10 Things You Should NEVER Clean With All-Purpose Cleaner

Let's face it: Kids' toys often end up in their mouths. Because all-purpose cleaners may contain hazardous ingredients, it's important to avoid using it on these items. Instead, try placing plush toys in the washer or plastic toys on the top rack of the dishwasher. There are plenty of safer ways to clean toys, according to our cleaning experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Many all-purpose cleaners contain chemicals that could potentially leave unfinished floors warped or stained. Instead, choose a dedicated wood floor cleaner and make sure to read all instructions before scrubbing.

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You're going to need something a bit stronger to properly clean hard water stains, stubborn soap scum or mold and mildew in the bathroom. Our cleaning experts have tested a variety of shower cleaners, choosing their favorites based on how effectively they sanitize and disinfect grimy bathroom surfaces.

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Pets are family too. That's why it's important to keep harsh ingredients away from the bowls they drink and eat from. You can clean pet bowls as you would clean normal bowls — by hand in the sink or in the dishwasher if safe.

While it's not necessarily unsafe to clean glass windows with an all-purpose cleaner, it's more likely to leave streaks and smudges, according to GH Institute cleaning experts. We recommend the Cleaning Lab's top pick: Invisible Glass Cleaner.

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Depending on the fabric, all-purpose cleaner could leave upholstered furniture looking discolored. Avoid potential patches by using a fabric cleaner. We recommend stain-removing and odor-fighting sprays like Bissell Stain & Odor and Febreze FABRIC.

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Tough stains are extremely frustrating. Don't add to the problem by using a cleaner that's not fit for the job. Instead of trying an all-purpose spray, apply a stain remover before throwing it in the wash.

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All-purpose cleaners often include acidic ingredients that could damage marble or granite countertops, leaving marks or stains on the natural stone. It's important to keep your countertop safe with a dedicated granite and stone cleaner like the GH Institute's top overall pick, Granite Gold Clean & Shine.

If pesky fingerprints cover your laptop or phone screen, you're not alone. While you should wipe down your electronics from time to time, avoid spraying an all-purpose cleaner. These devices should be cleaned with a dedicated screen-cleaning formula. Our GH Institute experts recommend products like Weiman Anti-Static Electronic Cleaning Wipes and OXO Good Grips Sweep & Swipe Laptop Cleaner.

Like stained clothes and upholstery, all-purpose cleaner has the potential to discolor carpet. Luckily, our pros at the GH Institute have a step-by-step guide on how to clean carpet stains.

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