Everything You Need to Know About Multi-Purpose Cleaners

Multi-purpose cleaners are essential in any cleaning kit. They make daily chores quicker and easier while helping reduce clutter by replacing several products with just one. 

In this guide, we’ll cover what multi-purpose cleaners are, what surfaces you can use them on, the many advantages they offer and how they differ from other cleaning products. 

We’ll also share some practical tips on how to use them effectively and recommend some of the best multi-purpose cleaners we have in stock.

A multi-purpose cleaner is an all-in-one cleaning solution designed to break down dirt, grease, and bacteria on various surfaces, such as countertops and appliances, from kitchen counters to floors and furniture. 

These cleaners make it easier to tackle cleaning in homes and offices without needing multiple cleaning products.

Multi-purpose cleaners are designed to be used on various household and commercial surfaces. However, it’s important to know which surfaces are safe for them and which ones require more specialised cleaning solutions.

Here are some of the most common surfaces you can use a multi-purpose cleaner on:

• Kitchen surfaces: including worktops, sinks, cupboards and appliances such as microwaves and fridges 
• Bathroom surfaces: Such as tiles, sinks, bathtubs and shower screens  
• Glass and Mirrors: Many multi-purpose cleaners are suitable for glass, but it’s important to double-check the label before use. 
• Hard floors: Safe for cleaning vinyl, laminate, sealed wood and tile floors 
• Walls and Doors: Painted or sealed walls and doors can be gently spot-cleaned to remove marks and stains. 
• Furniture: Works well on finished wood, laminate desks, and plastic and metal surfaces.

Surfaces to avoid using multi-purpose cleaners on and what to use instead: 

• Delicate fabrics or upholstery: Use a specialised fabric or upholstery cleaner for fabrics, as multi-purpose cleaners can be too harsh and damage or stain fabrics. 
• Waxed or oiled wood surfaces: Multi-purpose cleaners will strip the protective wax or oil finish on wood; instead, use a wood polish or cleaner designed for use on waxed or oiled wood surfaces. 
• Electronics and screens: Use dedicated electronics or screen cleaners that are alcohol-free and safe for use on screens. 
• Unsealed wood: Unsealed and raw wood will absorb moisture and chemicals, leading to damage. Instead, use a mild wood cleaner designed for use on unfinished wood. 
• Certain types of glass: Some glass surfaces may be sensitive to chemicals in multi-purpose cleaners. For these, use a gentle glass cleaner. 

For safe and effective use of multi-purpose cleaners, always check the label and test the product on a small, hidden section first. Spot testing will help prevent damage or discolouration. 

A multi-purpose cleaner saves time and money because you only need one product for many jobs. It’s easy to use, usually coming in a spray bottle that’s quick to apply. Many cleaners can kill germs and bacteria, helping keep your home healthy. There are also eco-friendly options that are better for the environment. Multi-purpose cleaners work on various surfaces, so you don’t have to buy different cleaners for each area.

You’ll often see the terms’ multi-purpose cleaner’ and ‘all-purpose cleaner’ used interchangeably because both are designed to clean many different types of surfaces. 

So, what is the difference between the two? 

All-purpose cleaners handle everyday cleaning but might not be safe for delicate surfaces.

Multi-purpose cleaners are formulated for a wider range of surfaces, including some delicate ones, and can cut through tougher dirt without causing damage.

Since the names aren’t always clear, we recommend that you always check product labels to see which surfaces the cleaner is best suited for. 

While multi-purpose cleaners effectively remove dirt and grime from surfaces, not all will disinfect. Disinfecting means killing germs, bacteria and viruses, which only specific cleaning agents can do. 

To ensure that your cleaner disinfects, look for labels that say antibacterial, antiviral or disinfectant. You should always look for certifications on cleaning bottles, such as EN1276 or EN13697, which show that they meet recognised disinfection standards.

To get the best results from your multi-purpose cleaner, follow this application method. 

1. Spray the cleaner evenly over the surface you want to clean. Avoid over-saturating and soaking the surface. 
2. Allow it to sit (dwell time) for a few minutes.
3. Wipe away the multi-purpose cleaner with a clean cloth, sponge or paper towel. For tough stains, scrub gently. 
4. Rinse with water (if needed), especially if the surface is being used for food prep. 

Pro tips: 

• Use separate cloths or sponges for different areas to avoid cross-contamination (i.e., kitchen vs bathroom) 
• Replace or wash cleaning cloths regularly
• For high-touch surfaces such as door handles and switches, clean more frequently.

Looking for a reliable multi-purpose cleaner? Here are some of the best products we recommend for everyday cleaning, designed to save you time and effort.

Clean IT Multi Purpose Cleaner

£1.99 – £6.77Price range: £1.99 through £6.77

Selden F010 Multi Purpose Cleaner 5ltr

£6.50

Teamwork 16 Clean & Wipe

£2.45 – £8.99Price range: £2.45 through £8.99

Teamwork Eco Multi Purpose Cleaner – 5 Litre

£10.45

Selden T048 Stormforce Multi Purpose Cleaner 750ml

£3.25

Clover Ubik 2000 5ltr

£10.97

Dettol Multi-Surface Spray 1L

£3.38

Selden F010L Lemon Multi-Purpose Floor Cleaner

£5.33

Selden V200 Vmix Multipurpose Cleaner 1ltr

£7.99

Multi-purpose cleaners are useful and easy to use for everyday cleaning. They save you time and space by replacing several products with just one. When choosing a cleaner, ensure it is suitable for the surfaces you want to clean to avoid any damage.

If you want to keep your environment healthy and free from harmful germs and bacteria, look for cleaners with antibacterial or disinfectant labels specifically formulated to kill germs. 

By selecting the right multi-purpose cleaner and using it properly, you can enjoy a cleaner, fresher space with less effort. So why wait? Stock up on multi-purpose cleaners today and make your cleaning routine simpler.