The allure of all-purpose cleaners is simple: one bottle or spray to handle all your cleaning needs. We all have them under the sink, and for the most part, we love them. They smell great and typically get the job done for just about anything. Within the last few years, the market has seen an explosion of newer, tougher, and sometimes more green options for us to blast away those dirty spots around the house.
But the term “all-in-one” or “all-purpose” might be a little misleading because while they claim it in the title, there are things we shouldn’t use all-purpose cleaners on around the house. It’s important to know what we can use rather than just making assumptions thanks to label promises. No one wants their items to get ruined because they assumed it was ok. And as they say back in the day in the 1980’s cartoons that taught us valuable life lessons, “The more you know.” And knowing is half the battle, especially when it comes to keeping our houses clean in a post-pandemic world.
Here are a few things you should never clean with an all-purpose cleaner:
Windows
Windows need a specific kind of cleaner, one that’s formulated to be streak-free. Your all-purpose cleaner might say it can do windows, and chances are, that’s a promise that looks good only on the bottle. Windows and mirrors need a specific clean, so you’re not looking through streaks when it’s time to check out what’s going on in the neighborhood.
Leather
Leather is one of those things that needs to be cleaned with a good microfiber cloth, water, and elbow grease. Leather jackets look great when they’re a bit beat up, but a leather couch or car seat requires a different kind of TLC. Even if your cleaner is “all-natural,” something in the ingredients list could damage the leather, and no one wants that.
Anything wood
Wood is porous, and just like leather, an ingredient could discolor or harm the wood over time. Unless you’re positive your wood has been sealed and treated, this is a No-Go. There are many types of oil soaps that are meant for wood and stick to those rather than taking the risk of staining your deck chairs.
Shower and Tub
A typical all-purpose cleaner doesn’t have the muscle to handle the shower. Between limescale and mildew, both fungi need something with more punch than a bathroom cleaner offers, many of which have active ingredients to fight soap scum and mold.
Anything that needs disinfecting
Unless noted, an all-purpose cleaner doesn’t disinfect and kill germs. Sure, you can do a quick wipe down of your kitchen with an all-in-one, but if you need a proper disinfected surface for sanitary reasons, or if someone’s sick, you’re going to need a particular kind of cleaner with germ-killing strength. This is also the same for toys. Anyone with little kids knows toys get very dirty very quickly. And because little kids are constantly chewing on something, parents should be prudent on what they’re using as a cleaning agent. This is also important to note that chemicals in cleaning agents can be dangerous if ingested. Wipe down toys with water, or wash plastic toys in the top rack of the dishwasher.
Pet Bowls
You wouldn’t clean your dishes with an all-purpose cleaner, so your pets should apply the same rule. Dog and cat bowls should be washed regularly but should be done in the sink with good old soap and water.
Natural stone or marble
Granite is one thing, but the natural stone could be ruined thanks to some of the ingredients in your cleanser. Thanks to the porous stone, if the cleaner isn’t formulated for natural stone, the acidic ingredients could eat away at the sealants. Marble countertops offer an elegant, upscale look to any home, but they can be challenging to clean. Marble is composed of calcium carbonate and doesn’t pair well with acidic substances. Many all-purpose cleaners have vinegar or lemon juice, two acids that can cause damage to the marble.
Carpets and Upholstery
All-purpose cleaners are designed for hard surfaces and aren’t formulated for carpets, rugs, curtains, or upholstery. Fabrics stain easily and should be cleaned with specialized products only.
Stains
All-purpose cleaners aren’t designed for stain removal. Stain remover is the best tool to get the job done, depending on the surface and the product you choose, with unique solutions available for just about anything.
Got a hot tip we need to know? Please share it here. We’d love to see how you get your house clean with simple solutions or ways we’d have never thought about.