When it comes to tackling household cleaning challenges, there’s no single solution that works for every situation. Whether you’re dealing with grease, grime, stains, or odors – as well as the many other messes and misfortunes that can happen in your home – having the right cleaning product can make all the difference in how quickly (and thoroughly) you get things back to normal. To help you tackle all of those tricky cleaning scenarios easily, we consulted with industry experts on what would be considered the best all-purpose cleaners on the market today. In response, we compiled this list of the top options recommended by these cleaning pros.
Grease fighters
Suppose you have a high-volume commercial kitchen or struggle with baked-on grease and grime on your stovetop, refrigerator, and other kitchen appliances. In that case, you’ll want to look for a commercial cleaner. However, a heavy-duty cleaner is often an effective solution for everyday grease and grime buildup in your home. A heavy-duty cleaner is formulated to tackle all types of grease, grime, and soil. It can be used on a variety of hard surfaces and items, including your stovetop, oven, refrigerator, and floor. Depending on your specific product, heavy-duty cleaners can also feature built-in degreasers that can help dissolve grease and grime, as well as tough-cleaners designed to remove stains.
Stained carpet and upholstery cleaners
If you have a lot of foot traffic or frequently have kids or pets inside your home, you may have dealt with stubborn stains on your carpet or upholstery. If so, a stain remover can be the best all-purpose cleaner for your situation. Stain removers are designed to tackle a wide range of different stains and can be used on a variety of different fabrics, including carpets and upholstery, as well as clothing, shoes, and sports equipment. Depending on the specific product you select, a stain remover may also offer built-in deodorizing abilities, which can be helpful if you’re dealing with odorous stains, such as those caused by pets.
Odor eliminators
If you’re dealing with stubborn odors in your home, an odor eliminator can be the best all-purpose cleaner for your situation. Unlike air fresheners, which simply mask odors with a different fragrance, odor eliminators are formulated to eliminate specific smells, such as pet odors, cooking smells, or mildew. There are a variety of different types of odor eliminators available, including sprays, gels, and plug-in devices. Depending on your chosen product, odor eliminators can be effective in a wide range of areas, including carpets, upholstery, air vents, and pet beds.
Stain removers
If you’re dealing with tough stains on clothing and carpet, a stain remover can be the best all-purpose cleaner for your situation. Stain removers are formulated to tackle a wide range of stains, including those caused by food and drink, cosmetics, grass, pet stains, and more. Stain removers can be used on a variety of fabrics, including clothing, shoes, upholstery, and carpets. Depending on the product you select, stain removers may come in the form of sprays, gels, or liquids and may include additives, such as bleach or enzymes, designed to enhance their stain-removing abilities.
There are a variety of different types of cleaning products available, and the best all-purpose cleaner for your home will vary depending on your specific cleaning challenges. A multi-surface cleaner, general cleaner, or all-purpose cleaner is often recommended for general cleaning and removing everyday dirt and grime.