The Best Surface Cleaner

Buying Guide

Few things feel as good as a squeaky-clean house. When surfaces are smooth and everything smells nice, being home is enjoyable. But getting your home to that point takes some work. At the very least, you’ll need cleaning supplies like surface cleaners, rags, a mop and paper towels.

The amount of work your housekeeping venture takes starts with the supplies you use. A good surface cleaner can cut down on your work considerably. At one time, household cleaners were packed with chemicals that filled homes with an unpleasant scent, often injected with an artificial smell like lemon or orange, but not anymore.

One way today’s cleaners keep those smells more pleasant is by reducing and eliminating chemicals. Using organic ingredients like plant extracts, these products can clean just as efficiently as their chemical counterparts without the unwanted odor.

But scent isn’t the only reason to choose an organic cleaner. Since you’ll be inhaling the fumes from your cleaner, along with other members of your household, you may find plant-based products a safer alternative.

Environmental friendliness is another benefit of many of today’s cleaning products. Cleaning products make their way down the drain, so plant-based cleaners are easier on the water supply. If you’re eco-conscious, also make sure to look for a cleaner in a recyclable bottle, as well as one made from recycled plastic.

Of course, one of the most important features in a cleaner is how effective it is at doing its job. You’ll need to look for one that’s multi-surface unless you plan to buy separate cleaners for your floor, countertops and shower stall. But there may be instances where you need a cleanser that does some of the work for you. If you have a heavy-duty cleaner on hand, you can handle built-up grime and gritty stains without having to scrub for long time periods.

• Some cleansers are provided in concentrate form, which means you dilute the contents in water. This can reduce your carbon footprint while also saving you money since one bottle will last a long time.
• Some surface cleaners are labeled as antibiotic. However, experts have cautioned against using antibacterial cleaners, as too much can lead to antibacterial resistance. Studies also have concluded that they’re no better than plain soap and water at fighting bacteria.
• It’s a big misconception that cleaners made from organic materials can’t work as well as those filled with chemicals. Many are just as effective while also being more pleasant to use.
• Scent is a huge priority for many when choosing cleaners. Today’s products are often designed with that in mind, providing more natural scents, including lavender, gardenia and rosemary.
• Some cleaners require rinsing, making them better for sinks and bathrooms, while others are simply sprays you can wipe off with a dry paper towel or cloth.
• Packaging is important. You’ll find some cleaners that come in multi-packs with a spray nozzle that you can move between bottles. Then when it’s time to order refills, you can buy more multi-packs and save money.
• Some cleaners can leave a residue, even when they advertise that no rinsing is necessary. Keep an eye out for that when you’re browsing reviews.
• If you’ll be using your cleaner in areas like bathrooms, make sure the one you choose includes disinfectant to get the clean you need.
• For areas like kitchens, a cleaner that lets you spray and wipe can be especially useful on a daily basis. When you have a spill, you just have to spray that area, saving you the trouble of wiping the entire area down.
• Although many cleaners promise to be great for all types of surfaces, glass often needs a product specially designed to reduce streaking.