All Purpose & Multi-Surface Cleaners (284 items found)

Make cleaning your home less of a chore with the best all-purpose cleaners available at Ace Hardware. These versatile cleaners serve multiple purposes, ideal for various surfaces throughout your home, saving you both time and money by reducing the number of products you need to buy.

What Are All-Purpose Cleaners?

All-purpose and multi-purpose cleaners include the active ingredients necessary to deliver thorough cleaning across multiple surfaces in your home, from kitchen grease to pet messes to carpet spills. Be sure to check the instructions on each product to ensure your chosen cleaner can handle the job at hand.

Types of Multi-Purpose Cleaners

Understanding the various forms all-purpose cleaners are available in will help you choose the right product for your cleaning needs.

• Cream cleaners: Thick and creamy with mild abrasives, these are excellent for scrubbing tough stains on surfaces like sinks, stovetops and bathtubs.
• Foam cleaners: Expanding into a foam upon application, they cling to vertical surfaces, making them ideal for deep cleaning bathroom tiles and shower walls.
• Liquid spray cleaners: Conveniently packaged in spray bottles, they allow for quick and controlled application, making them perfect for everyday clean-ups. Find liquid spray cleaners from brands like Clean, Method and Mrs. Meyer’s.
• Powder cleaners: Dry and granulated, these activate when mixed with water and are effective for heavy-duty cleaning of tough stains in bathrooms and kitchens. Look for Arm & Hammer powder cleaners at Ace.
• Paste cleaners: Thick and concentrated, they can be applied directly to surfaces, making them ideal for stubborn stains and heavy buildup on hard surfaces, such as ovens and grills.
• Wipe cleaners: Pre-moistened disposable wipes offer a quick and convenient cleaning solution for small messes on kitchen counters, bathroom sinks and electronics.

Understanding Cleaning Products

Cleaning is the process of removing debris from surfaces using surfactants. These ingredients lower the surface tension of oils, allowing them to mix with water during your cleaning routine. For example, while bathroom and kitchen cleaning sprays can remove some germs by physically washing them away, their primary function is not germ control.

What is Disinfectant Cleaner?

Unlike normal cleaners, disinfectants are formulated to eliminate germs, including viruses and bacteria, through active ingredients that target these microorganisms. Many antibacterial cleaners also contain powerful surfactants, providing dual-action cleaning capabilities. It's wise to apply disinfecting multi-purpose cleaners on high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and faucets, but they're versatile enough for use in other parts of your home as well. Look for disinfectant cleaners from Lysol.

Should You Use a Bathroom Cleaner?

Consider expanding your cleaning arsenal with specialized bathroom cleaners, designed to tackle common messes and effectively kill germs in areas like the toilet, shower and tub. While all-purpose and multi-surface cleaners can be used in bathrooms, dedicated bathroom cleaners may be specifically formulated to deal with challenges like mold, mildew, hard water and soap scum.

How to Choose the Right Home Cleaners

To select the ideal cleaner for your needs, consider the following factors:

• Surface materials: Not all multi-surface cleaners are safe for every type of surface. Always check the label or product description for compatibility details.
• Location: Specific products can be more effective based on the area being cleaned. For instance, look for kitchen and bathroom cleaners that address specific challenges in those rooms.
• Ingredients: Some all-purpose cleaning solutions contain potent chemicals that enhance their effectiveness. If you use these, wear gloves to protect your skin.

Shop All-Purpose Cleaners Near You at Ace

Ace Hardware offers a broad selection of both specialty cleaners and all-purpose cleaners near you. Don’t forget to stock up on cleaning essentials such as mops, buckets and brooms to make your cleaning routine even easier. If you need guidance selecting the right supplies for your specific cleaning project, rely on the expert advice of the helpful staff at your local Ace.