8 Best All-Purpose Cleaners, According to Cleaning Experts
Tackle the grease and bacteria on your tables, floors, windows and more, plus options that disinfect too.
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We updated this article in June 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive testing done by the Good Housekeeping Institute, a new pick for best wipes, best with vinegar and best with bleach all-purpose cleaner.
An all-purpose cleaner is a space saver and an important tool in every home's cleaning toolbox. They are safe to use for tackling messes on a variety of surfaces across all the rooms of your home, from countertops, painted walls, floors, appliances, and bathroom and kitchen surfaces. The best ones will cut through grease and wipe up grime without tough scrubbing or leaving any residue behind. They are available in all sizes and scents, plus there are options with vinegar, bleach and plant-based ingredients.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we test hundreds of products every year, from major appliances like washing machines and dishwashers to floor cleaners and vacuums of all sizes. When we test all-purpose cleaners in our Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we evaluate how quickly and completely they dissolve grease and other soils we apply to our wall, floor, countertop, tile and appliance test surfaces. We assess how easy they are to use and rinse off and how much streaking, film or residue they leave behind. Finally, we review the label for any appropriate and required safety warnings and other claims. These are the best all-purpose cleaners in Good Housekeeping Institute tests.
Our top picks:
After our top picks, stick around for an in-depth look at how we test all-purpose cleaners, plus a guide to what you should consider when buying one.
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner
Pros
- Can be used on hard and soft surfaces
- Pleasant, light scent
Cons
- Needs to be rinsed
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is so versatile that it can be used either diluted or at full strength both indoors and outdoors and for heavy, average or light cleaning jobs. In our tests, it cleaned surfaces, including tile, chrome, concrete, grill grates, cooking tools, patio furniture and more with impressive results. We also used it to remove stains we applied to carpet and cotton laundry swatches. It's the most versatile all-purpose cleaner we have ever tested. It's available in large-size jugs, too.
9 Elements All Purpose Cleaner
9 Elements All Purpose Cleaner
Pros
- No residual vinegar scent on surfaces
- EPA Safer Choice certified
Cons
- Some of our testers found they had to scrub more than usual to clean tough grease
We've all likely used — or seen someone close to us use — diluted vinegar to clean surfaces at home. With this all-purpose cleaner from 9 Elements, you can clean your home with the power of vinegar without the often unpleasant, lingering smell. Our panel of testers rated this cleaner highly, with two testers awarding it a perfect five out of five for effective cleaning, pleasant scent and ease of use. Plus, if you enjoy this vinegar-based all-purpose cleaner, the brand also makes dish soap, laundry detergent and more vinegar-based products for all your home cleaning needs.
Mr. Clean Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Mr. Clean Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Pros
- Many scent options
- Great value for a gallon size bottle
Cons
- Some reviewers say the scent isn't very long-lasting
For floors, outdoor furniture, and trash cans, mix ¼ cup of Good Housekeeping Seal star Mr. Clean Multi-Purpose Cleaner in one gallon of water. Or, for tough grime, use it directly from the bottle on a sponge. In our Lab, we put this all-purpose cleaner through a stain-fighting floor cleaning test where it cleaned up cola, jelly and other sticky messes from wood, tile and vinyl flooring. And besides being a great value, it works quickly and without the need for extra rinsing or wiping.
Purell Multi Surface Disinfectant
Purell Multi Surface Disinfectant
Pros
- Can be used on hard and soft surfaces
- Safe for food-contact surfaces
Cons
- Some reviewers find the scent to be a bit over-powering
While we haven't tested this disinfectant cleaner in our Lab yet, this versatile and easy-to-use product from Purell has thousands of reviews online, so we had to include it in the fight against germs. The go-to sanitizer for hands now tackles home surfaces with its alcohol-based formula. Spray Purell Multi Surface Disinfectant on freshly cleaned hard surfaces, like countertops and faucet handles, to kill 99.99% of bacteria and viruses in up to 60 seconds — no post-spray rinse is required for food contact surfaces.
Clorox Scentiva Multi Surface Cleaner
Clorox Scentiva Multi Surface Cleaner
Pros
- Bleach-free
- Effective against COVID-19 virus
Cons
- Product has to sit for 10 minutes before wiping
Who says products that clean well and kill germs have to smell bad? The bleach-free Clorox Scentiva Multi-Surface Cleaner powers through grime, while leaving behind the subtle scents of Pacific Breeze and Coconut, Tuscan Lavender & Jasmine, and Hawaiian Sunshine and Tahitian Grapefruit Splash. And if you like the scent, you're in luck: Most of them are also available in wipes, bathroom and toilet bowl cleaners. We haven't tested this in the Lab yet, but we've tried and tested dozens of other products from this brand and we trust their performance. To disinfect, the surface must remain wet for 10 minutes.
Microban 24 Hour Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Microban 24 Hour Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Pros
- Great odor eliminator
- Effective against COVID-19 virus
Cons
- Have to let air dry on surfaces to work for 24 hours
This all-purpose cleaner from Microban was thoroughly tested and vetted by our cleaning experts as part of our Good Housekeeping Seal approval process. Microban 24 Hour is the only widely-available cleaner that continuously protects surfaces and keeps bacteria from growing on them for 24 hours, even if the surface is touched. Many all-purpose cleaners also disinfect surfaces, but once you touch the surface bacteria begin to grow immediately. So now, countertops, faucets, appliance handles and all frequently-touched surfaces stay cleaner longer. Finally, a cleaner that keeps working longer than you do.
Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner
Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner
Pros
- EPA Safer Choice certified
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some reviewers found the spray trigger leaks after a few uses
Seventh Generation is a leader in plant-based cleaning products, and this Free & Clear formula goes even further by also eliminating dyes and fragrances. In our tests, this biodegradable all-purpose spray cleaned counters, stovetops and cabinets quickly and without streaking. It's also a 91% USDA Certified Biobased Product.
Lysol Disinfectant Wipes
Lysol Disinfectant Wipes
Pros
- Effective against COVID-19 virus
- Can be used to disinfect electronics
Cons
- Some reviewers find that they dry out quickly
With over 79,000 reviews on Amazon, this tried and true disinfectant wipe from Lysol is an easy-to-grab solution for all your germ-fighting needs. In our Lab, cleaning products from this brand always perform well and are trusted by our experts. These wipes also come in smaller packaging ideal for carrying in backpacks, carry-on luggage or for keeping in your car.
How we test all purpose cleaners
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we've tested hundreds of all-purpose cleaners and continuously test new ones to update our recommendations throughout the year. In our last category test alone, we put 18 multi-purpose cleaners through rigorous performance and ease-of-use tests across a number of different surface types. All-purpose cleaners are scored based on how well they clean a measured amount of test soil from glass, stainless steel, painted walls and laminate countertops. We make note of any smears and streaks left behind on the glass surface and the time it takes for the cleaner to break apart the test soil after it is applied to the dirty surface.
Our ease-of-use tests include evaluating how easy the spray triggers are to press or the bulk all-purpose cleaners are to dilute. The label directions are also checked for clarity and for inclusion of safety precautions, spot test recommendations and first aid instructions.
What to look for when shopping for the best all purpose cleaners
It can be overwhelming to make a purchase for something you will be using all around your home when you have hundreds of different options online. There are just a few things to consider when shopping for the best all-purpose cleaner for your home.
✔️ Surfaces: Although these cleaners have "all-purpose" in their name, not all can actually be used on all surfaces. These multi-purpose cleaners can usually clean most non-porous surfaces, but it is still important to make sure the surface you want to clean is clearly listed on the label. Even if an all-purpose cleaner says it can be used on a particular surface, spot-test the product on a hidden corner to be sure that it won't cause any damage.
✔️ Form: Most all-purpose cleaners come as trigger sprays, ready to use straight from the bottle. Others are liquids that you dilute with water in a bucket or basin. You can even find them in paste and wipe form. Which you choose depends on the job you need to do and which you find easiest and most convenient to use. Some liquid and foaming multi-purpose cleaners leave behind a soapy residue on the surfaces you clean. For these cleaners, wipe with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove the excess cleaner. Wipes are great for quick clean-ups of small messes or to use in your car interior.
✔️ Size: Small bottles of spray cleaners are usually best for small, targeted areas, like walls, counters and stovetops, while larger bottles that can be diluted are well-suited for big jobs and cleaning large areas, like floors and outdoor furniture. Plus, purchasing a bigger size of your favorite all-purpose cleaner is easier — both on your pocket and the environment — than buying smaller bottles more often.
Do all-purpose cleaners kill germs and disinfect?
Some do, but not all. Keep in mind that any cleaning and wiping method will physically remove some germs from a surface, but to kill them, specific ingredients are required. Sanitizing and disinfecting cleaners go the extra mile and are able to kill germs — usually bacteria and viruses — on hard non-porous surfaces.
Remember that a surface must be clean first before the sanitizing and disinfecting ingredients can work, and it must remain wet for the time required on the product label to be effective. Sometimes, this means you have to reapply the product if it dries too quickly. To be sure an all-purpose cleaner you are considering actually kills germs as claimed, look for the EPA registration number. It's usually on the bottom corner of the back label. That assures you the product is proven to be effective when used as directed.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Carolyn Forté has over 40 years of experience researching, testing and writing about appliances like washers, dryers and vacuum cleaners, cleaning products such as detergents and polishes and tricks and tips needed to keep a home clean and organized. She oversees the work of the Home Appliances and Cleaning Lab, produces all the cleaning and home care advice for Good Housekeeping in print and digitally and has authored numerous special Good Housekeeping publications like books and bookazines.
Jodhaira Rodriguez has tested and written cleaning how-tos and tips as the home appliances & cleaning products reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute since 2021. She holds a B.S. in forensic science from Hofstra University and previously worked in an environmental lab where she sharpened the analytical skills she applies in her testing of vacuums, dishwashers, detergents and more.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
From 2021 to 2023, Jodhaira (she/her) was a product reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where she tested and wrote about home appliances, cleaning products and cleaning tips. Prior to joining GH, she graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and spent two years as an analyst in an environmental lab in Queens.
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