Best 10 All-Purpose Cleaners

Are you always looking for ways to make your home smell and look clean and fresh? Do you want to find something with a bit more cleaning power than, say, an air freshener? Cleaning messes around the house can be strenuous, especially if you have little ones or pets. So, investing in one of the best multi-surface cleaners available on the market can make any cleaning job a walk in the park. 

Their versatility and multi-functionality make them a must-have product for any household. Nothing makes deep cleaning better than this product, from cleaning stains off a carpet to cleaning up oven glass doors. Do you want to find out more about which cleaner is suitable for kitchen countertops? Are you looking for a bathroom cleaner or a floor cleaner?  Fear not; with our buying guide, you'll be able to find the perfect match for your needs that will safely tackle hard surfaces. Keep reading to find out more about what a multi-purpose cleaner should have!

What is an all-purpose cleaner? 

In layman's terms, it is a cleanser that effectively sanitises and removes dust, dirt, debris, stains, and grease. Many of the best quality products out there come with disinfecting and antibacterial properties. Consumers enjoy an all-purpose cleaner as it is free of harsh chemicals, easy to use, and a reliable cleaning agent as you can apply it on anything from grill grates and stovetops to tubs. Most people prefer using them on nonporous surfaces in their house, such as glass, tile, plastic, wood and more. Depending on the format, you can spray it directly on the surface or dilute it in water to wipe the surface down with a cloth. 

Multi-surface cleaners come with many pretty and delicate smells, including grapefruit, lemon, and more, if you dislike some other cleaning products due to their harsh odours. Some even come with infused essential oils such as lavender that give your home a luscious and refreshing smell. 

Spray, Paste or Liquid: Which Method All-Purpose Cleaner is best?

The three most common forms of all-purpose cleaners are spray, paste or liquid. Let's have a look at what each method of all-purpose cleaner is better suitable for. 

• Cleaning Spray

If you want something that you can directly point towards the surface area and start cleaning immediately, then spray cleaners could be your favourite. They come in a large bottled container with a trigger-style spray nozzle through which the cleaning solution comes out. You can wipe the surface spray clean by using a damp cloth without the need to mix or dissolve in other chemicals. 

• Paste

An all-purpose paste cleaner is better when you have to deal with tough stains. For example, The Pink Stuff is one of the most heavy-duty solutions that can take on your home’s most impossible and dirty nooks or crannies. In order for it to work more efficiently, you may have to leave it a little bit longer than the spray kind. Once it's done activating its properties, you can wipe it off with a wet sponge or a cloth. 

• Liquid

Another popular type is the liquid-based cleaner.  This kind can tackle grease, grime, soils and stains efficiently without the need for you to use up all of your muscle power. Some people like to use these when mopping their floors so that they can rejuvenate the glow on the floor’s surface. Also, they come in a variety of scents so that you can select the one to match your taste and preference. 

What to look for in an all-purpose cleaner? 

Are you unsure about which all-purpose cleaner is best suited for your needs? Do you want to learn a bit more about the features to consider? Stay with us as we show you things to look for to make the best purchase possible. 

1. Type 

The first thing you have to consider is what type of cleaner you want. The most popular option is a spray bottle because of its convenience but for more persistent dirt and debris, say, grease, there are other formats more suitable like foam or paste or liquid.

2. Capacity 

After you've decided what type of cleaner you want, you should look into the container’s capacity. A larger container will allow you to use it for an extended period without having to purchase a new one soon enough. Sizes can range from as little as 100ml to 5L, depending on the solution. Another thing to consider when looking into capacities is that a smaller capacity will mean a lighter weight. The large capacity cleaners are bulkier and heavier to lift, making transporting them from one room to the other a bit of a hassle. 

3. Use 

Another critical thing to consider is what use you want out of your cleaning solution. Manufacturers will make design products meant for unique use case scenarios. For example, there are cleaning products specifically designed for bathrooms, others for mattress stains, you name it. Popular cleaning product categories include the ones for kitchen appliances that have lots of oils and stains, disinfectants for viruses, germs and bacteria buildup or multi-purpose cleaners that tackle stainless steel and other table surfaces. 

4. Bacteria Removal 

If you're looking for a cleaning product that can sanitise, disinfect, and even kill off bacteria, you should know that not all are ready to take on the job by default. So, you should read the description to find out if they can kill up to 99.9% of bacteria. Unless it has been explicitly stated, these products will not have disinfecting properties to such a degree. They will be able to scrape off germs from surfaces, but they won’t be completely removing them.

5. Scent

This last feature to look for isn't a practical one; it’s more so a matter of personal preference. How do you want your home to smell after a full cleaning session? Depending on your answer, you can pick from a wide variety of scents available in the market. If you are more of a fruity, tropical scent type of person, there are many citruses, vanilla, grapefruit options out there. On the other hand, if you are sensitive to some smells, you could even find neutral solutions that aren't too heavy on the smell. So, you will still have the polished result without the infused essences. 

Do all cleaning solutions kill germs? 

Some products say in their description if they work as an antibacterial cleaner. If you want to kill off germs and bacteria that may lead to viruses, you should opt for a product that comes with sanitising and disinfecting ingredients. Generic products will simply wipe off germs lying on the surface, but to completely remove bacteria, antibacterial cleaners are your best friend.

To get the best results possible, read through the product description on how you should apply the product. First, soak the surface area with the cleaner and let it work its magic for as long as the manufacturer recommends. For extra peace of mind, look for products that come with EPA registration. These follow the safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency to clean efficiently frequent touch areas that may contain germs and viruses.

Which home areas should you clean most often?

Naturally, we recommend you spend some time weekly or even daily maintaining your home in tip-top shape. Some home chores are light and take minimal time, so we usually prefer to tick them off our to-do list before they become a bigger, more daunting task. But, if you want to perform some deep-cleaning tasks, there are a few home areas that we find collect more dust, dirt and debris. Also, bacteria build-up is more likely because they are higher frequency areas that the whole family gathers at. 

Some common home areas that we suggest you clean frequently, 1-2 a week or more, include:

• Bathroom (toilet seat, faucets, shower/bathtub)
• Kitchen countertops
• Appliances
• Shelves 
• Carpets & Upholstery

One thing to remember is that if you want to tackle a specific problem, check through the description and find one that is, for example, a limescale remover or degreaser specifically. Depending on your mini project, the amount of effort and elbow grease needed may be more.

Are eco-friendly cleaning products better? 

Have you ever run into the dilemma of choosing between a natural all-purpose cleaner or a regular one? Some manufacturers like to label their products as green all-purpose cleaners, promising non-toxic ingredients, climate-friendly chemicals or even plant-based alternatives. 

If you want to show off your eco-conscious self, these may be an excellent solution for you. Generally, though, you have to do your research as eco-friendly does not necessarily mean the same result. Yes, they can clean well, but one is not better than the other because of its lessened environmental footprint. On the plus side, they won't have the strong chemically-induced smell that regular ones have. Handle your surfaces with care and read the description to ensure that the product you select fits the job you have in hand. 

Closure

Enjoy the feeling of a clean home every day with the best all-purpose cleaners. You don't have to spend endless hours scrubbing down the floors, tiles and surfaces. With a high-quality cleaning solution, you are guaranteed to get the best results in much less time.

We are optimistic that our buying guide has helped you better understand the things to look for in order to stay pleased with your purchase and reap the benefits of a clean home faster. Are you ready to start scrubbing off the dirt and other debris?