delicate, painted, or soft surfaces

Most Eco-Friendly

Blueland Multi-Surface Starter Kit

Blueland Multi-Surface Starter Kit

Blueland

What We Like
  • Can set frequency of subscription

  • Each ingredients' purpose is explained

  • Cost-effective

What We Don't Like
  • Not a disinfectant or antibacterial formula

Blueland's Multi-Surface Starter Set comes with a reusable 24-ounce glass bottle and three multi-surface cleaning solution tablets. One tablet makes an entire bottle of solution and can be used to freshen up sealed wood, sealed stone, and other hard, non-porous surfaces.

Aside from their Leaping Bunny and Cradle to Cradle certifications, we love that this brand offers a customizable subscription experience, where you can choose the frequency at which you receive six additional cleaning tablets. While the upfront cost of the starter kit is slightly more expensive than other cleaning solutions, you end up saving money with the subscription service because each tablet (creates a 24 ounces of solution) costs just $2.25. Keep in mind that this cleaning solution is not a disinfectant or antibacterial formula because those ingredients do not align with Blueland's standards.

Type: Tablet | Amount: 24 ounces | Scent: Fresh lemon | Do Not Use On: Avoid soft and porous surfaces

Best Concentrate

Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner

Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner

Amazon

What We Like
  • Safe to use around kids and pets

  • Easy to dilute

  • Can also be used for laundry

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

While Dr. Bronner's All-Purpose Sal Suds Cleaner may not look like a concentrate, this powerful formula can be used for everything from laundry to mopping floors. It's BPA-free, gluten-free, and made from all-natural ingredients so you can feel good using it around pets and kids.

To dilute this solution for an all-purpose spray, simply add 1 tablespoon of cleaner to 1 quart of water. Then, spray on countertops and other surfaces around your home as needed. You can also check out a full list of uses and dilution suggestions for this cleaner on Dr. Bronner's website. This concentrate is slightly more expensive than other options on the market, but we think it'll last you much longer than a standard bottle of all-purpose spray.

Type: Liquid | Amount: 32 ounces | Scent: Fir and spruce | Do Not Use On: Not listed

Final Verdict

Overall, our best pick for all-purpose cleaner is Mr. Clean Clean Freak Deep Cleaning Mist. The convenient nozzle allows you to spray it from any angle, and the superstar formula powers through almost any mess in your home. If you're looking for something that also disinfects, consider Clorox Clean-Up All Purpose Cleaner with Bleach or Lysol Multi-Surface Cleaner.

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.

"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.

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. Most 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 Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner, which can be used to create hand soap, laundry detergent, and all-purpose cleaner, among other things.

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.

FAQ
  • What is an all-purpose cleaner?

    An all-purpose cleaner is a product that will remove grease and grime from a variety of surfaces without the need for vigorous scrubbing and without leaving any residue behind. Spray applications are best for small areas and quick clean-ups, while concentrated products (that should be diluted with water before use) are better for floors and large cleaning jobs.

  • What is the difference between all-purpose cleaner and multi-purpose cleaner?

    All-purpose cleaners are formulated to remove surface soil and grime from most hard surfaces in a household. "All-purpose," "multi-purpose," "multi-use," or similar catchall terms are used interchangeably on product labels, but they essentially all function the same way.

    Because every product brand is slightly different, be sure to read the label carefully. Most cleaners can be used on kitchen and bathroom counters, sinks, and fixtures. Some products can also be used for cleaning glass surfaces and hard surface floors.

  • Is all-purpose cleaner safe on paint?

    All-purpose cleaners sold in spray bottles can be spritzed directly onto dirty surfaces or sprayed onto a cleaning cloth, but that doesn't mean they should be sprayed on every type of surface. An all-purpose cleaner that has bleach or other brightening ingredients should not be used on paint, as it will deteriorate the color and surface. We recommend reading the product labels closely for specific directions and suitability to surfaces. Most cleaner labels will include specific surfaces that they can and cannot be used on.

  • Can you clean a toilet with an all-purpose cleaner?

    As mentioned above, you should carefully read a product's label before using it on a specific surface. If a product is described as safe to use on ceramic, then you could use it to clean a toilet bowl. We think a cleaner that contains bleach or another type of disinfectant would be best.

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.

Updated by
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette 2018

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process