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Nov 05, 2024

7 Things You Should Never Clean With All-Purpose Cleaner

Steer clear of these surfaces. An all-purpose cleaner is one of the most quintessential supplies you can have in your cleaning arsenal. From kitchen clean-ups to bathroom grime, it lives up to its

Steer clear of these surfaces.

An all-purpose cleaner is one of the most quintessential supplies you can have in your cleaning arsenal. From kitchen clean-ups to bathroom grime, it lives up to its moniker—for the most part, anyway. While it's true that your all-purpose cleaner can tackle messes all around your home, and you may find yourself reaching for it more often than not, there are some jobs that your all-purpose cleaner just isn't suited to tackling.

To keep all surfaces in your home both spick and span and in tip-top shape, we turned to an expert: Cleaning and laundry aficionado Lori Williamson loves her go-to all-purpose cleaners. "They simplify my routine and let me tackle multiple areas of the house without having a cabinet full of cleaning products," she says. But there are still areas of her home in which she would never use them.

"I’ve learned that using the wrong cleaner on certain surfaces can lead to more problems, and it’s better to be safe with specialized products," explains Williamson.

Below, see the surfaces that you'd want to steer clear of when it comes to your all-purpose cleaner.

Lori Williamson, cleaning and laundry expert and home renovator behind @nowitsclean

Both germs and fingerprints seemingly love to take up residence on our phones and screens, don't they? Of course you'll want to give them frequent wipe-downs, but keep them clear of all-purpose cleaner. "Moisture from cleaners can seep into the device and cause long-term damage," says Williamson.

brizmaker / Getty Images

Take special care when cleaning wood surfaces and floors in your home. "All-purpose cleaners can damage wood finishes by stripping the protective layer, leaving the surface vulnerable," says Williamson.

Instead, look for gentle cleaning solutions or dedicated wood-cleaning formulas. Olive oil, for example, is great at removing residue from wood furniture. For wood floors, just a few drops of dish soap and a microfiber mop are the way to go.

"You have to be careful with stone surfaces," warns Williamson. "The acidic content in many all-purpose cleaners can cause etching or dull the surface, ruining the look of natural stone."

To clean granite countertops, most experts recommend soft microfiber cloths and a simple, natural dish soap to keep the delicate stone smooth and damage-free.

Kerrie Kelly Studio/Lindsey King Photography

Is there anything more frustrating than attempting to clean your home's mirrors and windows, only to inadvertently cover them in streaks? All-purpose cleaner can leave behind a residue on such surfaces, making them appear worse than when you've started.

A cleaning formula specially formulated for glass (or a distilled white vinegar solution) will keep glass, windows, and mirrors looking their best.

While you may be tempted to use all-purpose cleaner as a fabric stain remover, better think again. All-purpose cleaner can actually strip the color from upholstery. To avoid unsightly pale patches on your sofas and chairs, use only upholstery cleaner or a gentle laundry detergent to spot clean.

Take care of your babies, both furry and human! As their formulas may contain harmful chemicals, all-purpose cleaners shouldn't be used to clean children's toys (which likely will end up in their mouths) or pet food bowls.

Like upholstered furniture, carpeting isn't suited to all-purpose cleaners. It can discolor the fibers, and all that rubbing can set stains further. Instead, you can craft your own DIY carpet stain remover with some distilled white vinegar, dish soap, water, and baking soda.