At Tidy Casa, we clean over 600 homes a month across Phoenix and Tucson, and we bring all-purpose cleaner to every single job. It’s a staple in our kits, but here’s the honest truth: There is no one bottle to rule them all.
All-purpose cleaner is kind of like a Swiss Army knife. Super handy, great in a pinch, and it gets a lot of jobs done. But just like you wouldn’t use a Swiss Army knife to chop down a tree (hello, axe or chainsaw), you shouldn’t expect an all-purpose cleaner to handle everything in your home.
Here are a few places where all-purpose cleaner falls short—and what you should be using instead.
1. Stainless Steel Appliances
All-purpose cleaner can clean stainless steel, but it often leaves behind streaks or a dull, cloudy finish.
If you want that beautiful, polished look with no fingerprints, reach for a dedicated stainless steel cleaner or polish. It’s designed specifically for the surface and gives you that satisfying gleam that says, “Yes, I did just clean my fridge.”
2. Heavy Grease (Especially in Kitchens)
All-purpose cleaner just doesn’t have the grease-cutting power to handle built-up gunk—like what collects above stovetops or on range hoods.
What does? Dawn dish soap. Good ol’ Dawn and warm water beat the pants off most all-purpose sprays when it comes to grease. It breaks it down fast and wipes away clean.
3. Natural Stone Surfaces
Granite and marble countertops are beautiful—and expensive. All-purpose cleaners can actually damage the sealant or etch the surface over time, especially if they’re acidic.
Use a pH-neutral, stone-safe cleaner instead. It’ll protect your investment and keep your counters looking amazing.
4. Wood Furniture
Using an all-purpose cleaner on wood furniture? Big nope. It can strip the finish or leave behind a sticky residue.
Instead, grab a wood polish or just use a damp microfiber cloth for everyday dusting and spot cleaning. Your furniture will thank you.
5. Electronics & Screens
Laptops, TVs, phones—none of them play nice with moisture, especially when sprayed directly.
All-purpose cleaners are usually too harsh, and even a little moisture can sneak into the seams. Stick with screen-safe sprays or just use a dry microfiber cloth.
6. Glass & Mirrors
Yes, you can use all-purpose cleaner on glass… but it will 100% leave streaks. And nothing ruins the “just cleaned” vibe faster than a cloudy mirror or smudged window.
Reach for a dedicated glass cleaner instead. The difference is crystal clear—literally.
So… Is All-Purpose Cleaner the Hero We Deserve?
Nope. Sorry. It’s good—but not great.
The real hero? Dawn dish soap.
It’s simple, affordable, tough on grease, and safe for more surfaces than you’d expect. Add in a microfiber cloth and you’ve got a dynamic duo that’ll outperform that “all-purpose” label nine times out of ten.
Want to skip the guesswork altogether? Let us handle the mess for you.