BUYING GUIDE · UPDATED

Best Kitchen Cleaner

Our picks at a glance

ProductAwardScoreShop
Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner, Free & Clear Water, octyl/decyl glucoside, sodium citrate, laureth-6, citric acid (plant-derived per maker), two synthetic preservatives
Best overall 8.4 Check price
Mrs. Meyer's Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner, Lemon Verbena Water, decyl glucoside, fragrance with essential oils (plant-derived cleaning ingredients per maker)
Best budget 7.7 Check price
Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish Kit Water, caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut oil), sorbitan monooleate, acrylates copolymer, natural fragrance, lavender oils, sodium hydroxide, preservative
Best premium 7.6 Check price
Granite Gold Daily Cleaner pH-balanced formula, no phosphates or ammonia
Best for granite and stone 7.6 Check price
Bar Keepers Friend Cooktop Cleaner Water, micro-abrasive particles, glycerin, polymeric dispersant, xanthan gum, surfactant, citric acid, fragrance
Best for glass cooktops 6.8 Check price

How we score these picks

  1. 01 · Best overall
    Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner, Free & Clear

    Seventh Generation · 44713 (23 fl oz)

    Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner, Free & Clear

    8.4/ 10
    Editorial score
    Surfaces
    9.0
    Cleaning
    7.5
    Formula
    9.5
    Ease
    7.5
    Why this score?
    Surface coverage · 9.0
    Approved for stainless, granite, laminate, glass, painted wood; not marble or concrete.
    Cleaning performance · 7.5
    Targets grease, grime and dirt and doubles as stainless cleaner; not a disinfectant.
    Formula & certifications · 9.5
    EPA Safer Choice, fragrance free, Leaping Bunny and USDA Certified Biobased.
    Ease of use · 7.5
    23 fl oz spray; label says rinse and wipe surfaces clean.

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How we score

    Best forEveryday counter, appliance and sink cleanup in fragrance-sensitive homes

    A fragrance-free all-purpose spray for grease, grime and dirt that Seventh Generation says is EPA Safer Choice certified and also works as a stainless steel cleaner. Its long list of approved surfaces includes stainless steel, sealed and unsealed granite, Corian, Formica, glass and lacquered or painted wood.

    Strengths

    • EPA Safer Choice certified, fragrance free, Leaping Bunny and USDA Certified Biobased
    • Approved for stainless steel, granite (sealed and unsealed), laminate and painted wood

    Weaknesses

    • Not safe on marble or concrete; use caution on travertine
    • Not a disinfectant, and the label says to rinse and wipe surfaces clean

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    23 fl oz spray bottle
    Material
    Water, octyl/decyl glucoside, sodium citrate, laureth-6, citric acid (plant-derived per maker), two synthetic preservatives
    Approved surfaces
    Acrylic, aluminum, ceramic, chrome, Corian, fiberglass, Formica, glass, granite (sealed and unsealed), laminate, mirror, nickel, porcelain, stainless steel, lacquered or painted wood
    Not for
    Concrete, marble (sealed and unsealed); caution on travertine
    EPA Safer Choice
    Yes (EPA Safer Choice Certified)
    Scent
    Fragrance free
    Check price at Amazon
  2. 02 · Best budget
    Mrs. Meyer's Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner, Lemon Verbena

    Mrs. Meyer's · UPC 808124124417

    Mrs. Meyer's Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner, Lemon Verbena

    7.7/ 10
    Editorial score
    Surfaces
    7.5
    Cleaning
    7.0
    Formula
    8.0
    Ease
    8.5
    Why this score?
    Surface coverage · 7.5
    Countertops, sealed stone, granite, porcelain, finished wood; not unsealed natural stone.
    Cleaning performance · 7.0
    Everyday multi-surface wipe-down cleaner; no specialty grease claim in the file.
    Formula & certifications · 8.0
    Leaping Bunny; no parabens, phthalates or phosphates; scented with essential oils.
    Ease of use · 8.5
    Ready-to-use spray, but smallest sprayer here at 16 fl oz.

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How we score

    Best forQuick daily wipe-downs for people who like a scented cleaner

    A ready-to-use multi-surface spray for non-porous surfaces such as countertops, sealed stone and granite, tile, porcelain and finished wood. It is made with essential oils and plant-derived cleaning ingredients and comes in many garden-inspired scents.

    Strengths

    • Works on countertops, sealed stone, granite, porcelain and finished wood
    • Leaping Bunny certified; made without parabens, phthalates, glycol solvents, phosphates or artificial colors

    Weaknesses

    • Not recommended for unsealed natural stone
    • Scented, and the smallest bottle among the sprays here (16 fl oz)

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    16 fl oz (473 mL) spray bottle
    Material
    Water, decyl glucoside, fragrance with essential oils (plant-derived cleaning ingredients per maker)
    Approved surfaces
    Non-porous surfaces: finished wood and tile floors, countertops, walls, porcelain, bathroom fixtures, sealed stone and granite
    Not for
    Unsealed natural stone
    Warnings
    Avoid eye contact; keep out of reach of children and pets
    Scent
    Lemon Verbena (many other scents sold)
    Check price at Amazon
  3. 03 · Best premium
    Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish Kit

    Therapy · THPSSC16KTWEB

    Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish Kit

    7.6/ 10
    Editorial score
    Surfaces
    6.0
    Cleaning
    8.5
    Formula
    8.5
    Ease
    8.5
    Why this score?
    Surface coverage · 6.0
    Stainless and black stainless only; explicitly not an all-purpose cleaner.
    Cleaning performance · 8.5
    Removes grease and fingerprints with a streak-free, fingerprint-resistant finish.
    Formula & certifications · 8.5
    USDA Certified Biobased (100%), cruelty-free, no petroleum solvents; lavender scent.
    Ease of use · 8.5
    Cleans and polishes in one step; 16 x 16 in microfiber cloth included.

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How we score

    Best forKeeping stainless steel appliances free of fingerprints and streaks

    A 16 oz stainless steel cleaner and polish blended with coconut oil, sold as a kit with a 16 x 16 inch microfiber cloth. Therapy says it removes grease, grime and fingerprints and leaves a fingerprint-resistant, streak-free finish on fridges, ovens, grills and microwaves.

    Strengths

    • Cleans and polishes in one step and comes with a microfiber cloth
    • Safe on traditional and black stainless steel; free of petroleum solvents

    Weaknesses

    • Made for stainless steel only, not an all-purpose cleaner
    • Only one scent (Fresh Lavender) on the maker's site

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    16 oz spray bottle + 16 x 16 in microfiber cloth
    Material
    Water, caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut oil), sorbitan monooleate, acrylates copolymer, natural fragrance, lavender oils, sodium hydroxide, preservative
    Approved surfaces
    Stainless and black stainless steel: fridges, ovens, grills, microwaves
    Certifications
    USDA Certified Biobased (100%); certified cruelty-free
    Scent
    Fresh Lavender
    Made in
    USA with global materials
    Check price at Amazon
  4. 04 · Best for granite and stone
    Granite Gold Daily Cleaner

    Granite Gold · GG0032 (24 oz)

    Granite Gold Daily Cleaner

    7.6/ 10
    Editorial score
    Surfaces
    7.5
    Cleaning
    8.0
    Formula
    7.0
    Ease
    8.0
    Why this score?
    Surface coverage · 7.5
    Granite, marble, travertine, quartz, Corian, Formica; stone-focused, not wood or stainless.
    Cleaning performance · 8.0
    pH-balanced, streak-free daily stone cleaner; extra shine needs a separate polish.
    Formula & certifications · 7.0
    No phosphates or ammonia, food-prep safe; no third-party certification listed.
    Ease of use · 8.0
    Spray and wipe dry; 24 oz with refill sizes; citrus scent only.

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How we score

    Best forGranite, marble, quartz and other stone countertops

    A pH-balanced, streak-free spray made for granite, marble, travertine, limestone, slate and quartz countertops. Granite Gold says it is safe on food-prep surfaces and contains no phosphates or ammonia.

    Strengths

    • Made for natural stone and quartz, including marble and travertine
    • Safe on food-prep surfaces and on manufactured surfaces such as Corian, Silestone and Formica

    Weaknesses

    • Wipe dry after use; extra shine needs a separate polish
    • Citrus scent only

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    24 oz spray bottle (also 32 oz and 64 oz refill)
    Material
    pH-balanced formula, no phosphates or ammonia
    Approved surfaces
    Granite, marble, travertine, limestone, slate, onyx and other natural stone; quartz (Silestone, LG), ceramic and porcelain tile, Corian, Formica
    Scent
    Fresh citrus
    Made in
    USA
    Check price at Amazon
  5. 05 · Best for glass cooktops
    Bar Keepers Friend Cooktop Cleaner

    Bar Keepers Friend · 11613

    Bar Keepers Friend Cooktop Cleaner

    6.8/ 10
    Editorial score
    Surfaces
    6.0
    Cleaning
    8.5
    Formula
    6.5
    Ease
    6.5
    Why this score?
    Surface coverage · 6.0
    Glass-ceramic cooktops and oven doors only; not for stainless cooktops.
    Cleaning performance · 8.5
    Micro-abrasive lifts grease and cooked-on residue without scratching, per the maker.
    Formula & certifications · 6.5
    Septic-safe, but eye irritant with fragrance; no certifications listed.
    Ease of use · 6.5
    Cool surface only, rinse within one minute; gloves for prolonged use.

    Based on documented features and practical tradeoffs, not a hands-on test. Assessment: October 7, 2026. How we score

    Best forSmooth glass and ceramic cooktops with cooked-on residue

    A liquid cleaner with micro-abrasive particles made for radiant and induction glass-ceramic cooktops. Bar Keepers Friend says it lifts grease and cooked-on residue without scratching or dulling the finish, and it is rinsed off within a minute.

    Strengths

    • Made for radiant and induction glass-ceramic cooktops
    • Will not scratch or dull smooth glass, per the maker; safe for septic systems

    Weaknesses

    • Not for stainless steel cooktops; the maker points to its other cleansers
    • Use on cool or slightly warm surfaces only and rinse within one minute

    Dimensions, material and details

    Dimensions
    13 oz bottle
    Material
    Water, micro-abrasive particles, glycerin, polymeric dispersant, xanthan gum, surfactant, citric acid, fragrance
    Approved surfaces
    Glass, ceramic and glass-ceramic cooktops (radiant and induction), oven doors, select metal and ceramic cookware
    Warnings
    Eye irritant; do not mix with bleach or ammonia; gloves for prolonged use or sensitive skin; not on a hot stove
    Packaging
    HDPE bottle, polypropylene cap
    Check price at Amazon

COMPARE

Side-by-side comparison

Select a column heading to sort.

Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner, Free & Clear Everyday counter, appliance and sink cleanup in fragrance-sensitive homes23 fl oz spray bottleWater, octyl/decyl glucoside, sodium citrate, laureth-6, citric acid (plant-derived per maker), two synthetic preservativesAcrylic, aluminum, ceramic, chrome, Corian, fiberglass, Formica, glass, granite (sealed and unsealed), laminate, mirror, nickel, porcelain, stainless steel, lacquered or painted wood
Mrs. Meyer's Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner, Lemon Verbena Quick daily wipe-downs for people who like a scented cleaner16 fl oz (473 mL) spray bottleWater, decyl glucoside, fragrance with essential oils (plant-derived cleaning ingredients per maker)Non-porous surfaces: finished wood and tile floors, countertops, walls, porcelain, bathroom fixtures, sealed stone and granite
Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish Kit Keeping stainless steel appliances free of fingerprints and streaks16 oz spray bottle + 16 x 16 in microfiber clothWater, caprylic/capric triglyceride (coconut oil), sorbitan monooleate, acrylates copolymer, natural fragrance, lavender oils, sodium hydroxide, preservativeStainless and black stainless steel: fridges, ovens, grills, microwaves
Granite Gold Daily Cleaner Granite, marble, quartz and other stone countertops24 oz spray bottle (also 32 oz and 64 oz refill)pH-balanced formula, no phosphates or ammoniaGranite, marble, travertine, limestone, slate, onyx and other natural stone; quartz (Silestone, LG), ceramic and porcelain tile, Corian, Formica
Bar Keepers Friend Cooktop Cleaner Smooth glass and ceramic cooktops with cooked-on residue13 oz bottleWater, micro-abrasive particles, glycerin, polymeric dispersant, xanthan gum, surfactant, citric acid, fragranceGlass, ceramic and glass-ceramic cooktops (radiant and induction), oven doors, select metal and ceramic cookware

OUR METHOD

How we scored

Manufacturer specs, not hands-on tests. Each pick is rated out of 10 on four things:

  • 35%Surface coverage
  • 25%Cleaning performance
  • 20%Formula & certifications
  • 20%Ease of use

What to look for in a kitchen cleaner

  • Know your surfacescheck the label's approved and excluded surfaces

  • Use specialists for key surfacesstone, stainless steel and glass cooktops often need their own cleaner

  • Cleaning is not disinfectinguse an EPA-registered disinfectant and follow its contact time

Frequently asked questions

Can one all-purpose cleaner handle the whole kitchen?

For most daily jobs, yes. Seventh Generation's Free & Clear All Purpose Cleaner is approved for stainless steel, granite, laminate, glass and painted wood, and Mrs. Meyer's Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner covers countertops, sealed stone and finished wood. Specialty cleaners such as Bar Keepers Friend Cooktop Cleaner or Therapy's stainless steel polish do jobs an all-purpose spray is not made for.

What is the best cleaner for kitchen cabinets?

Pick a cleaner whose label approves your cabinet finish. Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner, Free & Clear lists lacquered or painted wood among its approved surfaces, and Mrs. Meyer's Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner lists finished wood. Spot test on a hidden area first, and follow the label on rinsing and wiping.

What is the best stainless steel cleaner for kitchen appliances?

Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner & Polish Kit is made for stainless steel only. It comes with a 16 x 16 inch microfiber cloth and is safe on traditional and black stainless steel, and Therapy says it leaves a fingerprint-resistant, streak-free finish. Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner, Free & Clear is also approved for stainless steel if you want one spray for more surfaces.

What is the best antibacterial cleaner for kitchen surfaces?

Cleaning is not disinfecting. Most all-purpose cleaners remove dirt and grease but are not registered disinfectants, and the Seventh Generation spray here is not a disinfectant. If you need to kill germs, look for an EPA-registered disinfectant and follow its contact time.