7 Best All-Purpose Cleaners, According to Cleaning Experts

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 of whatever surface you're working with, which does add an extra step.

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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 but also has the power to 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.

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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 with this product, countertops, faucets, appliance handles and all frequently-touched surfaces stay cleaner longer. You just have to be patient enough to let the formula air dry on the surface to reap the full benefits.

In tests, we found the product also did a fantastic job of eliminating odors, which makes it a great workhorse for tough spots like garbage cans and sinks. It leaves an odor-cutting citrus scent in its wake.

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 EPA Safer Choice certified. 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.

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.

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 some of the other disinfecting products on our list. To fully disinfect, you only need to let surfaces remain wet for four minutes. Some users said the wipes dry out quicker than they'd like though.

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.