8 Best All

Dec 26, 2023

Every item on this page was chosen by a The Pioneer Woman editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

You're one click—and a few sprays away—from a clean home.

You don't need a bunch of cleaning supplies to have a clean home: Sometimes, all it takes it one formula that can quite literally do it all. "Having an all-purpose cleaner on hand can help to keep you on your cleaning routine or keep spaces sparkling even when you are in a rush as you don't have to use a ton of different cleaners," says Kathy Cohoon, operations manager at Two Maids. "Many all-purpose cleaners are formulated to clean heavy duty messes like gunk and grime while also disinfecting and deodorizing so you are getting a great bang for your cleaning buck."

By definition, all-purpose cleaners are made with a gentle-yet-effective formula that can tackle everything from porcelain tubs to cleaning the inside of your microwave. (As Cohoon puts it, "If it's gentle enough for most surfaces, and can clean without causing damage to different materials, it's all purpose.") But with so many options to choose from, selecting just one cleaner to rule them all can feel a tad...well, overwhelming.

While there are so many factors to consider when shopping for an all-purpose cleaner—brand, price, and scent, just to name a few—Cohoon say it's important to take a close look at a product's label. "Be wary of anything with even trace amounts of bleach or harsh chemicals as they can damage some surfaces," she explains. But, if you still need some extra help finding "the one," read on for some pro-approved picks.

It's no wonder why Mrs. Meyer's All-Purpose Cleaner Spray is a consistent crowd-pleaser, with over 36,000 reviews on Amazon and a near-perfect score on the site. The brand packed its cruelty-free formula with hard-working ingredients like citric acid to cut through grease and debris on non-porous surfaces.

"This product is made with natural ingredients like essential oils and is safe for use on a variety of surfaces, including floors, countertops, and walls," explains Paulo Filho, owner of Celestial Cleaning Service.

Mrs. Meyer's squeaky clean results might be this pick's main draw, but this all-purpose formula comes in an assortment of garden-inspired flavors that will give your home a signature scent. (Some of our favorites include Lavender, Lemon Verbena, and Basil.)

Just because your countertops are clean doesn't mean they're sanitized. Cleaning refers to the process of removing dirt, dust, and other debris from surfaces, while sanitizing involves the use of chemicals or other methods to kill germs and reduce the risk of infection. If you're looking for one spray that does both, reach for Method's Antibacterial All-Purpose Cleaner Spray.

This citric acid-based cleanser is tough on grime and grease—not to mention it can kill 99.9 percent of household bacteria like salmonella and E.coli. To sweeten an already enticing offer, Method's spray comes in several delightful scents such as citron, bamboo, and wildflower.

Sprays might be the status quo for all-purpose cleaners, but they're not the only solution that can get the job done. If you're looking for a cleaner that will really make your surfaces shine, try Bar Keepers Friend's cleansing powder. The brand's plant-based, bleach-free formula has been around since 1882, which means it can withstand both the test of time and a variety of different surfaces.

Though it has some limitations—for example, you shouldn't use it on polished stone, jewelry, or painted walls—Bar Keepers Friend's powder can work on everything from greasy grill grates to delicate, glass-topped coffee tables. Bonus points: It works hard to eliminate mineral deposits, rust, and watermarks to have your surfaces literally looking good as new.

Why spray your all-purpose cleaner and then wipe it away with a paper towel or microfiber cloth when you can buy a product that merges two steps into one? Though cleaning wipes offer a quick, one-and-done way to spruce up your surfaces, many options feature harsh ingredients like bleach and ammonia.

For something gentler you can use on the daily, Clorox Free & Clear Compostable Cleaning Wipes have you covered. It's safe to use around kids, pets and food contact surfaces. And it will keep your countertops, coffee tables, and appliances squeaky clean.

If you're looking for an all-purpose cleaner that's good for your home and Mother Nature, Cohoon is a major fan of Seventh Generation's formula. "I love that it is free of dyes and fragrances," she shares. "It is gentle yet effective—and can still help me scrub out even tough stains." Leaping Bunny Certified and USDA-Certified Bio-Based, Seventh Generation gets its gentle-yet-effective results from a lineup of plant-derived ingredients like sodium citrate and laureth-6. Meanwhile, each bottle is 100 percent post-consumer recycled so you can cut down on your plastic waste, too.

Variety is the spice of life, and if you're looking for an extra-versatile cleaner, you can't go wrong with Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap. Made with 90 percent organic ingredients—such as coconut oil and organic palm kernel oil—this soap is reportedly three times as concentrated as other options so you can dilute it to fit your exact cleaning needs. "You can use it for many purposes including doing laundry, washing your face and body, and cleaning," says Steve Evans of Memphis Maids.

Of course, the variety doesn't stop there: Dr. Bronner's multi-purpose soap is available in a bunch of scents like almond, citrus, lavender, and eucalyptus.

Though bleach cleaners should be used sparingly—especially in areas that come in contact with food—you might need an extra boost in areas like your toilets, showers, and sinks. When the moment arises, reach for Fantastik's All-Purpose Cleaner with Bleach. Think of this heavy-duty formula as the ultimate magic mess eraser: It can eradicate grime and grease as well as remove lingering scents—but won't leave any smudges or residue behind. See? Magic.

When looking for an all-purpose cleaner, Cohoon says it's important to "shop within your budget and make sure you aren't paying a ton for a watered down cleaner!" Fortunately, Blueland's Multi-Surface tablets offer the best of both worlds. Each tablet, which costs $2.50, produces 24-ounces of the brand's all-purpose cleaning spray.

Simply drop a tablet into a spray bottle, watch it fizz up and dissolve into water, and then use the lemony spray on a range of surfaces like wood tables, stone countertops, and stovetops.

Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.

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