We Tested All-Purpose Cleaners on Multiple Surfaces—These 6 Stood Out
Tackle grease and bacteria on your tables, floors, windows, and more.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
An all-purpose cleaner is an important tool in every home's cleaning toolbox. The space-saving product is easy to use and safe for tackling messes on a variety of surfaces throughout your home: countertops, painted walls, floors, appliances, sinks, and more. And the best ones not only cut through grease and wipe up grime without tough scrubbing, but also disinfect, leaving your space germ-free.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab, we test hundreds of products every year, including all-purpose cleaners. We review the label for any appropriate and required safety warnings and other claims, then get to work evaluating how quickly and completely they dissolve grease and other dirt, and how easy they are to use and rinse off.
Pros
- Can be used on a wide range of hard and soft surfaces
- Pleasant, light scent
Cons
- Needs to be rinsed
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, which has a unique and pleasant sassafras scent, 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. The brand says you can even use the solution in pressure washers, carpet cleaners and other equipment.
It's the most versatile all-purpose cleaner we have ever tested. It's available in large-size jugs too, which makes it one of the best overall values on our list. When diluted, it actually costs less per use than our best value pick. But keep in mind: You do have to rinse this formula off whatever surface you're working on, which adds an extra step.
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 32 oz |
| Scent | Sassafras |
| Disinfects | No |
Pros
- Bleach-free
- Disinfects
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, depending on which formula you reach for. And if you like the scent, you're in luck: Most of them are also available in wipes and bathroom and toilet bowl cleaners.
Our Lab pros have tested countless Clorox products over the years, and trust their performance. This bleach-free spray effectively removes soap scum, dirt, and grime, and can also deep clean areas like sinks, appliances, and garbage cans. The only downside? To disinfect, the surface must remain wet for 10 minutes — longer than many other products we've evaluated.
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 32 oz |
| Scent | Pacific Breeze and Coconut, Tuscan Lavender & Jasmine, Hawaiian Sunshine and Tahitian Grapefruit Splash |
| Disinfects | Yes |
Pros
- EPA Safer Choice certified and a USDA certified biobased product
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some users say 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. It doesn't disinfect, but we were impressed by how well it cut through grease and grime. In our tests, this all-purpose spray cleaned counters, stovetops and cabinets quickly and without streaking. We also like that it's a 95% USDA Certified Biobased Product and an EPA Safer Choice-certified product. The brand says the spray bottle is made of 100% recycled plastic, too.
It's worth noting that some users report trouble with the spray nozzle, namely that it begins to leak after a few uses. Our Lab pros didn't experience this issue, though.
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 23 oz |
| Scent | Free and Clear, Lemon, Yuzu Basil, Fresh Morning Meadow |
| Disinfects | No |
Pros
- Works on a wider range of surfaces than most other products
- Refillable packaging
Cons
- Smaller bottle than most
This spray may be on the small side at just 16 ounces, but we love it so much that it earned a Good Housekeeping Seal. It's safe to use for tackling messes on a variety of surfaces like kitchen countertops, appliances or bathroom sinks. You can even use it on granite, marble and finished wood so long as you wipe it away immediately.
When we tested it in the Lab, we were impressed by how well it cut grease and lifted dirt and grime. It works quickly and wipes away easily too. We also like that the starter kit comes with a reusable spray nozzle and three refills. Simply remove the nozzle and reattach it to one of the refill bottles. When you run out, additional refills are available at a lower price point.
| Type | Spray |
| Size | 16 oz |
| Scent | Lavender, Lemon, Gain Original, Unstopables Fresh, Grapefruit |
| Disinfects | No |
Pros
- Disinfects in just four minutes
- Also comes in highly portable packaging
Cons
- Some reviewers found that they dry out quickly
These tried-and-true disinfectant wipes from Lysol are an easy-to-grab solution for all your germ-fighting needs — you may even find them handy for the car. The wipes also come in smaller packaging, ideal for carrying in purses, backpacks and carry-on luggage or for keeping in your glove compartment.
In our Lab, cleaning products from this brand always perform well and are trusted by our experts. We like how quickly they work compared to other disinfecting products on our list. To fully disinfect, you only need to leave surfaces wet for 4 minutes. Some users said the wipes dry out quicker than they'd like, though.
| Type | Wipes |
| Size | 80 wipes |
| Scent | Lemon & Lime Blossom, Crisp Linen, Ocean Fresh, Early Morning Breeze |
| Disinfects | Yes |
Pros
- Great value for a gallon size bottle
- Many scent options
- No rinsing required
Cons
- Doesn't disinfect
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 as a concentrate 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.
We like that the brand makes five scents to choose from: Febreze Meadows and Rain, Febreze Lavender, Lemon, Gain Original Fresh and Unstopables Fresh. Unfortunately, none of them have the power to disinfect.
| Type | Liquid |
| Size | 23 oz |
| Scents | Febreze Meadows and Rain, Febreze Lavender, Lemon, Gain Original Fresh and Unstopables Fresh |
| Disinfects | No |
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 cleaner
It can be overwhelming to buy something you'll use around your home when you have hundreds of options online. Here are 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 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 ensure the 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 is a former reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has tested and written cleaning how-tos and tips 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.
Expert-Approved Carpet Cleaners for Stain Removal
The Best Way to Clean a TV Screen
The Best Vacuums for Pet Hair
This Furniture Piece Anchors EVERY Living Room
