The Best All-Purpose Cleaners, According to HGTV Editors
Why buy multiple cleaners when you probably only need one?
Collectively, the editors at HGTV have tried quite a few cleaning methods. From mixing up our own DIY cleaners to testing out the latest cleaning subscriptions or low-waste cleaning brands, we're a passionate group when it comes to finding the best cleaners for our homes, families and the planet. And we love a multipurpose product — why buy five different cleaners when one all-purpose cleaner can tackle the majority of your surfaces just as effectively? In the spirit of a new year and spring cleaning on the horizon, we're sharing some of our tried-and-true, go-to cleaning sprays, powders, DIY solutions and more. Shop our favorites below, and learn why these cleaners have earned permanent spots in our cleaning closets.
"I am a big fan of Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap. It is truly a 'best all-around' cleaner. You clean almost anything with it, wash floors, add to laundry, wash the dog — you can even use it as hand soap and shampoo! In addition to unscented, it comes in a variety of scents that are derived from that plant’s oil, so no fake-y smells here either. Try the peppermint to have your home smelling extra fresh. The label is packed with tons of info on what concentrated amount to mix with what to suit whatever you are cleaning." — Michele Purcell, Executive Producer
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"I am kind of cuckoo about this plant-based, non-toxic, all-purpose cleaner which has a refreshing orange scent that doesn't smell like it was whipped up in a lab. Yes, I use it to mop up my kitchen table and countertops. But it has also performed a mini-miracle cleanup of my mildewy HardiPlank siding that I thought I was going to have to get a special mildew cleaner and sprayer to tackle. Also, being more sustainable is on my global good-citizen to-do list, so I love that this 100-percent recyclable Cleancult product comes in a cardboard container (even the cap is plant-based), so no plastic pollution. But nothing about how well this product cleans feels good-for-the-planet woo-woo." — Felicia Feaster, Managing Editor
"Grove Collaborative’s All-Purpose Cleaning Concentrate is the best. Once you have your 16-ounce reusable glass spray bottle, you simply refill with 15 ounces of water and a one-ounce bottle of cleaning concentrate (that are now plastic-free and come in glass bottles!). My favorite scent is orange and rosemary, but lavender and thyme is just as lovely and will take over your house — in a good way. Plus, you can feel good knowing that you’re using a natural cleaner that also helps to eliminate plastic waste." — Kayla Kitts, Managing Editor
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"I absolutely love citrus-smelling cleaning products, and recently, I've been using this orange all-purpose spray from ECOS. It's a great all-natural everyday cleaner because it's safe to use on any non-porous, water-safe surface, including sealed stone, hardwood floors, painted surfaces, linoleum, vinyl, porcelain, chrome, stainless steel and more. It also meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Product Choice Standards and is produced in carbon-neutral and water-neutral facilities." — Laura James, Editor
"Until recently, I’d never heard of this witchcraft. And I call it that because it’s MAGIC. My shiny shower fixtures were covered in hard water spots when we bought our house. I used every single major crud cutter and grime fighter and even went as far as trying to scrape it off with a razor blade (do NOT recommend). A friend recommended Bar Keepers, so I picked some up, sprinkled it on and BAM. Hard water spots gone. I’m not exaggerating when I say I gasped. I now use this stuff to clean most surfaces — my tub, stovetop, stainless-steel sink, shower fixtures, etc. Bar Keepers really is your friend." — Chelsea Faulkner, Editor
"I recently started using Bar Keepers Friend at the recommendation of several former servers. The plan was to use it to clean the oven, but I tried it out while cleaning the bathroom where it works really well. Rust seems to dissipate almost instantly, and I was able to finally get stains out of my shower that nothing else has worked on. It makes stainless-steel surfaces so shiny, too." — Jessica Yonker, Editor
DIY All-Purpose Cleaning Spray
"I like making my own all-purpose spray with vinegar, water and essential oils because it's cheap, natural and eco-friendly. I use distilled white vinegar combined with an equal amount of water in an amber spray bottle and about 15 drops of tea tree (my personal favorite), eucalyptus or lemon essential oil." — Molly Miller, Assistant Editor
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"Resolve cleaning spray blows my mind. We use it on all kinds of spills and mishaps that happen on upholstery, rugs, carpeting, bedding, etc., and it works wonders! Recently, we had a leak in our sunroom roof that badly stained a white couch. I sprayed the stain down with Resolve, and to my surprise, the stain disappeared, making the couch look new again. I seriously thought we were going to have to replace the couch. It's a must-have on our cleaning cart." — Karen Webb, Associate Producer