Best Multi-Purpose Cleaners
Best Overall
Mr. Clean Multi-Surfaces Antibacterial Spray (Lemon Scent)
The beloved bald guy's multitasking spray cut through grease and grime more rapidly than the rest, leaving few streaks. Mr. Clean, the sole antibacterial spritz here, is a serious bargain at just 9¢ per ounce ($3 for 32 oz., amazon.com).
Stainless Steel All-Star
Spic and Span Cinch Glass & Multi-Surface Cleaner
Coming in at a close second, Cinch ($3.49 for 32 oz., amazon.com) tackled all types of soil, excelling on stainless steel and glass. But it did leave dirt behind on a painted wall, which was among the easiest surfaces for its competitors to clean.
Kitchen Champion
Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar
The only cleanser ($3.26 for 26 oz., amazon.com) that completely removed dirt from stainless steel, laminate, and a painted wall. We found that it required a few extra strokes to thoroughly clean glass, but it left little streaking; it also eliminated grease fast. Contains vinegar — though not its pungent smell.
Natural Selection
Replenish Multi-Surface Cleaner
A 2012 winner of our VIP (Very Innovative Products) Awards, this concentrated formula ($7 for 50 oz.; $4 for refills, myreplenish.com), in a squeezable pod, makes three bottles of a plant-based cleanser that works well on glass, laminate, steel, and walls. In lemon, lavender, green tea, and unscented.</p>
Jack of All Trades
Goo Gone All Purpose Cleaner
If you're looking for a product for scouring outdoors and in, Goo Gone ($5.99 for 24 oz., amazon.com) is your answer. This solution was the only grill-safe cleaner of the 17 we tested, and it tidied glass and other surfaces effectively, leaving minimal smears behind. On the downside: We found it can be a bit inconvenient to dilute the product before cleaning windows and floors.












