The 7 Best All-Purpose Cleaners from The Spruce’s 2025 Guide

Short answer: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner is The Spruce’s best overall spray for routine household cleaning. But the right choice depends on the job: Clorox’s disinfecting cleaner is the better fit when label-directed disinfection is the priority, Clorox Compostable Cleaning Wipes are convenient for small messes, Seventh Generation Free & Clear suits fragrance-conscious shoppers, and Mr. Clean Clean Freak is the refill and continuous-spray option.

One qualification matters before comparing them: although the source article is titled as a “tested” roundup, The Spruce expressly says it had not tested the specific Seventh Generation cleaning solution. The seven products should therefore be understood as The Spruce’s recommendations, not seven products all confirmed through identical hands-on testing.

The Spruce’s roundup, updated November 12, 2025, evaluated recommendations using cleaning expertise and a survey of 185 adults. Its stated considerations included effectiveness, formula, scent, and ease of use. The list spans everyday sprays, wipes, disinfectants, an eco-oriented formula, a nearly unscented cleaner, and a refill-oriented spray.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY Cleaner Spray, Lemon Verbena, 16 fl oz, 3 Pack | Removes Dirt and Freshens...	$15.54	Buy on Amazon
2		Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Spray, Disinfectant, Mango, 32oz | Multipurpose Cleaner, Sanitizer &...	$3.84	Buy on Amazon
3		Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Spray, Lemon, Mango & Lavender, 32oz, 4 Pack | Multipurpose Cleaner,...	$17.56	Buy on Amazon
4		Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Spray, Disinfectant, Lemon, 32oz | Multipurpose Cleaner, Sanitizer &...	$3.84	Buy on Amazon

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Before choosing one, separate three jobs that are often confused:

• Cleaning removes dirt, grease, grime, and other soil.
• Sanitizing reduces certain germs to the level specified on the product label.
• Disinfecting destroys specific listed microorganisms when the product is used on approved surfaces for the required contact time.

An all-purpose or multi-surface cleaner is not automatically a disinfectant. Even a product that makes germ-killing claims cannot be treated as instantly disinfecting: the surface, organism, precleaning, wet-contact time, and rinsing instructions on the label all matter.

#1 Best Overall

MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY Cleaner Spray, Lemon Verbena, 16 fl oz, 3 Pack | Removes Dirt and Freshens Surfaces, Multi-Surface, Everyday Use, All-Purpose Cleaner, Cruelty Free, Made with Essential Oils

• REMOVES DIRT, FRESHENS SURFACES: A Multi-Surface Spray that cleans nonporous surfaces quickly, and leaves a fresh garden-inspired scent throughout your home.
• TESTED & TRUSTED: Mrs. Meyer's products are made with essential oils and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients that are cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny Certified.
• GARDEN-INSPIRED SCENTS: Lemon Verbena has a light, refreshingly mild citrus scent. This tender herb blossoms in early summer, and smells bright and new through and through. With scent notes of: bergamot, lemon, geranium, and cedarwood.
• CLEAN WITHOUT COMPROMISE: Made without parabens, phthalates, glycol solvents, phosphates, or artificial colors.
• PLANT SOME GOOD EVERYDAY: For homes that feel cared for, cultivated with intention, and cleaned with some garden goodness.

$15.54

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Quick comparison

1. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner: best overall spray

For a single everyday spray, The Spruce’s leading choice is Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner. It is aimed at the routine work most households actually do: wiping counters, cleaning bathroom fixtures, removing ordinary dirt, and freshening surfaces without keeping a separate bottle for every room.

The appeal is partly practical and partly sensory. The cleaner is offered in light citrus and floral scent options, and The Spruce highlights its ability to lift dirt and grime, add shine, and handle jobs such as grout and shower cleaning. The manufacturer lists use on many nonporous surfaces, including finished wood, tile floors, countertops, walls, porcelain, bathroom fixtures, sealed stone, and granite.

Its listed formula includes plant-derived cleaning agents, essential oils, citric acid, and citric acid-related ingredients. The manufacturer also says it is made without parabens, phthalates, glycol solvents, phosphates, or artificial colors and is Leaping Bunny certified. Those claims may appeal to shoppers who want a less harsh-feeling everyday formula, but they do not turn it into a disinfectant.

Best fit: routine spray-and-wipe cleaning when scent choice and broad use on finished, sealed, or otherwise approved nonporous surfaces matter.

Use caution: test an inconspicuous area first, especially on unusual finishes, and follow the bottle’s current surface list. “Multi-surface” does not mean every stone, wood finish, or painted surface.

2. Clorox Compostable Cleaning Wipes: best overall wipes

Clorox Compostable Cleaning Wipes are the convenience choice. They make sense for a small countertop spill, a quick touch-up, a work area, a vehicle, or any situation where carrying a spray bottle and cloth is inconvenient.

The Spruce identifies compostable construction, EPA Safer Choice certification, and a bleach-free formula among the product’s advantages. The trade-off is that wipes are usually a poor replacement for a reusable cloth and spray when cleaning large areas. They can also be frustrating to dispense, according to The Spruce’s drawback assessment.

“Compostable” should not be read as “flushable,” and it does not mean every used wipe belongs in a compost bin. A wipe contaminated with grease, chemicals, bodily fluids, or other unsuitable material may not be accepted by a local composting program. Follow local disposal rules and the package directions; never flush these wipes.

The EPA’s Safer Choice label is a useful screening signal: the program evaluates product and ingredient criteria related to human-health and environmental characteristics, and its current standard includes requirements specific to cleaning wipes. It is not a blanket EPA endorsement of every marketing statement or proof that a product is risk-free.

Best fit: light, contained messes and portable cleaning.

Skip them for: routine whole-home cleaning if minimizing waste or cost per cleaned surface is more important than convenience.

Rank #2

Sale

Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Spray, Disinfectant, Mango, 32oz | Multipurpose Cleaner, Sanitizer & Disinfectant Spray, Degreaser, Multi-Surface Kitchen & Bathroom Cleaner, Cleaning Supplies

• ALL PURPOSE CLEANER KILLS 99.9% OF VIRUSES and BACTERIA: Lysol All Purpose disinfectant spray kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria including the COVID-19 virus to help keep your family protected
• KILLS 99.9% OF GERMS FOR A DEEP CLEAN: This disinfectant spray kills 99.9% of germs, removes soap scum and cuts through tough grease and grime — a versatile, multipurpose cleaner you can count on
• MULTI SURFACE CLEANER and DEGREASER: This cleaning spray can be used on hard, non-porous surfaces throughout your household including counters, sinks, stovetops, cabinets, appliance exteriors, high chairs, bathtubs and showers
• 0% BLEACH: Lysol multipurpose cleaner spray provides powerful cleaning and disinfecting without the harshness of bleach
• CONVENIENT LYSOL SPRAY: This all purpose cleaner has fast-acting sanitization, so you can kill 99.9% of bacteria in a flash

$3.84

Buy on Amazon

3. Clorox Disinfecting All-Purpose Cleaner: best disinfectant

When the priority is cleaning and disinfecting hard, nonporous surfaces with one product, The Spruce selects Clorox Disinfecting All-Purpose Cleaner. The bleach-free spray is marketed for surfaces such as tubs, tile, sealed granite, glazed tile, and stainless steel, subject to the current label.

The crucial detail is contact time. Clorox’s directions say that for cleaning, deodorizing, and sanitizing, the surface is kept visibly wet for 30 seconds. For disinfection, the surface must remain wet for 10 minutes. If the area is visibly soiled, preclean it first. Food-contact surfaces require a potable-water rinse after use.

That means spraying and immediately wiping away the product does not satisfy the 10-minute disinfection direction. In a busy kitchen or bathroom, the surface may dry too soon; if so, the label’s required wet exposure has not been achieved.

Clorox states that the product kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses when used as directed. That percentage must be read narrowly: it applies to the organisms, surfaces, conditions, and directions covered by the label. It is not a promise that one quick spray eliminates every germ from every material.

Best fit: approved hard, nonporous surfaces where label-directed disinfection is genuinely needed.

Downside: The lemon scent may be overpowering for some users, and the product requires more disciplined use than an ordinary dirt-removing spray.

4. Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner Free & Clear: best eco-oriented option

The Spruce names Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner, particularly the Free & Clear version, as its eco-friendly pick. It is positioned for shoppers who want a fragrance-free product with plant-based and certification-related attributes. The manufacturer lists the product as fragrance-free, USDA Certified Biobased, EPA Safer Choice Certified, and Leaping Bunny Certified. It is marketed for grease, grime, and dirt throughout the home, including on surfaces such as granite and laminate when the label permits.

The current product information also says it is suitable for cleaning around children and pets and comes in a 23-fluid-ounce bottle made with 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. Those statements describe the product’s positioning and certifications, not a guarantee that the cleaner is harmless in every exposure or safe for every surface. Store it safely, ventilate as appropriate, and follow the label.

The testing qualification is especially important here: The Spruce says it had not tested this specific cleaning solution. Its selection was influenced by the brand’s reputation for plant-based formulas and the product’s stated features. It is more accurate to call this The Spruce’s eco-oriented pick than to claim it was the best-performing product in direct testing.

Best fit: readers seeking a fragrance-free, certification-oriented everyday cleaner.

Check before buying: package size, formula, retailer stock, and current claims can change. “Free & Clear” should not be confused with a universal no-risk designation.

Rank #3

Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Spray, Lemon, Mango & Lavender, 32oz, 4 Pack | Multipurpose Cleaner, Sanitizer & Disinfectant Spray, Degreaser, Multi-Surface Kitchen & Bathroom Cleaner, Cleaning Supplies

• ALL PURPOSE CLEANING SPRAY: Lysol spray can be used as a kitchen cleaner, stovetop cleaner, tile cleaner, sink cleaner, bathtub cleaner, wall cleaner, and more
• KILLS 99.9% OF GERMS FOR A DEEP CLEAN: This disinfectant spray kills 99.9% of germs, removes soap scum and cuts through tough grease and grime — a versatile, multipurpose cleaner you can count on
• MULTI SURFACE CLEANER: This cleaning spray can be used on hard, non-porous surfaces throughout your household including counters, sinks, stovetops², cabinets, appliance exteriors, high chairs, bathtubs and showers
• 0% BLEACH: Lysol multipurpose cleaner spray provides powerful cleaning and disinfecting without the harshness of bleach
• CONVENIENT LYSOL SPRAY: This all purpose cleaner has fast-acting sanitization, so you can kill 99.9% of bacteria in a flash

$17.56

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5. Lysol Disinfectant Spray: best for sanitizing and deodorizing

Lysol Disinfectant Spray is The Spruce’s choice for sanitizing and deodorizing multiple surfaces. Unlike a conventional grime-cutting all-purpose spray, it is an aerosol disinfectant intended for selected hard and soft surfaces, which may include upholstery, furniture, pet beds, and baby areas depending on the specific product and label.

Lysol says its disinfectant sprays kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria when used as directed. The phrase “when used as directed” does the important work: the current label controls which organisms, materials, and application methods qualify. Visibly dirty hard surfaces may require precleaning, and the wet-contact period must be observed.

Surface compatibility deserves special attention. Lysol’s product information warns against use on materials such as brass, copper, aluminum, or painted wood. Do not assume that approval for one fabric, finish, or hard surface transfers to another. Test an inconspicuous area when the label allows it, and never use an aerosol where the label prohibits it.

Best fit: deodorizing and label-directed sanitizing or disinfecting on specifically approved surfaces.

Use a separate cleaner when: the surface has substantial grease, soil, or buildup that the aerosol is not designed to remove efficiently.

6. Better Life Natural All-Purpose Cleaner: best nearly unscented option

For readers who dislike fragrance, The Spruce recommends Better Life Natural All-Purpose Cleaner. The article describes it as having no added synthetic fragrances and using plant-derived cleaning agents. It is presented as suitable for a wide range of household tasks, including countertops, stainless steel, walls, floors, showers, toys, upholstery, glass, and mirrors.

“Unscented” is best understood here as no added fragrance or close to scent-free, not as a guarantee that the liquid has no perceptible odor. Natural extracts and cleaning ingredients can still produce a slight smell.

The Spruce’s drawbacks are useful for setting expectations: some grime may require more product, and residue may remain on certain surfaces and need buffing. That makes application technique important. Use enough product to lift the soil, wipe thoroughly with a clean cloth, and buff glass or other streak-prone surfaces if necessary.

There is also a current-verification limitation. The research did not establish a clearly matching first-party product page for the exact Better Life model named in the roundup. Package design, ingredients, size, and retailer availability should therefore be checked before purchase rather than assumed from an older listing.

Best fit: people who want a low-fragrance everyday cleaner and are willing to trade some speed or convenience for a less noticeable scent.

7. Mr. Clean Clean Freak Deep Cleaning Mist: best for refills

Mr. Clean Clean Freak Deep Cleaning Mist earns the refill-oriented spot because of its packaging and spray mechanism as much as its cleaning formula. The power nozzle can deliver short, medium, or continuous bursts, and the bottle system is designed to accept refill bottles. That is useful for covering counters, backsplashes, shower tile, glass stovetops, stainless steel, and other approved household surfaces without repeatedly squeezing a conventional trigger.

Rank #4

Sale

Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Spray, Disinfectant, Lemon, 32oz | Multipurpose Cleaner, Sanitizer & Disinfectant Spray, Degreaser, Multi-Surface Kitchen & Bathroom Cleaner, Cleaning Supplies

• ALL PURPOSE CLEANER KILLS 99.9% OF VIRUSES and BACTERIA: Lysol All Purpose disinfectant spray kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria including the COVID-19 virus to help keep your family protected
• KILLS 99.9% OF GERMS FOR A DEEP CLEAN: This disinfectant spray kills 99.9% of germs, removes soap scum and cuts through tough grease and grime — a versatile, multipurpose cleaner you can count on
• MULTI SURFACE CLEANER and DEGREASER: This cleaning spray can be used on hard, non-porous surfaces throughout your household including counters, sinks, stovetops, cabinets, appliance exteriors, high chairs, bathtubs and showers
• 0% BLEACH: Lysol multipurpose cleaner spray provides powerful cleaning and disinfecting without the harshness of bleach
• CONVENIENT LYSOL SPRAY: This all purpose cleaner has fast-acting sanitization, so you can kill 99.9% of bacteria in a flash

$3.84

Buy on Amazon

The manufacturer says the spray cuts grease and grime on contact and instructs users to test a small area. Food-contact surfaces should be rinsed after cleaning. The exact precautions vary by formula, but the product information calls for caution or avoidance on materials including copper, untreated wood, and brass.

Stone requires careful distinctions. Quartz, sealed granite, and marble are not interchangeable materials, and a cleaner that works on one should not automatically be used on another. The Spruce specifically warns that the product’s higher-pH washing-soda formula could etch or dull marble with frequent use. It also notes that streaking can occur on glass.

Best fit: households that value a continuous spray, broad coverage, and a refillable system.

Not a universal stone cleaner: check the formula’s current label, test a hidden area, and avoid assuming that “works on stone” means safe for marble or unsealed surfaces.

How to choose the right cleaner

1. Decide whether you need cleaning or disinfection. For ordinary dust, fingerprints, grease, and grime, choose an everyday cleaner. Use a disinfectant only when its germ claim is relevant and you can follow the required contact time.
2. Choose spray or wipe. Sprays paired with reusable cloths are generally more practical for larger jobs. Wipes win for portability and small, quick messes.
3. Prioritize scent only after checking performance needs. Free & Clear and Better Life address fragrance concerns, while Mrs. Meyer’s offers scent variety. No fragrance preference overrides a surface-compatibility warning.
4. Read the approved-surface list. Pay particular attention to marble, sealed versus unsealed stone, copper, brass, aluminum, untreated wood, painted wood, glass, and food-contact surfaces.
5. Check the label’s process. Precleaning, wet-contact time, rinsing, ventilation, and protective measures are part of the product’s directions—not optional extras.
6. Recheck current packaging and price. Scents, sizes, formulas, stock, and promotional prices change. The prices displayed in the source roundup were snapshots, not permanent prices.

Surface-safety checklist

• Test an inconspicuous area when the label recommends or permits testing.
• Do not use a disinfectant on a surface merely because it is nearby; confirm that the exact material is approved.
• Keep disinfecting surfaces wet for the full label contact time.
• Preclean visibly dirty areas when required.
• Rinse food-contact surfaces with potable water when the product directions require it.
• Do not assume sealed stone, unsealed stone, granite, quartz, and marble have the same tolerance.
• Avoid prohibited materials such as brass, copper, aluminum, painted wood, or untreated wood when the label says to do so.
• Never mix cleaning products, particularly disinfectants, acids, ammonia-containing products, or bleach products.
• Keep sprays and wipes away from children and pets and follow the package’s storage instructions.

What should you buy?

Choose Mrs. Meyer’s if you want the most balanced everyday spray recommendation. Choose Clorox Compostable Wipes for portable spot cleaning, not routine large-area work. Choose Clorox Disinfecting All-Purpose Cleaner when hard-surface disinfection is the actual requirement and you can maintain its 10-minute wet time. Choose Seventh Generation Free & Clear for a fragrance-free, eco-oriented option, while remembering that the specific product was not directly tested by The Spruce. Choose Lysol for sanitizing and deodorizing on approved surfaces, Better Life for a nearly scent-free experience, and Mr. Clean Clean Freak when refill convenience and continuous spraying matter most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all-purpose cleaners disinfectants?

No. An all-purpose cleaner removes dirt and grime, but only a product with an applicable disinfecting claim can be used for disinfection. Follow its approved-surface list, organism claims, precleaning instructions, wet-contact time, and rinsing directions.

Which cleaner is best for kitchen counters?

Mrs. Meyer’s is the strongest everyday-spray choice among these recommendations for approved nonporous counters. If you disinfect, use a product such as Clorox Disinfecting All-Purpose Cleaner only as directed, keep the surface wet for the required time, and rinse food-contact surfaces when the label requires it.

Can compostable cleaning wipes be flushed?

No. Compostable does not mean flushable. Dispose of used wipes according to the package and local waste or composting rules.

What is the best cleaner for marble?

None of these should be assumed safe for marble without checking the exact current label. The Spruce specifically warns that Mr. Clean Clean Freak’s higher-pH formula may etch or dull marble with frequent use. Test carefully and use a marble-approved cleaner when appropriate.

Does “unscented” mean a cleaner has no smell?

Not necessarily. It usually means no added fragrance. Cleaning ingredients or natural extracts may still have a slight detectable odor.

The Bottom Line

Bottom line: Mrs. Meyer’s is the most versatile everyday recommendation, but there is no single best cleaner for every surface and task. Match the product to the job, respect the label’s contact time and rinse instructions, and treat material compatibility as a requirement—not a suggestion.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY Cleaner Spray, Lemon Verbena, 16 fl oz, 3 Pack | Removes Dirt and Freshens Surfaces, Multi-Surface, Everyday Use, All-Purpose Cleaner, Cruelty Free, Made with Essential Oils

$15.54

SaleBestseller No. 2

Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Spray, Disinfectant, Mango, 32oz | Multipurpose Cleaner, Sanitizer & Disinfectant Spray, Degreaser, Multi-Surface Kitchen & Bathroom Cleaner, Cleaning Supplies

When used as directed

$3.84

Bestseller No. 3

Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Spray, Lemon, Mango & Lavender, 32oz, 4 Pack | Multipurpose Cleaner, Sanitizer & Disinfectant Spray, Degreaser, Multi-Surface Kitchen & Bathroom Cleaner, Cleaning Supplies

When used as directed

$17.56

SaleBestseller No. 4

Lysol All Purpose Cleaner Spray, Disinfectant, Lemon, 32oz | Multipurpose Cleaner, Sanitizer & Disinfectant Spray, Degreaser, Multi-Surface Kitchen & Bathroom Cleaner, Cleaning Supplies

When used as directed

$3.84

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.